A new plan aimed at normalising pregnancy and birth in Ireland could see a shift to midwife-led births.
The Government’s draft National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026, detailed in the Irish Times, would provide women with a greater choice when it comes to giving birth, taking the focus off of the obstetrician-led approach and giving more access to home birth.
According to the plans, normal or 'low-risk' deliveries would take place in a “low intensity birth centre” or in the mother's home. If, during the birth, an epidural or fetal monitoring was required, they would then transfer to a “high-intensity birth centre”, which would be more like a traditional labour ward.
Medium or high risk deliveries would always take place in high intensity birth centres.
Commissioned following the tragic death of 31-year-old Savita Halappanavar, who died after being denied an abortion on medical grounds at Galway University Hospital in October 2012, the new strategy aims to “normalise pregnancy and birth as far as possible” in order to improve services.
As well as the establishment of a new community midwifery service, the strategy also includes plans to introduce a pre-conception GP consultation and a post-natal check-up for all women. More ante-natal and post-natal services would also be provided in the mother's home.
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