Can You Be Too Risky for a Home birth?
Mainstream maternity care often tells us that most women carry too many risks for a safe home birth. But the reality? Many women who are deemed high risk go on to have beautiful, straightforward home births. They actually seek it out as the alternative is a highly medicalised process..
And yes—some don’t. Some need additional care, and some transfer during labour. That’s okay! we’re not homebirth ride-or-die show!
As trained professionals, midwives know what’s normal and what’s not. That’s exactly why most women should be supported to experience a normal labour and birth if they want to. With the covering of having a trained professional to intervene if necessary. Should we control the narative and sift out most women from even having a choice? no, is my opinion on that.
VBAC after Multiple Cesareans
Take vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) as an example. I’ve heard many researchers ask,
“Why wouldn’t you let them try for a vaginal birth each time?”
Yes, VBAC after multiple cesareans carry additional risks. But vaginal births come with plenty of positives, including faster recovery, less blood loss, lower infection rates, and improved outcomes in future pregnancies. So why not support women to try for a vaginal birth with each pregnancy if they desire?
They deserve individualised, evidence-based care, not blanket restrictions in overstretched hospital systems. too often I hear women in this camp be completely denied the option of attempting a vaginal birth. It’s not even on the table, women are often given no support if this is what they want.
“High Risk” Is the New Buzzword
The term high risk is being applied so broadly now that it’s starting to lose meaning.
But here’s the truth:
You're not in danger just because you’ve been labelled.
You’re not unwell.
You’re not broken.
You’re not a ticking time bomb.
Just like ageing increases the odds of health issues, some pregnancies comes with additional risks—but that doesn't mean you should be treated as if something has already gone wrong.
Risk Doesn’t Always Mean Unsafe
A big part of private midwifery care is risk mitigation.
Often, risks can be significantly reduced—or even neutralised—through simple, holistic approaches like:
Nutritional support
Quality midwifery care
Emotional wellbeing
Ongoing monitoring
For Example: Gestational Diabetes
If your blood sugars remain in a normal range through diet and lifestyle, your baby isn’t exposed to excess glucose. The outcomes are just as good as any low-risk pregnancy.
You may still carry the label—but are you really high risk? Not in the ways that matter most.
Another Example: Over 42 Weeks
Is this statistically higher risk for baby outcomes? Yes.
Is it dangerous by default? No.
Your chance of a healthy baby is still over 99%.
And with the right support—like daily monitoring, home visits, and clear informed decision-making—many women safely birth after 42 weeks at home.
Risk Is Nuanced, Not a Checklist
The idea that age, weight, ethnicity, or a one-size-fits-all policy can determine access to homebirth is outdated.
Policies that exclude women based on blanket criteria aren't evidence-based.
They’re impersonal, inflexible—and women are the ones who suffer.
True midwifery care looks at you, your health, your baby, and your goals—not just your risk category.
In saying this - Not every midwife will take on every woman. And that’s okay.
Each midwife has a different scope of practice, different experiences, and different levels of comfort.
If a midwife says no—it doesn’t mean you aren’t meant to birth at home.
It just means she isn’t the right one to walk with you. Keep going. Explore other care providers, ask questions, and don’t give up.
When Homebirth Might Not Be Possible
Let’s play bad cop for a moment. Some situations do make homebirth questionable—and it's important to be honest about that too. These include things like:
Preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
Placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix)
Certain congenital anomalies
Birth is unpredictable. Being open to alternative pathways is a smart way of planning your birth, even if your ideal is at home.
You make the Call
No matter where you choose to birth—find a care provider who listens, supports, and informs you.
Someone who respects your body and your choices, and helps you navigate risk with evidence and being ‘with women’.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what every woman deserves.
Hannah x
