The Southern Health Trust’s home birth service has now supported 152 births since it launched five years ago.

The team marked the milestone with a celebration event for International Birth at Home Day, inviting families who had used the service to share their experiences.

Team leaders Paula Murray and Cherry Conway said the priority is supporting women’s birth preferences and providing a peaceful and familiar setting. They described the privilege of being part of such moments.

Mothers who attended gave positive accounts. Ruby said she felt secure and at ease throughout her experience. Jemma Dillon described her care as reassuring and said she would recommend the home birth team to others. Eimear Morgan found the care exceptional and appreciated the opportunity to have a water birth at home.

Michelle Harrison, assistant director of integrated maternity and women’s health, said the event allowed families to reconnect with staff and share their stories. She outlined the range of maternity options: consultant-led care at Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals for higher-risk women, midwifery-led units for a home-like environment, and the home birth team for low-risk women. She stressed the commitment to safe care as close to home as possible.

Expectant mothers can learn about birth options, including home birth, at their first antenatal booking appointment.