A local Oban family is celebrating the arrival of their newest family member following a safe and successful home birth supported by community midwives.
Baby Bella was born at home in Oban on 20 June at 7.19 am, weighing 7lb 8oz. Both mother and baby are doing well and are recovering comfortably at home surrounded by family.
The birth was attended by a dedicated team of midwives who provided professional care and support throughout labour and birth.
Home birth is an option for many women/birthing people with low-risk pregnancies. Maternity teams work closely with families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of women/birthing people and their babies throughout.
“Home birth can be a safe and positive choice for women with low-risk pregnancies, allowing families to welcome their baby in familiar surroundings while receiving high-quality, personalised care from experienced midwives,” said Elayne Starkey, Sonographer Team Lead Midwife at Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership.
“We are delighted that this family had such a positive experience and would like to congratulate them on the arrival of Bella. Every birth is unique, and it is a privilege for our midwifery teams to support women and their families through such an important moment in their lives. We are very proud of the care provided by our midwives and staff teams across Argyll and Bute.”
Mum (Lucy) said: "After giving birth to my first daughter in hospital and having an unnecessary prolonged stay where I was desperate to go home, I planned to have a home birth for my second child. This was a much nicer experience where I could be in the comfort of my own home and have our daughter at home with us. Midwives Rosie and Eva were amazing, they made me feel so comfortable and the whole experience felt more relaxed and natural."
Dad (Marcus) commented: "My partner told me she wanted a home birth which I thought was going to be very stressful but it turned out to be less stressful than going to the hospital and went very smoothly. Midwives Rosie and Eva were very reassuring when they arrived and made the process a lot easier than expected."
As they settle into life with their newest arrival, the family is looking forward to introducing baby Bella to friends and relatives in the weeks ahead.