I recently sat down for coffee with local Cape Town Midwife Lydia Du Toit who is a “no fuss-no frills” down to earth midwife who loves attending homebirths. When did you first start offering homebirths? 9 years ago – after attending as the back-up midwife at a homebirth ….It’s such a stark contrast to hospital births – I even chose to birth my own to daughters at home with a midwife! What is it about homebirths that you enjoy? Labour and birth at home is so simple, no unnecessary interventions, the mothers seem more relaxed in their own environment and that make them better able to manage their labour having loved ones around to support them and a skilled midwife to attend them. What would you say to women who are thinking of having a homebirth? Granted, it’s not for everyone but do your research! The evidence is definitely in favour of homebirth as a safe option for mothers with low-risk pregnancies. Are there any changes you’d like to see in the current practices around homebirth? I would like to see more hospitals and doctors providing obstetric back-up for homebirths. I would also encourage obstetricians to come and attend/observe a birth at home –I’m sure it will change a lot of misconception that exists around homebirth out there. You can reach Lydia at her Consulting rooms on 021 696 8571 or on her cellphone at 083 457 5270 or email her on lydiadutoit@webmail.co.za Thanks Lydia! ...
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