New home birth team has been launched by Leicester’s hospitals

Despite research showing that home births are as safe for low-risk pregnancies as being in hospital, only 2 per cent of woman nationally opt for a home birth.

New studies suggest that risk of interventions, such as assisted and caesarean births is much lower in home births - as is the risk of infection and levels of stress for new mums.

In Leicestershire last year, only 145 babies were planned home births, but a new team of midwives is hoping to double that.

The group was put together six months ago by Leicester's hospitals to offer mums-to be more choice to have their babies at home.

Almost 130 babies have been born at home in Leicester since the service launched.

The Department of Health say it's about offering choice.

(Video features pictures from Tawny Photo)