18th June 2026
Celebrating Birth at Home
To mark ‘international birth at home’ day this month, the Southern Trust’s home birth team has hosted a special celebration event bringing together families who have benefited from the service.
Staff and families who attended the Southern Trust Birth at Home celebration event
Now in their fifth year, the team has supported the birth of 152 babies, welcomed into the relaxed surroundings of their own homes with their families nearby.
Team Leader Paula Murray said: “Supporting women’s birth preferences is a priority for us as midwives and for many mums-to-be, giving birth at home offers a calm and familiar environment.”
“As midwives it is always such a privilege to be part of these special moments and to see so many babies being born safely at home,” added Team Leader Cherry Conway.
Birth at Home midwives Paula, Cherry and Sadie
A number of mums and babies attended the event, enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with staff and share their personal home birth experiences.
Ruby said: “I felt so safe and loved by the midwives throughout the whole experience, it all felt very calm”.
Ruby & Nick with their family and Midwife Sadie
Jemma added: “I couldn’t speak highly enough of the Southern Trust Birth at Home Team. The whole journey felt calm and safe. I would do this again and recommend it to everyone.
Eimear said: “The care we received was incredible, it was so special to be able to give birth in a pool in our home.”
Eimear & family with Midwife Paula
Michelle Harrison, Assistant Director of Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health services paid tribute to the team: “This event was a lovely opportunity for women and families to come together and share their homebirth experiences.
“It is really important as a maternity service, to offer a range of birthing options and support women in choosing what is best for them, depending on their clinical needs.
“We are committed to delivering high quality maternity care, before, during and after birth, as close to home as safely possible. At both Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill hospitals, we offer consultant-led care, for women who are considered higher risk and may need additional medical support. Both hospitals also have dedicated Midwifery Led Units, for women who can safely choose a more home-from-home environment, where natural labour is promoted. Our home birth team provides a community-based option, supporting lower risk women to have their baby in their own surroundings.
“Whatever your needs, our midwifery and obstetric teams will advise and support you to ensure the safest care for you and your baby.”
Expectant mothers can find out more about their options, including home birth, at their first antenatal booking visit.
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Photo captions:
Jemma Dillon with baby Noah and Midwives Cherry and Sadie from the Southern Trust Home Birth Team.
Eimear Morgan with family and Midwife Paula Murray from the Southern Trust Home Birth Team.
Staff and families who attended the Southern Trust Birth at Home celebration event.