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This was published 6 years ago
ACT home birth trial sees below-expectation births as only six babies born
The decision to homebirth didn't come easily for Mistin and Juan Arambula, but for the birth of their fourth child they decided to give it a go.
Mistin Arambula recently gave birth to her fourth child at home as part of the ACT government trial. Mistin and Juan with their children Caleb, 2, Gabriel, 5, Eden, 3, and Adelynn Rose Joy 3-months.Credit: Jamila Toderas
Once the research was done and the decision was made, they were confident and excited to bring a bundle of joy into the world in their own home. The preparation was thorough. At 36 weeks, the couple's midwife brought boxes of equipment to the house as is protocol for home birth under the new publicly funded trial in the ACT.
But the due date came and went. The cut off for a home birth is 42 weeks, and as the days ticked by Mr and Mrs Arambula waited with baited breath.
Mistin Arambula recently gave birth to her fourth child at home as part of the ACT government trial. Mistin and Juan with their children Caleb, 2, Gabriel, 5, Eden, 3, and Adelynn Rose Joy 3-months.Credit: Jamila Toderas
At 41 weeks and 6 days, Mrs Arambula went into labour. It was a long, "plodding" labour that lasted 24 hours. At 2am on June 18, 2017, Adelynn Rose Joy was born on her parent's bed - protected by plenty of drop sheets.
Adelynn was the third baby out of six to be born at home as part of the ACT's home birthing trial.
While there has been fewer births than expected, the first year of the trial, which started in October 2016, is being lauded a success.
The initial expectation was for two babies to be delivered at home each month.
Centenary Hospital for Women and Children director of nursing and midwifery Penny Maher said the lower numbers were due to a number of things, including what critics have previously described as a "restrictive" criteria.
"It is probably a reflection of our criteria, but it isn't everyone's cup of tea, having a home birth," Ms Maher said.
"It is on the lower numbers. We have had 21 women express an interest and 13 that meet the criteria.
"We've got four booked for February so we're hoping one will have one in January and one in March."
Ms Maher said there would be a mid-way review of the three year trial in 2018.
"I think with six successful home births, I think it's looking very positive," she said.
Ms Maher said of the stories she's heard the mothers have been grateful to go into labour at home and not have to travel to the hospital for the birth.
That was the case for Mrs and Mr Arambula.
Mr Arambula said his wife was happy at home during labour, going for walks and eventually settling in to the bedroom with low lights and music.
"There was only one part where I was a bit nervous, where I thought what do I do here, but it was great, there was no problems at all," he said.
Mrs Arambula said she was grateful to have the opportunity to home birth.
"It's a wonderful option to have, and we haven't had that before. I am very grateful we were able to get a spot in the trial."
The home birth trial will continue for two years. Find out more here.