01/18/2026
We carry equipment and medications to deal with emergencies. We also know where to transfer to if what is happening is beyond our scope. We facilitate such a transfer and always accompany the client to a higher level of care, because some babies or moms need a higher level of care!
What about emergencies during homebirth?
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of home birth.
Planned home birth is not “no plan.”
It involves careful screening, preparation, emergency skills, and clear pathways for hospital transfer when needed.
Endorsed midwives carry emergency equipment, medications, and the skills to respond immediately to complications, while organising transfer when that becomes the safest next step.
The most common reasons for transfer from home to hospital according to teh research are:
• Slow or prolonged labour progress, particularly in first labours
• Request for epidural pain relief
• Meconium-stained waters, where continuous monitoring is recommended
• Suturing needs that require hospital facilities
Safety isn’t about location. It’s about appropriate selection, skilled care, continuity of care, and having a clear plan if something changes.
It’s also worth remembering that in hospital settings, the word emergency is used very broadly.
Many situations are labelled emergencies because labour isn’t progressing within expected timeframes, policies are triggered, or monitoring falls outside predefined parameters, not because someone is in immediate danger.
