Homebirth rate in Scotland???

[CaroJo]

I just had a look at the national homebirth statistics and I cannot help but notice that the homebirth rate in Scotland seems to be a lot lower than in the rest of the UK.

In some English regions they go up to 6 % or higher, in Wales even 10% but in Scotland, depending on area 0.5%, 0.7% etc.

Does anyone know why this is the case?

Has anyone on here had a homebirth in Scotland?

www.birthchoiceuk.com/Frame.htm
The information is from this page btw.

[trafficwarden]

I can't comment on every area but where I worked the women said they preferred to come to the Midwifery unit to give birth then go home a few hours later. They often came with their own Community Midwife who then checked them at home later. Very woman friendly service! They said they liked knowing back up was there just in case.
We did have homebirths and they were fully supported, just not very popular with the women!

[Reallytired]

Scotland is a very varied country and some women might have to travel huge distances. I imagine it would take a very brave scot to have a first child at home if they have to travel 50 miles to the nearest hospital.

It would be interesting to know how many unplanned non hospital births happen in scotland.

The homebirth rate varies a lot in England. My community midwife is very pro homebirth and actually offered it as an option, where as some midwives actively discourage women.