Local women have formed a group to help people who want their babies delivered in their own home.

Bradford and Airedale Home Birth Support Group plans to offer telephone support, loan equipment and give up-to-date information to expectant mothers. It will hold monthly meetings featuring guest speakers and discussions on subjects such as water birth, pain relief and the midwife.

The group was formed by five women from Keighley and Bradford who met last year through the National Childbirth Trust.

They have gained support from local midwives and complied a general information pack for prospective mothers.

Haworth woman Marie Waugh, one of the founders, says some women prefer a home birth because they feel more relaxed and in control, and less 'medicalised'.

She says statistics for planned home births were previously grouped with emergency home deliveries, suggesting the method was unsafe. But research across the world has shown that home is as safe as hospital in uncomplicated pregnancies.

The number of home births is increasing locally, with 22 booked in Airedale for just six months last year. This was double the previous years' figures. Marie adds: "This was due to changes in the midwife-on-call service - two midwives are on called at one time in the area."

The Home Birth Support Group says it wants to increase pregnant women's choice over where they give birth.

Marie suggests that anyone thinking about a home birth should talk to their midwife or phone the group on 645433.

The group was launched last Tuesday and will meet regularly at the Kirkgate Centre in Shipley.

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