Homebirth - baby is well
Homebirth - baby is well but 'at risk'
Homebirth - baby is unwell
Homebirth - baby is well. If the baby is well then the caregiver will probably leave after both mother and baby have had all their needs attended to, and any normal procedures have been carried out (this is generally after 2 to 3 hours). The caregiver will then normally be 'on call' to return to the home if the parents are concerned about their baby (or they will organise for another midwife to do so if they are too tired or busy to come at short notice). The caregiver should then revisit within 12 to 24 hours after the birth to routinely check the baby (and the mother).
Homebirth - baby is well but 'at risk'. If the baby appears well but are possibly at an increased risk of becoming unwell in the following 24 hours, the caregiver will need to assess the baby's need for close observation. Depending on the health concern involved, they may stay a while longer after the birth (up to 4 hours or longer) and educate the parents on what physical signs to look for in the baby if they become unwell. The caregiver may return again 4 to 12 hours later to check the baby, or if the parents contact them earlier about a concern. If the baby starts to appear unwell they will need to be transferred to the intensive care nursery at the appropriate hospital.
Homebirth - baby is unwell. If the baby is unwell they will need to be transferred to an intensive care nursery at a hospital close by. The caregiver will support the baby's health needs and organise the partner or support person to call for an ambulance. The mother will either go with the baby in the ambulance or join the baby once ready to leave the home herself. It may be that the partner or support person goes with the baby in this case. The mother may be able to stay at the hospital with the baby overnight (or a couple of days) if they have a postnatal bed available.