Sir, - There has been much discussion and correspondence in recent years on the pros and cons of home births. The latest (July 14th) from the midwives section of the Irish Nurses' Organisation reiterates the now familiar plea for women's rights regarding choice, control and continuity of care in pregnancy.
Nowhere, to my knowledge, has the product - i.e. the new-born - been mentioned. There is ongoing discussion on the rights of the unborn. What, may I ask, are the rights of the new-born? In this modern world where good health and life expectancy to 80 years and beyond is not just a dream, a good start is a must! There is little doubt that the safest place for the new-born is a hospital where there are optimal facilities for any paediatric emergency.
Time and again during many years of having the privilege of looking after the sick new-born, unexpected problems have arisen which needed urgent management.
I could not recommend a home birth to any new-born. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Niall O Brien, Sandymount, Dublin 4.