Supporting Autonomous Birthing Beyond Guidelines

Women and birthing people at low risk of complications are free to choose how, where and when to give birth in NHS services. However, women who do not fit into this category that want to choose beyond what is recommended will receive care ‘outside of guidance’ (OOG). This includes women with identified complexities requesting to birth at home or in midwife-led units. For women with low-risk and uncomplicated pregnancies, birth is deemed to be safe, and midwife- led settings are recommended. However, those experiencing a high-risk pregnancy who wish to give birth in these settings would be ‘outside’ of clinical guidelines. This article discusses the importance of supporting birth choices OOG and how best student midwives can advocate for personalised care.