PURPOSE:
Home birth in Hungary has been regulated since 2011. I provide a brief overview of the operation and outcomes of one of Hungary’s private midwife practices- Életfa Midwife Practice.

DISCUSSION:
In Hungary, the integration of home birth practices into the system is not smooth. The current regulation – in the absence of an uniform protocol – impedes the operation of home birth practices. How can these practices still operate? How can midwives work in such circumstances? How can patient-centered care and continuity of care still be provided? Analysing the results of the maternal motivation survey we receive answers to why there is a high satisfaction rate among mothers who have a planned out-of-hospital birth.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Advantages of a planned home birth include freedom of movement during labour and birth, lower rates of maternal complications such as post-partum haemorrhage and retention, and the minimal use of interventions such as episiotomy and artificial rupture of membranes. The adaptation of newborns is more successful, pathological jaundice rarely occurs, breastfeeding rates are higher. Among its numerous psychological advantages, aspects of early attachment are fully realized. The presented statistics of home birth practices provide further data on hospital transfer rates and indications. Differing views and a lack of information that is still present create tension between allied professions which, in our experience, can also compromise safety.

KEY MESSAGE:
A present problem and a future challenge is the presence of emotions, debates and controversies surrounding home birth. Women’s right to making informed decisions can be violated in our system. Differing views and a lack of information that is still present create tension between allied professions which, in our experience, can also compromise safety. Poster session 2 (Group A)