canterburyhomebirth.org.nz

Home Birth Canterbury is a voluntary organisation formed in 1976 to promote and support home birth as an alternative to hospital birth. Based in Canterbury, it encourages people considering birth at home and supports midwives who provide home-birth care. Its services and resources help families explore their options and connect with others interested in home birth.

The organisation’s midwife directory introduces families to experienced midwives who offer personalised care during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. It also hires out two types of birth pools, pumps and califonts, or gas hot-water heaters, to help create a comfortable home-birth environment. Home Birth Canterbury offers home-birth hampers presented in biodegradable ipu whenua.

Community connection is another part of its work. Monthly meet-ups, held on the first Monday at a committee member’s home, welcome everyone to share stories, enjoy conversation and hear guest speakers. Event updates and information are shared through Facebook, with Instagram also available.