Mums across Sutton and Epsom will now have better provision to give birth at home.

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals have announced a new home birth team, driven by recommendations from the ‘Better Births’ National Maternity Review.

Maria Mills Shaw, home birth lead and winner of the Birthplace Matters ‘Home Birth Midwife of the Year’ award 2017, said: “We are four experienced and passionate midwives who offer one to one care to women and their families who choose a home birth.

“We can provide care in a familiar and comforting environment, which can help to allay feelings of apprehension and anxiety.

“Having your baby at home means there is no need to travel to one of our hospital sites during labour, saving on the unnecessary stress of a journey in traffic.”

The initiative is hoped to free up ambulances for those with an urgent need for them.