The HSE has announced that it will no longer allow midwives in the home to oversee water births.

It's a recent decision that will impact on anyone who's opted for a water birth at home through the National Home Birth Service.

The HSE said there has been a ‘small number of incidents’ in recent months and the decision was made in the interest of health and safety of women and babies, while reviews are undertaken into the incidents.

Campaigners have been critical of the move, including Social Democrats Councillor Catherine Stocker, who's son was born via water birth in her living room, and had planned another on her current pregnancy.