A series of scandals involving babies and mothers being harmed in hospital have shaken some people’s confidence in NHS maternity care. As a result, many women are looking for alternatives when they give birth. Some are seeking help from outside of the NHS; including paying independent midwives, and even ‘freebirthing’, where they receive no medical support at all. But how safe is this, and is more regulation needed?

Presenters: Rachel Stonehouse and Matthew HillProducer: Fergus HewisonProduction co-ordinator: Tim FernleyTechnical producer: Richard HannafordEditor: Carl Johnson