Mums in Wokingham have blasted new laws that could prevent them giving birth in their own homes.

Plans by the Government to make all health professionals have indemnity insurance by 2008 could force private midwives out of work as firms refuse to insure them.

Elaine Batchelor, who has been an independent midwife in the area for 16 years, contacted The Wokingham Times when she realised the legislation could affect her.

She said: “I was really sad when I found out, not only because it’s my livelihood but the loss of all the expertise.

“Most of us are really experienced midwives and that experience will probably be lost.”

For full story see this week's Wokingham Times