Preparing for the birth
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Making a birth plan
A birth plan can help you plan your options for labour. It can also help you express what you feel is important to your health team and your partner.
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Choosing where to give birth
Advice on choosing where to give birth, including a midwifery unit or birth centre, hospital or at home, and what to expect from private and public ca...
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Having a baby in hospital
Both public and private hospitals provide high-quality care for you and your baby. They both have advantages and disadvantages – find out more here.
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Having a baby at a birthing centre
Birthing centres are usually more home-like than hospitals. Birthing centres are run by midwives, and in some centres, water birth is an option.
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What to take to hospital - checklist
When it's time to go to the hospital, you may need to be ready at a moment's notice. Use this handy checklist to have your hospital bag ready to go.
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Going to hospital or birthing centre
Whether you're planning to have your baby in hospital or at a midwifery-led birth centre, you should get a few things ready at least two weeks before ...
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Home birth
Healthy women who have been assessed to be at 'low risk' may be offered a choice of where they wish to give birth. If you choose a home birth, speak t...
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Pain relief during labour
Learn what natural and medical options are available to you to relieve pain during labour and how your birth support partner can help you.
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Preparing home for when your baby arrives
Bringing your baby home will be an exciting time. From clothes, bedding and car seats, here are a few hints on what you should have ready.