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Preparing for the birth

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.

Choosing where to give birth

You can choose where to give birth. This could be at home, in a public or private hospital or in a birth unit. Learn more about making this choice.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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...

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.

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.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

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