​Some women become anxious as they are approaching their birth.  Many women find that using​simple relaxation and breathing techniques can be very helpful in reducing anxiety and staying calm.

Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience. Surround yourself with positive stories and speak with your midwife or doctor about any worries or concerns you have.

​Every labour is different. You cannot predict what will happen on the day, however there are things that you can do that will help you be more prepared.  One way to help you and your support person is to attend a birth preparation course. There are a range of classes provided by your hospital or you may prefer to find a birth preparation course outside of your hospital.  

For information on booking into an antenatal class,see this page.​​

​​​​See here for more information about what to expect in early labour and when to come to hospital. ​​How do I know if ​I am in labour and what can I do?​​​

• ​Maternity bras/tops
• Comfortable clothes  
• 1 x pack of disposable nappies (newborn size, approximately 12 nappies) 
• Clothing for your baby to wear home. ​
  

During your hospital stay all linen including towels, sheets, blankets and baby clothes are provided. 

Meals are provided for women however, some women like to pack extra snacks.

• ​​Concerns regarding your baby’s movements 
• If you have any vaginal fluid that you are not sure of ( this may be your waters breaking)
• If you feeling unwell or are concerned about your baby’s health
• Vaginal bleeding
• Contractions
• Headaches that persist 
• Abdominal pain or pain that persists
• If you are concerned or anxious
  

If you are in labour and coming in to the birth unit, we also ask that you please call the hospital first and speak to the midwives, as this this helps plan for when you arrive. If you cannot get through on the phone, just make your way into the birth unit

​A small number of women have their baby before 37 weeks. If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and are experiencing contractions or your waters break, please call the birth unit.

​At the beginning of labour, it is important to keep hydrated and drink small amounts frequently. If you are tired, rest. If you feel more comfortable moving around, do what feels good for you.

Many women find it more comfortable staying at home in early labour as this stage of labour may go for some time (4 – 24 hours). Every woman has a different labour journey and being informed of thestages of labour and birth processes can be very helpful. Find out more information on​​what to expect, options during labour and strategies that support the likelihood of vaginal birthhere.

​​An assisted birth with vacuum or forceps is only attended if it is deemed necessary for the health of the mother or baby and always performed by a doctor trained in obstetrics. The most common reason for this procedure is an abnormal change in the baby’s heart rate. More information on assisted births can be found​​​here.​

​An induction of labour is a labour that is started using artificial methods. This may involve having your waters broken or having medication that will encourage the birth process to start.

When your doctor or midwife recommends an induction they will explain

• why it is a good idea for you to be induced
• any possible risks to you or your baby if you chose an induction
• any possible risks to you or your baby if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally and
• how they plan to induce your baby

Please ask any questions you need to help you make the right decision for you and your family

See ​​​ here for more information on the different methods used to induce labour.

See the educational video about caesarean sections below.

Anaesthetics most commonly used for caesarean operations are epidural or spinal. You will find more information​here.

After surgery you are at an increased risk of a pressure injury, so it is important you are familiar with Pressure injury prevention​.