Where to have your baby
It’s important to think carefully about what sort of care you want and where you would like to give birth. Your options will depend to some extent on where you live but it is always a good idea to discuss your birth plan, which is a record of your choices, with your midwife and your partner. You can also go and look round the local maternity services and if you do, it’s helpful to go armed with some questions to ask about what sort of care you can expect.
Choosing where to have your baby
Where to give birth – the options
Check out your maternity service
Making a birth plan
Video: giving birth in a hospital
An expert explains the benefits of having maternity care in hospitals, and two mothers describe their experiences and reasons for giving birth in hospital.
Video: giving birth at home or at a birth centre
A midwife explains the alternative options for women who don't want to give birth in hospital, and one mother describes her experience of giving birth at home.
