Giving birth

Whether you need advice on writing a birth plan, what to pack in your hospital bag, or the signs of labour to look out for, we’ll help you prepare for giving birth in any setting.

Pain relief options
From gas and air to epidurals – everything you need to know about your pain relief options during labour and what’s available in different birth settings.
Having a c-section
Learn about why you might be offered a planned or emergency caesarean section and what to expect during the birth.
Signs and stages of labour
How do you tell Braxton Hicks contractions from the real deal and what should you do if your waters break? We explain the signs of labour to look out for.

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Your birth plan
Writing a birth plan gives midwives, doctors and your birth partner a clear idea of what's important to you during labour and birth. Here's everything you need to get your birth plan ready.
What is the role of a birth partner?
Advice on how to prepare for being a birth partner and the best ways you can provide support during labour and birth.
What to pack in your hospital bag
From sleep suits to baby wipes, our hospital bag checklist covers the top 10 things you need wherever you choose to give birth.
Home birth checklist
From your birth plan to extra towels and packing a hospital bag, we list the things you'll need to prepare for a home birth.
Inductions and interventions in labour
Birth doesn't always go to plan, so it's good to be aware of when and how extra monitoring and interventions like induction, assisted birth or a c-section may be recommended.

Giving birth

Pain relief options

Having a c-section

Signs and stages of labour

Put us to the test

Your birth plan

What is the role of a birth partner?

What to pack in your hospital bag

Home birth checklist

Inductions and interventions in labour