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Te whakamamae me te whakawhānau pēpi

Labour and birth

Find out what happens as you go into labour and when your pēpi is born. There is also information about some of the choices you can make during labour and birth, and danger signs before labour starts.

Going into labour

Find out about the signs of labour, what you may feel as labour starts, and the 3 stages of labour.

If labour does not go as planned

Find out what happens if things with your labour or birth do not go as planned, and the options available to you.

Maternity care during and after the birth

Who will be with you during labour and birth, what happens after birth and the first 4 to 6 weeks.

Who to have with you during the birth

Who you have with you at the birth is your choice. Your support person can be your baby’s father, your partner, your whānau or a friend.

Where to give birth

You can give birth at home, in a birthing centre, small maternity unit, or hospital. Unless you have complications all these choices are safe.

Normal changes to your body after birth

You can expect some changes to your body straight after your pēpi is born. Find out about bleeding, your tummy and breasts, and going to the toilet.