Ngā wāhi whakawhānau Choosing where to give birth
You can give birth at home, in a birthing centre, small maternity unit, or hospital. People who give birth at home, in a birthing centre or small maternity unit are more likely to have a normal birth. Unless you have complications all these choices are safe.
Giving birth at home
Home birth is a safe choice for many pregnant people. People who have home births use less pain relief and have fewer caesarean sections and forceps than people who give birth in hospital.
If you want to know more about this choice talk to your midwife or doctor. You can find out more on the Home Birth Aotearoa website.
Home Birth Aotearoa (external link)
At a home birth, your midwife will have another midwife there to support you and her during and after the birth. Your midwife will stay with you for at least 2 hours after the birth.
Giving birth in a birthing centres or small maternity units
In many places around the country you may also have the choice of a birthing centre or small community hospital maternity unit (called a primary maternity unit).
People who give birth in in these smaller units also tend to use less pain relief and have fewer caesarean sections and forceps than those who give birth in hospital.
Speak to your midwife or doctor about the choices available in your area. You can also look for what is available in your area.
Find maternity facilities in your area — Ministry of Health (external link)
Your midwife, or the midwife working on behalf of your doctor, will stay with you for at least 2 hours after the birth.
If labour does not go as planned (internal link)
Once your pēpi is born
Some small units also have rooms where you can stay for a couple of days to recover from the birth. While you are there an employed midwife will help you to breastfeed and care for your pēpi. Some small units also let your partner stay with you and pēpi. Ask you midwife about what is available in your area.
Giving birth in a hospital
Most people in Aotearoa New Zealand give birth in a hospital setting.
Maternity care during and after the birth (internal link)
If you have pregnancy complications or need specialist support, you will be encouraged to give birth in hospital. In some cases, you may need to be under the care of a medical specialist.
If labour does not go as planned (internal link)
Once your pēpi is born
You can stay in hospital for a couple of days and receive care from the hospital-based midwives to help you to breastfeed your pēpi and recover from the birth. Your midwife or the midwife working on behalf of your doctor will visit within 24 hours of your going home.