<h1>Choosing place of birth</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.6.jpg" alt="Sign post with signs to hospital or home birth" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1090" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a decision you will make following discussion with your midwife or doctor at around 34-36 weeks of pregnancy, but it is helpful to start thinking about your preferences before this time.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You can change your mind about where to have your baby at any point. If you choose to have your baby at home or in a midwifery led unit (birth centre), some events or complications before or during labour may mean transfer to the labour ward is advised.</span>
<h2>Home</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">At home - in the comfort of your own home with the support of two midwives and whoever you choose to have with you. You can hire a birthing pool and your midwife can provide gas and  air (entonox) if you want to use it.</span>
<h2>Midwife-led unit (MLU)/birth centre</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a ward within the maternity unit. It is a homely and calm environment that supports normal birth with minimal assistance. Midwives and chosen birth partners are on hand to support you. You will have the choice of a birthing pool, gas and air (entonox), aromatherapy and opiate based pain relief, depending on your maternity unit of choice.</span>
<h2>Obstetric-led unit (OLU)/Labour ward/Delivery suite</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a ward in a maternity unit where your care will be provided by a team of doctors and midwives. Normal birth with minimal intervention is always the goal, if it is safe to do so. Access to more specialised medical facilities and equipment is available for those women who need it.</span>
<div data-cat="video" class="videoplayer">

Options for place of birth
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</div>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/07/28/options-for-place-of-birth/">Options for place of birth</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/which-option-is-safest-for-me-and-my-baby/">Which option is safest for me and my baby?</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/would-you-like-to-talk-with-somebody-about-your-options-for-place-of-birth/">Would you like to talk with somebody about your options for place of birth?</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/where-can-i-give-birth/" type="nhs">Choosing place of birth</a>

<a href="https://www.which.co.uk/birth-choice">Which? Birth choice</a>

<a href="https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/deciding-where-give-birth/giving-birth-home" type="nct">Homebirth</a>

<a href="https://www.which.co.uk/birth-choice/having-a-home-birth/having-a-home-water-birth">Planning a home water birth</a>

</div>

Choosing place of birth

<h1>Giving birth to your breech baby</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Breech-birth-300x200.jpg" alt="The words breech birth composed of wooden letters. Pregnant woman in the background" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-17008" />

<span>About one in 25 babies are in a breech position (bottom first or feet first) after 36 weeks of pregnancy. If your baby remains breech, you should be offered the choice of attempting to turn your baby, planning a caesarean birth or planning a vaginal birth. The most likely outcome, no matter what you choose, is that you and your baby will be well. But it’s important for you to consider the benefits and risks of each option for you.</span>

<span>Turning the baby head-down gives you the greatest chance of a vaginal birth, about 80%. The procedure of attempting to turn a breech baby is known as External Cephalic Version (ECV). If baby remains breech, only about 60% of these babies will be born vaginally. Some will require a pre-labour caesarean birth, and some will require a caesarean delivery in labour.</span>

<span>All women with a baby who remains breech are offered the option of a planned caesarean birth at 39 weeks. That is because we can identify a difference in short-term outcomes for breech babies. Following a caesarean birth, the perinatal mortality (death) rate is reduced, at 0.5 in 1,000, compared to 1 in 1,000 following a head-first birth, and 2 in 1,000 following a breech birth. In the short-term, there is also an increased chance your baby could need special care following a vaginal birth. However, by two years of age, the same studies show no difference between planning a caesarean birth and planning a vaginal birth for a breech baby.</span>

<span>The benefits of planning a vaginal birth include a quicker recovery and avoidance of the risks associated with caesarean surgery. These include things like heavy bleeding and infection. A caesarean scar also introduces some additional risks, for mother and baby, in all future pregnancies. The perineal outcomes (remaining intact) are similar or better following vaginal breech births, compared to head-first births, and there are fewer instrumental deliveries. You should have the same choice of pain relief, and freedom to choose your birthing position, as you would in any birth. But some of this may depend on the experience of your team, so you should discuss it with them.</span>

<span>Your doctor or specialist midwife will be able to provide you with more information about some specific clinical situations that make breech births safe or less safe, and whether these apply to you. The most important factor that influences the safety of vaginal breech birth is the training, skill and experience of the professionals attending the birth. If your hospital is unable to provide you with a skilled attendant, and you would like to consider planning a vaginal breech birth, you should be offered a referral to a hospital that can.</span>
<div data-cat="goto" class="goto"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/07/29/giving-birth-to-your-breech-baby-frequently-asked-questions/" internal="true">Giving birth to your breech baby: Frequently asked questions</a></div>
<div class="submenu" data-cat="submenu"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/external-cephalic-version/">External cephalic version (ECV)</a></div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/breech-baby-at-the-end-of-pregnancy/" type="rcog">Breech presentation at the end of pregnancy</a>

<a href="https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/labour-and-birth-faqs/what-happens-if-my-baby-breech" type="tommy's">What happens if my baby is breech?</a>

<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/961453/6254038-episode-31-bottom-down">Episode 31 Bottom Down - The Obs Pod</a>

</div>

Giving birth to your breech baby

<h1>Packing your maternity unit bag</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.10.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman with piles of folded baby clothes" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1103" />

Here is a list of things to consider including in your bag. Even if you are planning a homebirth, it is useful to pack a bag in case your plans change before or during labour:
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/for-you/">For you</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/for-your-birth-partner/">For your birth partner</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/for-your-baby/">For your baby</a>

</div>

Packing your maternity unit bag

<h1>External cephalic version (ECV)</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.4.jpg" alt="Two cross-section diagrams shows a baby in the womb in breech position and then a baby in the womb in head down position" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1096" />

<span>This is a procedure in which a doctor, or specialist midwife attempts to the turn the baby into the correct position using gentle pressure on your abdomen with their hands.</span>

<span>ECV is successful in about 50% of women and is generally safe. One in every 200 babies will need to be delivered by emergency caesarean after an ECV, and your baby will be monitored before and after the procedure to ensure they remain well.</span>
<h2>Moxibustion for breech babies</h2>
<span>This is a traditional Chinese technique which can be used to turn breech babies. It is done by burning a moxa-stick (a tightly packed tube of dried herbs) between the toes from 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. It has no known negative side effects and evidence suggests it can be successful at turning a breech baby. You can ask your midwife or local acupuncturist for more information.</span>

<div data-cat="video" class="videoplayer">
NHS External Cephalic Version (for Breech Baby)
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</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg20a/" type="rcog">External cephalic version</a>

</div>

External cephalic version (ECV)

<h1>Your baby’s position</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.3.jpg" alt="Cross-section diagram of baby in the womb in the head down position" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1095" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">From 36 weeks pregnant, your baby should turn to the head down (cephalic) position in preparation for birth. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A small number of babies will not be in this position, and may be either breech (bottom first) or transverse/oblique (lying sideways across your abdomen). If your midwife suspects that your baby is not in the head down position, you may be offered a scan and appointment with a doctor/specialist midwife to discuss your options. These options can include either attempting to turn your baby (see related links below), vaginal breech birth or planned caesarean birth.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If your baby isn’t head down, don’t worry – there are many options available to you and your team will help you to make any decisions regarding your care moving forward.</span>

<span>Find out more about vaginal breech birth by reading:</span>
<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/07/28/giving-birth-to-your-breech-baby/" internal="true" >Giving birth to your breech baby</a>
</div>

<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a type="nhs" href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/breech-birth/">What happens if your baby is breech?</a>

<a type="rcog" href="http://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/breech-baby-at-the-end-of-pregnancy/">Breech babies at the end of pregnancy</a>

</div>

Your baby's position

<h1>Preparing for birth</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.8.jpg" alt="Preparing for birth" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1316" />

Towards the end of pregnancy, you may feel a variety of different emotions as the birth becomes closer. You may feel excited, anxious or even scared - this is all normal. There are things that you can do to help you prepare for birth.
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/your-babys-position/">Your baby’s position</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/external-cephalic-version/">External cephalic version (ECV)</a></div>

Preparing for birth

<h1>Planning contraception after birth</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Thinking-about-contraception-Your-pregnancy-300x187.jpg" alt="Close up of laughing couple hugging" width="300" height="187" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-12771" />
<span>It may seem strange to be thinking about and planning contraception whilst you are pregnant. However, research has shown that many couples start having sex within six weeks of the birth of their baby. Did you know that it is possible to become pregnant when your baby is only 21 days old and before your menstrual period returns?</span>

<span>Effective, safe contraception is available at your maternity unit and can be started as soon as you give birth. This means you don’t need extra appointments at your GP or sexual health clinic to start contraception. This is particularly helpful at a time when you will be busy looking after a newborn baby and yourself.</span>

<span>Take some time to speak to your midwife or doctor about the options available to you, some of which may be available immediately after the birth of your baby.</span>

<span>Planned pregnancies with an interval of at least one to two years are associated with a healthier pregnancy for you and your baby. Pregnancy spacing of greater than one year reduces the risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight and neonatal death. It also reduces the risk of complications in a future pregnancy particularly if you have given birth by caesarean section, because it allows the scar on your womb to fully heal.</span>

<span>Effective contraception puts you in control of deciding when and if you would like to have another baby and can have some beneficial effects on your periods and long term health.</span>

<span>You will be asked about your plans for contraception during antenatal appointments. Take some time to think about the different options and what might be right for you. Talk to your midwife or doctor and ask for any further information you may need. Once you have made a choice it can be entered into your personalised care and support plan and provided to you after birth.</span>

<h2>Which form of contraception is right for me?</h2>

<span>The most effective options for contraception are usually those that last for a few years and you do not need to remember to take every day. These are called Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) and include a progestogen or hormone coil, copper coil or progestogen implant.</span>

<span>Short-term methods (those that you need to remember to take every day) include the contraceptive injection (known as Depo-provera or ‘depo’), progestogen only pills (POP or ‘mini pill’) and combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP).</span>

<span>Permanent family planning methods are sterilisation, where the fallopian tubes (tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb) are clipped or cut and for male partners, vasectomy.</span>

<span>It is important to remember that none of these methods protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are at risk from infection, for example when having sex with a new partner you should also use a barrier method or condom.</span>

<span>Find out more about all the options available in the link below.  Most can be provided as soon as you have given birth. Just ask and remember to make a note of what you would like in section 16 of your Health and wellbeing in pregnancy personalised care and support plan.</span>

<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/22/resuming-sex-and-contraception/" internal="true">Resuming sex and contraception</a>
</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">
<a href="https://www.sexwise.org.uk/contraception/which-method-contraception-right-me">Which method of contraception is right for me?</a>
</div>


Planning contraception after birth

<h1>Thinking about feeding your baby</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.9.jpg" alt="Close up of baby latched onto the mother's nipple" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1099" />

<span>During pregnancy you will have a chance to discuss caring for and feeding your baby, including information about the value of breastfeeding for you and your baby’s health, and how to get breastfeeding off to a good start. It’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to feed your baby, but you don’t have to make up your mind until your baby is born. Talking to your midwife about your thoughts and feelings about feeding your baby can be really helpful. You will be supported whatever way you decide to feed your baby.</span>

<span>To help feeding go well, ask your midwife about antenatal breastfeeding classes at your maternity unit or in your local area. This can help you and your partner/supporter to feel more confident and prepared, and help you to avoid some common feeding problems early on. If you have particular questions or concerns about feeding, ask your midwife for an appointment with an infant feeding specialist during pregnancy.</span>

<span>All women are offered the opportunity to hold their baby in skin-to-skin contact straight after birth, for as long as they want. Discuss the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for both you and your baby with your midwife, and how you feel about it.</span>

<span>A midwife will offer to help you to start breastfeeding, or show you how to bottle feed responsively as soon as your baby shows signs that they are ready to feed, usually within the first hour after birth. Your baby won’t be separated from you unless he or she requires special care. After your baby is born you will be offered support from your maternity team to ensure breastfeeding gets off to a positive start. There will also be support available when you are at home.</span>

<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/hand-expressing-colostrum/">Hand expressing colostrum before your baby is born</a>

</div>

<div data-cat="video" class="videoplayer">

Human milk

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/190696865?title=0&amp;byline=0" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

</div>

<div data-cat="video" class="videoplayer">

Colostrum: Liquid gold

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/600100188?h=0ff0a70fd9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

</div>

<span>Explore this topic and the related links to find out more about infant feeding.</span>
<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/18/feeding-your-baby/" internal="true">Feeding your baby</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breastfeeding">Start4life</a>

<a href="https://globalhealthmedia.org/portfolio-items/attaching-your-baby-at-the-breast/?portfolioID=5623">Global Health Media, Attaching your baby at the breast video</a>

<a href="https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/foreign-language-resources/">UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, Foreign language resources</a>

</div>

Thinking about feeding your baby

<h1>Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Vaginal-birth-after-caesarean-VBAC-300x200.jpg" alt="Woman showing a cesarean section scar on her belly" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-17875" />

<h2>What is VBAC?</h2>

<span>VBAC stands for ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’. This term is used when women give birth or plan to give birth vaginally after previous caesarean birth. Vaginal birth includes normal delivery and delivery assisted by forceps or vacuum cup (ventouse).</span>

<h2>What choices do you have in managing your pregnancy pathway?</h2>

<span>Women who have had a caesarean birth before will have a consultation during the course of pregnancy with either a consultant obstetrician or consultant midwife or designated deputy to discuss individual risks and options.</span>

<span>Women can choose either VBAC or planned elective caesarean, an operation to deliver the baby after 39 weeks of pregnancy. The plan will be reviewed with you throughout pregnancy. You can change your mind and you should discuss any questions with your midwife or obstetrician. In case of any emergency please call your local maternity unit.</span>

<h2>Are all women suitable for VBAC?</h2>

<span>Not all women are recommended for VBAC. In your first/subsequent pregnancy after an LSCS you may have been given a letter which explains your options. At the consultation the obstetric doctor or specialist midwife will discuss your options with you, and review your previous notes, if available. An individualised plan will be agreed with you that will be reviewed throughout your pregnancy.</span>

<h2>VBAC facts</h2>

<span>More than one in five women in the UK may have experienced birth by LSCS. Around half of these are planned and the other half as an emergency. VBAC is generally only offered to women with a singleton pregnancy with the baby in the head down position, who have had a lower segment caesarean section (LSCS).</span>

<span>Chances of success are approximately 72-75%. A number of factors affect the success rate of VBAC. These include maternal weight, your health, and whether your labour starts spontaneously. Women who have an interval of less than a year from a previous LSCS are not at greater risk of scar rupture, but are more at risk of having a preterm birth. It is generally advised that there should be at least a year between births. Women who have had two or more caesarean births can be offered the opportunity for VBAC after counselling. Success rates are similar (62-75%). If you have had a successful VBAC previously you have an 85-90% chance of successful VBAC the next time.</span>

<h2>What are the risks associated with VBAC?</h2>

<span>There is a 1:200 (0.5%) chance of scar rupture, this increases significantly if you are induced. Induction with amniotomy (artificial rupture of the membranes) or balloon catheter is associated with a lower risk of scar rupture compared to using prostaglandins (medical method). Approximately 25% of women in labour will need an LSCS. An emergency LSCS has more risk than a planned LSCS, and you may have a higher chance of haemorrhage, leading to the need for a blood transfusion in this situation. Your chance of experiencing bladder or bowel injury during an emergency procedure is higher than in a planned procedure. Complications for baby are similar to a woman birthing a baby for the first time. You may require an assisted birth, or experience perineal trauma involving the back passage (anus). Estimated birth weight may be a factor in the risk affecting perineal trauma.</span>

<h2>What are the advantages of a successful VBAC?</h2>

<span>If you have a successful VBAC it is associated with fewer complications than a planned LSCS. Your recovery is likely to be quicker and you should be able to return to normal activities sooner. Your hospital stay is likely to be shorter. Your baby is likely to have less chance of breathing difficulties.</span>

<h2>When is VBAC not advisable?</h2>

<span>Planned VBAC is not recommended if you have experienced a previous uterine rupture or have classical caesarean scar (a vertical scar on the tummy) or if there are other pregnancy or medical/health complications, or previous uterine surgery.</span>

<h2>What happens during labour for women experiencing VBAC?</h2>

<span>You will normally be advised to labour in the hospital’s labour ward. You are advised to call the hospital when you have regular contractions or your waters have broken. Continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate is recommended. There are a range of pain relief options, and you will be advised about having an intravenous needle inserted in your hand for fluid management. If you choose not to give birth in hospital then you are normally seen by a specialist midwife or consultant midwife who will create an individualised plan with you.</span>

<h2>What happens when labour does not start spontaneously?</h2>

<span>If you are not in spontaneous labour by 40 weeks you will normally be seen in the antenatal clinic and assessed. You will be given options that include induction (IOL) with prostaglandins (medical method), induction with amniotomy (artificial rupture of the membranes) or balloon catheter, or to wait another week. Delivery by LSCS will be discussed with you on an individualised basis. Any decision relating to induction of labour or LSCS will take into consideration any risks for you and your baby.</span>

<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">
<a href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/birth-after-previous-caesarean/" type="rcog">Birth after previous caesarean</a>
</div>


Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)

<h1>Work, maternity/paternity leave and money</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.3.jpg" alt="Woman holding a mobile phone to her ear with one hand and carrying a clip board in her other hand" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1085" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">After your 20 week ultrasound scan, you can ask your midwife or GP for a MATB1 form.  This form entitles you to statutory maternity pay from your employer or maternity allowance from Jobcentre Plus.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">During pregnancy/after birth you are entitled to:</span>
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">paid time off for your antenatal appointments</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">maternity pay or maternity allowance</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">maternity leave</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">protection against unfair treatment, discrimination or dismissal.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Working partners are entitled to one or two weeks paternity leave and together you may be able to take shared parental leave. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are not working, or you/your household is on a low income you may be entitled to maternity benefits and allowances.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are employed, you must inform your employer that you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your baby’s due date.  When you tell your employer they must perform a risk assessment, which ensures any necessary adjustments can be made to your working environment or pattern.  It is worthwhile speaking to your company’s human resource department and accessing the policy on pregnancy and maternity leave.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">More information on maternity/paternity leave, work, child or other benefits and money can be found in these related links:</span>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks">

<a href="http://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/pregnancy-birth">Government advice</a>

<a href="http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/">Advice on your maternity rights</a>

<a href="http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/having-a-baby">The Money Advice Service</a>

<a href="http://www.tuc.org.uk/resource/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-health-and-safety">Pregnancy, breastfeeding and health and safety</a>

</div>

Work, maternity/paternity leave and money

<h1>Your birth preferences and plans</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.3.7.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman sitting up on a bed with a note book and pen" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1092" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Completing a birth preferences plan can help you and your birth partner to think about your choices and preferences during labour and the birth of your baby. During your pregnancy you will have the opportunity to meet with your midwife/doctor and discuss the plan – try and do this around the time of your 34 or 36 week appointment. This will help your team understand the kind of birth you would like.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Read the in app content about labour and birth, then using the birth preferences plan in the <b>Personal care and support plans</b> section write down your thoughts and preferences. See below for what options to consider.</span>
<div data-cat="goto" class="goto">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/07/personalised-birth-preferences/" internal = "true" data-pagetype="Forms">Your birth preferences and plan</a>

</div>
<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu">

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/451/">Options to consider</a>

</div>

Your birth preferences and plans

<h1>Getting ready for birth</h1>
<div class="submenu" data-cat="submenu"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/choosing-place-of-birth/">Choosing place of birth</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/your-birth-preferences-and-plans/">Your birth preferences and plans</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/09/03/preparing-for-birth/">Preparing for birth</a><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/07/28/giving-birth-to-your-breech-baby/">Giving birth to your breech baby</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2021/09/03/vaginal-birth-after-caesarean-vbac/">Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/thinking-about-feeding-your-baby/">Thinking about feeding your baby</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/packing-your-maternity-unit-bag/">Packing your maternity unit bag</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2020/07/02/thinking-about-contraception/">Planning contraception after birth</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/13/before-labour-and-birth/">Information for partners (preparing for birth)</a></div>
<div data-cat="relatedlinks" class="relatedlinks"><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/961453">The Obs Pod: a series of podcasts by NHS obstetrician Flo Wilcock</a></div>

COOKIE SETTINGS

MANAGE COOKIE PREFERENCE

Getting ready for birth