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If you think you are in labour or have any concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or baby, please call the Maternity Helpline on 0208 725 2777.

Understanding Your Birth Choices and Preferences

There are important factors that need to be considered when you are deciding the place and mode of birth for you and your baby.

To help you understand the differences between these choices in relation to your own personal circumstances, ask your midwife or doctor to explain the benefits, risks and alternatives of place of birth as they apply to you and your baby.

It is important that where and how you choose to birth makes you feel safe, comfortable and in control of your choices – these factors can make a difference to your overall birth experience.

In addition to discussions with your midwife or doctor, you may find the following links useful to aid your decision:

Where to give birth: the options – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The Birthplace cohort study: key findings | NPEU > Birthplace (ox.ac.uk)

Choosing to have a caesarean section | RCOG

We offer a clinic run by a Consultant Midwife called Birth Options – your midwife can refer you to this service if your choice of birth deviates from our trust guidelines.

Planned birth

If you are having your labour induced or a planned caesarean section you will be advised to attend on the time, date and location that you need to attend when you see your midwife or doctor.

Please ensure that you bring your handheld maternity notes (booklet) with you when you attend the hospital or are being seen in relation to your pregnancy.

Access to Maternity Unit

It is important that you call in advance of your arrival, this will allow staff to prepare.

During the hours of 7am – 9pm the maternity unit can be accessed via Lanesborough wing. After 9pm the maternity service can be accessed via theĀ main entrance (Grosvenor Wing)

In an emergency the doors to Lanesborough wing can be released remotely by onsite security. All entry points within the maternity unit locked and access is controlled by staff, this is to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies.