Labour and birth
Every labour experience is unique. We work closely with you and your birthing partner throughout your pregnancy and birth to help you to have a positive birth experience.
As part of your personalised care support plan, your midwife will talk to you about your options and preferences for giving birth.
Can I choose where I give birth?
Yes you can.
We’ll work with your preferences and help you make an informed decision.
You may need to be flexible and prepare to do things differently. For example, if complications arise with you or your baby, or facilities such as our birthing pool isn’t available.
At 34 to 36 weeks, your community midwife will help you plan for your birth. This includes where you give birth.
Your midwife will guide you through your choices and help you understand the labour process.
Find out more about preparing to give birth at home or in hospital including what you should pack in your hospital bag.
Where can I give birth in Buckinghamshire?
Read our guide on birth place decisions. This will help you make an informed decision about where to have your baby with us.
I’ve gone into labour, what should I do?
Call 01296 316103.
Our midwives on the labour ward will offer advice and support for you to stay at home for as long as you feel comfortable.
Induction of labour
We may recommend an induced labour to start the process artificially. This may be because your baby is overdue, or there’s a risk to you or your baby’s health.
Depending upon how well you and your baby are, induced labour will happen on Rothschild Ward or on the Aylesbury labour ward.
If you’re being induced because your pregnancy is overdue and you haven’t had any other complications, you may be able to give birth at the Aylesbury Birth Centre. You can discuss your options with the staff caring for you.
We offer a range of methods to start your labour, depending upon whether you’re having your first baby or have given birth before. Your midwife or doctor will discuss what method they recommend based on your personal needs. They’ll monitor you and your baby throughout.
Assisted birth
Assisted births are sometimes necessary for your baby to arrive safely. They happen on the Aylesbury labour ward or in theatre.
Your midwife and doctor may recommend an assisted birth if:
- your baby has become distressed during the pushing stage of labour
- you’re very tired and can’t push anymore
- your baby is not making progress through your pelvis
- there’s a medical reason why you shouldn’t push for a long time, for example you have heart disease.
Talk to your midwife if you have any questions about assisted births.
Caesarean birth
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver your baby by making a horizontal cut in the lower part of your abdomen (usually along the bikini line) and in the front wall of the womb. It may be a planned (elective) or an emergency operation depending on the circumstances.
If you choose to have a planned caesarean, it will take place at in theatre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Your doctor or midwife will discuss the benefits and risks with you.