Your birth is a ceremony to welcome new life into the world. You deserve to feel your culture and customs are respected and the care you receive supports the Birthing on Country principles where culture, community and self-determination are at the centre.
This is your journey – strong in culture, supported by community and centred on you and your baby thriving together.
Sometimes labour and birth do not happen in the way you expect.
You deserve to feel heard, respected and cared for, whatever your experience has been.
If you would like support, there are gentle and flexible options available. You might want to seek support straight away or you might feel this need further down the track or need several conversations.
You can:
Support during labour can look different for everyone. It might be hands-on or quiet, practical or emotional. What matters most is responding to what the person in labour needs at the time.
If you know the person well, you can play an important role particularly when things feel overwhelming for them.
Positions during labour and birth are about what feels most comfortable and supportive for you. It may not look or feel the way you expected, and that’s okay.
You can move, rest, change positions or stay still at any time. Trust what feels right for your body in the moment.
During labour and birth, your maternity care provider may offer different checks or monitoring to guide care and to support your safety and your baby’s wellbeing.
Which checks are offered and when they are offered will depend on what is happening for you and your baby. You should always be asked before these checks are carried out. You can always say no or ask if there is an alternative. Your maternity care provider should explain what is happening and support you to feel informed, safe and in control of your care.
While some things can be planned, much of labour and birth is unpredictable. Whatever type of birth you experience, respectful care, clear communication and support are important.
Your maternity care provider is there to guide you, support your comfort and work with you through every stage of labour and birth. Depending on how long you're in labour for and your model of care, you may encounter multiple maternity care clinicians before you give birth.
Every labour and birth is different. Your experience will be unique and that is completely normal.
It can help to learn about what might happen but labour doesn’t always follow a set plan. Things can change and not everything can be predicted. Being flexible and having the right support can help you feel more confident as labour unfolds.
