Further Thoughts about Maternity Units

Once the maternity units have answered your questions, you should also consider the following:

• Did you like the feel of the maternity unit? It can be easy to like a smart modern hospital, but remember that it is the care you receive while you are there that will be most important
  
  
• Is the care you will receive likely to help you achieve the kind of birth you are hoping for?
  
  
• How easy will it be for you to reach the maternity unit, both for antenatal appointments and during labour?
  
  
• Try not to rely on a friend's recommendation. Their labour will be different to yours, and a good (or bad) experience at a particular hospital does not necessarily mean the same will happen to you.
  
  

By now, you may have some idea of where you would like to give birth. If you still need more information, don't hesitate to go back to the maternity unit to ask for it.

Once you have investigated the local options you can go back to the Checklist to continue the process of choosing where to have your baby.