In many places around the country you may also have the choice of a birthing centre or small community hospital maternity unit (called a primary maternity unit).
Women who give birth in in these smaller units also tend to use less pain relief and have fewer caesarean sections and forceps than those who give birth in hospital.
Speak to your midwife or doctor about the choices available in your area. You can also look for what is available in your area.
Find maternity facilities in your area — Ministry of Health
Your midwife, or the midwife working on behalf of your doctor, will stay with you for at least 2 hours after the birth.
If labour does not go as planned
Once your pēpi is born
Some small units also have rooms where you can stay for a couple of days to recover from the birth. While you are there an employed midwife will help you to breastfeed and care for your pēpi. Some small units also let your partner stay with you and pēpi. Ask you midwife about what is available in your area.
Maternity care during and after the birth