Isn’t there just one way to give birth?

If your partner is giving birth the natural way and isn’t booked in for a caesarean section there are plenty of birthing options available. The right choice for your partner is the one that she feels most comfortable with and her doctor believes is best for her and your baby.

• Hospital birth, the main benefit is that your partner will be in a place packed with expertise and facilities. You’ll have doctors on hand as well as specialist care, should your partner need it. And she’ll be surrounded by other new mums in the same situation which can be a great comfort.

• A water birth – seen as less stressful for your baby as they’ll be born into an environment quite like the one they were growing in. Water births are options at any of the above choices; your hospital may offer some sort of waterbirth option,

As long as your partner’s pregnancy is running smoothly and she is fit and healthy, she’s free to choose the birthing option she feels most comfortable with (of course this all depends on what’s available at your hospital, and whether her doctor agrees). And it’s not set in stone – there is room for her to change her mind later.

You can read more about the advantages behind each birthing option here.