Birthcare

Birthcare is Auckland DHB's primary birthing unit for birthing as well as postnatal care.

Birthcare is a good option for women who want a natural birth and is designed for those with no complications during pregnancy. Birthcare does not have obstetricians or operating theatres on site for epidurals, caesarean sections or specialised care. If you need special care during birth, you will be safely transferred to Auckland City Hospital.

If you need more help deciding where to give birth, visit our page on choosing where to birth.

Your care team

Birthcare's team of midwives strive to promote and empower natural birth. You will also need to have your own LMC if you've chosen to birth at Birthcare.

What to expect and bring with you

Before you go to Birthcare to give birth, be sure to check out our frequently asked questions and visit the Birthcare website(). They will help you and your support persons understand what to expect and what to do when you arrive at Birthcare in labour.

Should complications arise during labour at Birthcare, you may be sent to Auckland City Hospital. Should this happen, and you and your baby are well following birth, you will be sent back to Birthcare for your postnatal care.

For more on what to expect after birth as well as when you go home, see our section on care after birth.

Please be sure to bring a car seat with you to transport your baby.

Location and contact details

Birthcare is located at 20 Titoki Street in Parnell, less than a five-minute drive from Auckland City Hospital.

You can reach Birthcare Auckland on 09 374 0800.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register with Birthcare?

You will need to register with Birthcare before the birth of your baby. Ask Birthcare or your LMC for a registration form.

What pain relief options are available?

Pain relief options available at Birthcare include portable entonox and pethidine via injection. As Birthcare is a primary birthing hospital, they do not offer epidurals or caesarean sections.

Sixty percent of women birthing at Birthcare use water for pain relief. You may also choose to give birth in the water.

Movement and positioning can be used during both stages of labour to help manage pain.

What are the rooms and facilities like at Birthcare?

Birthcare has three large birthing suites which have recently been refurbished and include water pools, mood lighting and birthing couches to create a calm environment.

Aromatherapy burners (feel free to bring your oils), birthing couches, bean bags and swiss balls are available for you to use.

All rooms include a direct phone line. To find out more about their facilities and take a tour, visit the Birthcare website.

What will it cost?

Birthing at Birthcare is free to New Zealand residents and women eligible for free maternity care in New Zealand.

If you've given birth at Auckland City Hospital, and are being transferred to Birthcare for postnatal care, there may charges to upgrade to a private room. For more details, check the Birthcare website.

What services does Birthcare offer?

Birthcare provides expert postnatal care for mothers and babies, breastfeeding advice, physiotherapy and parenting education.

The team at Birthcare encourages active birth (moving and changing positions) as well as the use of other complementary therapies.