We have 14 birthing rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Six of the rooms also have a pool to use during labour. If you would like a room with a pool, we'll do our best to accommodate you at the time.

All birthing rooms are equipped to look after you and your baby during labour. This includes a monitor that records your baby's heart beat and your contractions.

Swiss balls and birthing stools are available if you need them. For more on what to bring with you, see our list of things to bring for you and your baby and information on coping with labour.

Kitchen and whānau rooms are also available for your use.

When you arrive at the hospital, park your car at the main entrance off Park Road. Please let our security team know you're here and leave a pre-written note on your dashboard that says you're heading to the Labour and Birthing Suite. Put your name and contact number on this note.

Once you've reached our Labour & Birthing suite, your support person will need to return to the car and move it to Carpark A. For more detailed information, watch our virtual tour. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and do when you arrive at the hospital in labour.

Please note: we are unable to offer free or reduced parking rates for labouring women or their whānau.

For more parking options for your visitors and whānau, see our parking information page.

Yes, you can choose who you have with you during labour and birth. We just ask that your visitors please respect the privacy of other women in our birthing suite. 

In the interest of safety and security:

• There may be occasions when visitors are asked to leave the birthing room. In these instances we have a whānau room and a large atrium outside the birthing suite where they are welcome to wait.
• We ask that you do not obstruct the doorways or corridor.
• Please have a responsible adult to care for little ones.

• Do you have any requests that are not on your birth plan?
• Active management of third stage (birth of placenta) is recommended. Do you give your consent for the ecbolic (a drug that speeds up the delivery of the placenta by causing uterine contractions)?
• Do you want to take your placenta home or have the hospital dispose of it?
• Do you consent to Vitamin K for your baby?
• If it is necessary for the baby to be vaccinated for hepatitis B, have you signed the consent form? Which ethnic group or groups (up to three) do you want your baby registered with?
• Have you chosen a Well Child provider that you wish to be referred to at the appropriate time?
• If you and your baby are well, do you plan to transfer to Birthcare or discharge to home?

Please also note that we are a teaching hospital with a responsibility for developing the future maternity workforce.

We respect your choice if you wish to decline, however we may ask you if a midwifery or medical student can be involved in your birthing experience.

We have the following services to assist you during and after labour:

• Specialists to care for women with complex needs.  These include women with high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple babies or who are birthing very early or late in the pregnancy.
• Pain relief and surgical facilities if they are required in emergency situations.
• We can perform caesarean sections.
• Lactation Consultants for anyone requiring assistance or needing to know more about special breastfeeding and lactation problems or about the importance of human milk.
• A pain clinic available to help manage pain.
• Counselling available for women who require support for their mental health.
• A physiotherapy team to encourage recovery.
• We provide quit smoking services.

You are welcome to bring in your own food and snacks for you and your support person. We also have a kitchen with hot drinks and a microwave and refrigerator for you to use.

Meals are provided on the wards and at Birthcare. While every effort is made to meet your individual needs, if you have special dietary requirements, you may prefer to have a relative provide some of your meals and/or snacks.

There are also several food outlets and retails locations throughout the hospital. Find out more about them here.