Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find answers to many of your questions about having a baby.
Read tips on how to prepare and understand what to expect, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like and more.
Our animations below provide more information on vaginal and caesarean section births. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos where HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, the birth of their child and their post-natal care.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for childbirth, and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect that cost.
The basics
Having a baby
In Australia, vaginal deliveries are the most common. A vaginal birth may be straightforward, or may be helped with interventions such as episiotomy (surgical cut to the perineum – the skin and muscle between the vagina and anus), forceps or vacuum extraction (a soft or rigid cup with a handle and a vacuum pump which is gently put on your baby’s head).
More than 30% of Australian births are by caesarean section. Your obstetrician might recommend a planned caesarean birth if they think you could have problems with a vaginal birth. An emergency caesarean may be carried out due to pregnancy complications or if labour doesn't go as expected.
The details
Preparing for childbirth
Choosing an obstetrician
How to find an obstetrician.
Learn more
Questions for your doctor
What you should be asking your obstetrician.
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Your antenatal care
How to prepare and when to go to hospital.
Learn more
Vaginal or caesarean delivery?
The benefits and risks of both types of delivery.
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Delivery and aftercare
Vaginal delivery: what happens?
What to expect at each stage.
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Vaginal delivery: afterwards
Your hospital stay and postnatal care.
Learn more
Caesarean delivery: your procedure
Going to hospital and having surgery.
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Caesarean delivery: afterwards
Your hospital stay and postnatal care.
Learn more
Patient experiences
HCF members talk about their expectations, the birth of their babies and the importance of post-natal support.
View videos
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.