During early labour, you will be in the comfort of your own home with your support person/people. We will have reviewed ways to cope with early labour during your prenatal appointments. You will page the midwife when you think you are in active (regular, strong) labour. The initial labour assessment is generally done at home for first-time parents and in the hospital for all second-time (and more) parents who are planning a hospital birth. You will have access to the on-call pager to call us when you are in labour and we will respond within 20 minutes (usually much quicker).Whether you decide to stay home or to have a hospital birth, during active labour, a midwife stay with you and provide all the care that you need during your active labour. We will check your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and temperature), assess the dilation of your cervix, monitor labour contractions and the baby’s heart rate and position. We will assist with comfort measures and guide your support person in ways to help if needed. The midwife will deliver the baby and placenta, examine your newborn baby, and check all aspects of your condition after the birth. This includes stitches (with freezing) if necessary.One midwife is with you during your active labour and a second midwife will be called when the birth of your baby is getting close. That way once the baby is born, you will each have a midwife solely responsible for your wellbeing and care. Midwives provide skilled support during labour and suggestions for pain relief if desired. We cannot replace the important support provided by your partner, close friends or other family members. We also encourage you to take prenatal classes during your pregnancy, and to consider the services of a labour support person for even more support.