Midwives in New Zealand provide a free comprehensive service that follows a woman from the start of pregnancy, labour and birth and up to six weeks postpartum. It is touted as a world leader in its field. Ideally women have continuity in their carer, meaning that you choose the same midwife that provides care to you throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. This promotes a relationship of partnership that supports information sharing and women’s choices. This has been shown to lower medical intervention rates and increase women’s satisfaction in their birth experience.