What this guide is about
If you’ve chosen to have your baby without healthcare professionals present (sometimes called a “free birth”), this guide explains the simple steps you need to take afterward. This is different from births in hospitals, NHS home births, or unexpected births before help arrives.
Your choices and rights
We respect that you’ve made a thoughtful decision about how to welcome your baby into the world. While you have the right to choose how you give birth, there’s a simple legal requirement to notify authorities about your baby’s birth. This ensures support is available when you choose to access it.
The birth notification: simple steps
What is a birth notification?
In England, there is a legal duty to make a birth notification when a baby is born.
Birth notification is distinct from birth registration. Birth registration is when you officially record a birth and obtain a Birth Certificate.
Who needs to notify?
Someone who was with you during the birth or within 6 hours afterward can make the notification. This could be your birth partner, your baby’s father (if they live where the birth happened), or you can do it yourself if you prefer.
How to notify:
Option 1: If you see a midwife within 6 hours of birth, they’ll handle the notification for you.
Option 2: If you see another healthcare professional (like a GP) within 6 hours, they’ll take care of it.
Option 3: If you don’t see a healthcare professional within 6 hours, simply email these details within 36 hours:
- Your baby’s name (or “Baby [Your Surname]” if not named yet)
- When and where your baby was born
- Your address
- Parents’ names
- Your baby’s sex
- Names of people present shortly after birth
- Your email address
Send to: scwcsu.chis.unassistedbirths@nhs.net
If your baby is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, different steps need to be taken. Healthcare professionals will gently guide you through this difficult time and handle the necessary paperwork for you. They’ll provide emotional support while ensuring everything is properly recorded through your local maternity services.
What happens next?
After your notification, you’ll receive a digital confirmation to keep for your records. This doesn’t automatically create an NHS number for your baby—that happens when (and if) you choose to have your baby seen by a healthcare professional.
Services available when you’re ready
These services are there for you and your baby when and if you choose to use them:
- Vitamin K for your newborn
- Newborn checks and screenings
- Postnatal care for you and baby
- Health visitor support
- Baby immunisations
If you need help during or after birth
If you or your baby need medical help at any point, please call 999 in an emergency or 111 for non-emergency advice.
If you or your baby become unwell after the birth, please get urgent medical help straight away. Call 999 if needed.
If your baby is born with no signs of life, call 999 immediately so that emergency services can support you and ensure you receive the medical and emotional care you may need.
Common questions
What if I cannot notify the birth within 36 hours?
If you are unable to notify within 36 hours (for example, due to an emergency), you must do so as soon as possible. If it is more than 36 hours since the birth, please contact scwcsu.chis.unassistedbirths@nhs.net immediately to explain the delay and proceed with the notification.
Can I refuse to have my baby seen by a healthcare professional and still obtain an NHS number?
No. An NHS number will only be issued once a registered healthcare professional has confirmed the baby’s details and has seen the baby to complete a check.
Why might I want an NHS number for my baby?
Having an NHS number from birth enables you to arrange appointments and access support for your baby’s health and development.
With an NHS number, your baby can be registered with a GP, receive routine health checks, vaccinations, and medical care when needed.
It also helps healthcare professionals securely access medical records to provide the best possible care.
Do I need to notify multiple births (twins, triplets) separately?
Yes, a birth notification is required for each baby.
What happens if there is an error on the birth notification?
If you discover an error, please contact scwcsu.chis.unassistedbirths@nhs.net and they will help to get this rectified and send you an updated digital postcard. Please do not submit a new birth notification.
Will I be referred to social services for having an unassisted birth?
No. Your choice to birth without clinical support does not trigger an automatic referral to social services. You have the legal right to decline medical support.
Healthcare staff only contact social services if they’re worried someone might be in danger. If your baby needs medical help when they’re born and you don’t get that help, this would cause concern about your baby’s safety and wellbeing.
What happens to my personal information?
Your information is stored securely and only shared with relevant healthcare services to ensure your baby can access care when you choose it.
Can my birth partner be prosecuted for supporting me?
Your birth partner can absolutely support you emotionally and physically during birth. They simply cannot perform clinical procedures that require medical training.
Allowed: For example, providing comfort, catching the baby, ensuring the baby’s airway is clear, helping you position the baby for skin-to-skin.
Not allowed: For example, performing clinical procedures, such as an incision of the perineum (the area of sensitive skin located between the genitals and the anus) and vagina, or monitoring the heart rate or giving medication.
The law covering this is Article 45 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001. A person convicted for this offence of acting as a midwife can be fined up to £5000.