New toolkit supports your choices in maternity care

A new Personalised Care Toolkit is available for women, birthing people, and families across the North East and North Cumbria. 

The toolkit is designed to help you feel informed, confident and supported in your maternity care. It includes:

• Short videos from local NHS Trusts showing where you can give birth 

• A dedicated film about home birth 

• Tools to help you ask questions and make decisions that are right for you 

Every pregnancy is different, and this toolkit helps you explore your choices and plan your care in a way that works for you. 

Sandra Guise, MNVP Lead for West Cumbria, and Rae Lowe, MNVP Lead for Northumberland, said: “This co-produced toolkit reflects the North East and North Cumbria LMNS’s commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and personalised care.  

“It puts you at the heart of every decision, supporting you to make informed choices about the care that matters most to you.  

“While we can’t always plan how birth will unfold, we can ensure that you feel empowered, supported, and that your mental and physical wellbeing remain top priorities.”  

Amanda Kennett, Director of Midwifery for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Clinical Lead for the project said: “This toolkit is the result of collaboration between healthcare professionals and the women and families who use our services. 

“Women told us that they wanted more information and to be more involved in decisions about their care. We listened and that’s exactly what this resource is designed to support. 

“It’s made up of practical tools designed to support conversations, build trust, and make personalised care part of everyday practice. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together and excited to see the positive impact it will have.” 

You can explore the toolkit and find out more here:

Personalised Care Toolkit