The Waikato region has ten primary birthing facilities, yet approximately 70% of women choose to birth at Waikato Women’s Hospital. Researchers interviewed six women and seven midwives who had given birth, or provided labour and birth care at Waterford Birth Centre, Thames Birth Unit or Birthcare Huntly, in the past five years. Retrospective data from 2010-2015 from each of the units was reviewed to identify outcomes for mothers and babies.