Unit cost estimation involved a
combination of bottom - up and top - down costing methods and followed guidance on costing healthcare services as part
of an economic evaluation.15 17 Detailed unit costs, derived from the
finance departments
of participating trusts and information provided by senior midwives, were estimated for resource inputs into the following components
of intrapartum and after birth care for all settings: homebirth delivery packs; NHS reimbursement for midwifery travel; some forms
of pain relief;
alternative modes
of delivery; active management
of the third stage
of labour; suturing for episiotomy; suturing third and fourth degree perineal tears; manual removal
of the placenta; blood transfusions; and care after a stillbirth or neonatal death.