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.