An example of someone opting into a 20 week scan in an otherwise wild pregnancy.

I hope this email finds you well, I am writing to you in hope that you’re able to help arrange an element of antenatal care that I would like to go ahead with within my current pregnancy. I am feeling great at … weeks gestation and would like to arrange my 20 week scan at … hospital since it is closest to me. This is my <second> pregnancy and I have made an informed decision to opt out of the routine antenatal aspect of the care that I’m entitled to within the NHS. My reasoning around this is <due to previous trauma and experiences with NHS procedures>. During this pregnancy, if I at any point feel like I would like to opt into any of the options again I will be in touch. But for now, I would really like to accept the 20 week scan in my antenatal care options. I have contacted birth rights as I was unsure what I was legally entitled to and they confirmed I am able to decline or accept any part of the antenatal care that I feel necessary for me personally. They advised that you, as head of midwifery, would be able to help arrange the scan for me?

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

An example of someone introducing themselves the local hospital in advance of their imminent freebirth.

To the head of midwifery,

I'm writing to inform you that I'm … weeks pregnant, having not booked in with a midwife and having had an autonomous pregnancy thus far. I also wanted to inform you of my intentions to freebirth at home. My EDD is ….
I'd also like to share a little context, as I appreciate that we've had no contact and this will be out of the blue!
Firstly, it's really important to us that we open and maintain positive relations with you and your team.
<This is our second pregnancy and child, and I free birthed our first 3.5yrs ago in Solihull. We were upfront with our freebirth plans with the midwifery team there. I birthed in our bell tent in the garden and it was a truly amazing experience all round! It was just me and my husband.
This time around, we're living in North Bristol, and it has absolutely been the right decision for us as a family, for me to have a 'free pregnancy' so far too. I've felt really well throughout, as has baby, and this has definitely been an informed and conscious decision. We would like to continue in this way and intend to freebirth at home, with close family present, and understand legalities around no-one acting in a medical capacity or acting as midwife - this is emotional and practical support. I hope you understand and respect our decision.
I am aware that we need to notify the local child health department of the birth within 36 hours.>
We would like to be clear that we wouldn't like an unannounced visit, or contact and that we keep everything in writing.
I stress that I really want positive relations and communications with you all, and that anything unannounced would feel totally intrusive for us!
I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind regards,

An example of someone withdrawing from their NHS care and declining any further involvement.

Hi

I'd like to cancel our appointment tomorrow please.

I will let you know if I want to reschedule or be seen from now until after the baby is born. At this point I'm feeling good, baby is super busy moving and I just want to rest quietly without any distraction of appointments/visits/pressure.

Now is the time for me to go inward and start making space to connect with my baby as I prepare to welcome them here. I plan to do this and birth autonomously outside of any NHS care offered, until after the birth.

I will contact you within 24 hours of baby's arrival as your support with paperwork etc would be so appreciated.

Thanks for all your wonderful and respectful care up to this point