RNSH vs RPA vs RWH - SYDNEY - please please help me get a waterbirth!

[anna2508]

Hi,

I'm currently in England and I need to book in to a hospital or birth centre for my second baby (due April 2011). Because I'm so far away I can't visit the centres in question to see the facilities for myself.

My first baby was a waterbirth and I'm determined to have another one - the pain relief and relaxation was incredible.

However, I'll be living in Northbridge, so my closest centre will be the RNSH. I understand however that only 2/6 of the birthing suites have pools for waterbirth? I'm not liking those odds! How likely do you think it would be that I'd get a birth pool on arrival? My first labour was only 5 hrs long, so I don't have time to wait for one to come free!!

The next closest is the RPA - but this is across the bridge, and although it's only 16km I'm worried in case we need to do in peak time - I can see it taking 45 mins easily. Which is a lot longer than the 12 it would take to get to the RNSH.

And then there's the RWH, which is only slightly further than the RPA.

Please, if you have any experience of these hospitals, or can provide an estimate of travel times to them for me from the lower north shore, that would be incredibly appreciated!

Thanks,

Anna

[headoverfeet]

Birth Stats here http://www.mybirth.com.au/birth-stats/provider_listings.php?selstate=0#R

IMO for a water birth you would be better at home with an independent midwife.

[Boobycino]

Hiya! Firstly welcome! I live very nearby to you and northbridge is a lovely suburb!

I've only been to rnsh and my experience there was pretty bad.

Also I had a room with a bath and mentioned a couple of times id like to hop in - but the middie kept telling me I could but then didn't organize it. Then I was too far gone in labour to think to remember to ask again - so I dunno. My whole labour there sucked though so I don't recommend it.

Though I've heard it's very different if you have a case load midwife there but you need to book in at soon as you get a :bfp: because they book out quickly. Otherwise id look at other options.

I'm closer to rnsh and ttc and looking into a 'homebirth' to avoid rnsh !

[elleandsam]

Just thought I'd let you know I am in western Sydney and had my first at north shore private and never found the travel distance a problem and we went at peak time, just make sure you have an etag.

We're booked in with RPA although we're moving in December to north Queensland.

[anna2508]

Ladies thank you so so much for your advice - especially studentmidwife 10 - I literally burst into relieved and happy tears when I read your post - and I'm not an emotional person!! :laughing: I'm so relieved that I will be likely to have the waterbirth I want at rnsh.

I have my birth pool from last time I gave birth, so I'll probably get hubby to bring it in the car boot just in case, but I'm definitely ringing rnsh to book in tomorrow morning with the midwifery group practice - ds was born here in the UK and I never once saw a doctor, only midwives, and would totally be looking for midwife led care with bubs no 2 as well.

Now I can't wait to get home!! Woo!! :australia-flag-06:

Thanks so much girls, honestly, this is the best news!

xxxx

[anna2508]

Just to say thanks again Ladies, I'm now booked into RNSH on the Group Midwifery Programme :smiliedance: - all it took was a 2am phonecall from the UK! :sleeping: The lady said I was on the waiting list - but as I'm only 3 weeks + 2 days pregnant, I can't imagine there's many other people booked in this early!!

Anna x

[mummyJ]

Excellent!
The group midwifery program at RNSH is great! I had DD there and had a waterbirth no worries! You will have the one midwife the whole way through so she will know your preferences like the back of her hand!
The baths in the group practice are HUGGGGGGE! They are like mamoth figure of 8 baths. Very very comfortable.
Hope all goes well and you get a midwife that you really click with!