Water Birth Options - Perth

[Shae]

Does any one know about water birth options in Perth. I had my DD naturally in hospital and spent 3 hours in a big bath but it was too small to stay in for the delivary. I really wanted a water birth so I am thinking about it for the next one (TTC #2).

Thanks Shae

[JanetF]

TTC how exciting! Perhaps you could contact the CMP - Community Midwifery Program - I bet they'd know! Also Lois Wattis, a MW, listed below assists at home water births.

http://www.communitymidwives.org.au/

Lois Wattis
http://www.hulmeandassociates.com/bj/index.htm
0404 857 272

[Notchalk]

I had a home waterbirth 16 weeks + 1 day ago :) It was the most wonderful birth I could hope to experience. I went through the Community Midwifery Program with Midwife, Mary Murphy. She hires out the birth pools, too for $50 I think. I couldn't recommend her, or waterbirth in general highly enough.

Go for it!

Jo

[JanetF]

Ah beautiful, Jo :D Congratulations!

[Mum2Tyla]

Hi,
Unless you have a homebirth there are no water birth options in perth I also wanted a water birth but due to it being my first wanted to have my baby in a hospital in case of complications and my family is known to have very large babies, so I compromised I am haiving at the birthing centre at King edward it is run by midwives and they do have a big bath but you are unable to deliver in the bath as they are not covered for it, if you decidse you want an epidural you are transferred to the hospital, the facilities are really nice and so are the staff
Kelly
Tyla ann :) due on 22nd december 2005

[TDH]

I am planning a homebirth through the community midwifery program in a couple of weeks. They have 3 pools which are circulated around and cost around $50 to hire - you have to supply a few of your own materials but nothing too onerous.

I also believe that you can have a waterbirth at Woodside Maternity Hospital in Fremantle as they have recently purchased a bath/pool. It would be worth contacting them anyway to check. They are a public hospital and the hospital itself seems lovely, quiet and peaceful.

The community midwifery program can be difficult to get in to as they only take 150 women per year so its best to get your application in very early in your pregnancy. If you are unlucky and don't get accepted you can pay for a private midwife who will help you with a waterbirth.

[Honey]

I was my friends birthsupport at her home waterbirth in July and they made do with a blow up kiddie pool. worked perfectly! :D

Honey
DD23mths

[Shae]

Thanks for all of your replys.

Fremantle is a little bit far for us to go to we live in Joondalup.
I like the idea of using a blow up pool - do you need to have a mid wife present for a home birth?

My daughter was a big baby 4.2kg so I really like the idea of having the water as a support for my tummy and to take the pressure off my feet / back (everything)

[TDH]

Shae,
I don't know if you have to have a midwife present at a homebirth but I think it would be seriously unwise not to, just in case something goes wrong, and to give you the support you would need. It can be difficult enough to find a GP who is happy with a homebirth at all , evenwith a midwife present. I dont' think a GP or obstetrician would take you as a patient if you weren't going to try to go it alone.

[Mother Duck]

Hi Guys - see other post from me (Water Birthing in Qld) for details - BIG FAN OF W/B!!!

Thought I would suggest looking up Doulas if you are having a home birth. Good Luck