Royal Brisbane And Womens Hospital- any opinions???

[*Country Bumpkin*]

Hi everyone-

Im 13 weeks pregnant with bub #1 and im due on 17th August.

Just wondering if you can give me any idea on what I can expect at the RBWH during labour and birth..... Im looking for birth stories and any helpful advice for the whole appointment process- Ive had a bit of trouble getting in to the hospital for my first appointment but im going on the 23 feb at 3pm and i cant wait.

Also Im looking at going to the Birthing Center so any stories would be great

Ok thanks all!!!!

[alicesmum]

you'll be too late for the birth centre i'm afraid. you pratically have to call the birth centre before you call your significant other to get in (!!).

ask about the Phoenix or Pegasus programs. they are the next best things. they are midwife based programs (Phoenix is on a Thursday and Pegasus on a Friday I think). the midwives I had were all GREAT!!!! the waiting times can be siginficant for appts as the RWBH is so popular and there just aren't quite enough staff to cope with the demand, but i found it an excellent hospital overall.

good luck

[BJelly]

Hi Adele,

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I also can recommend the Pegasus and Phoenix midwives program - they were very nice and this way you have very good chance of being delivered by someone who you've met once or twice before - which is very nice! This program is midwife led, but if there are any complications with the birth, an obstetrician is on hand.

When I went through the RB&WH last year the antenatal classes and hospital tours booked up very early. If you can't get into the hospital antenatal classes like I couldn't, I can recommend the Childbirth Education Association's classes. They do cost, but you can get a package of antenatal classes, toy library membership and baby massage class and I think it cost less than $200 - you also get a newsletter every couple of months.

[Me]

I found the hospital great. I can recommend doing the Pregnastics classes(exercise classes) - you'll have to ask for a sheet when you go to your first appointment there then get it signed by either your dr at the hospital or by your gp(just says that you are fit enough to participate) - they are a great way of meeting other mums to be and also keep you active and fit during your pregnancy. Afterwards there are similar classes called mother and baby classes which i am currently doing and find they are great too!

I found the whole experience really lovely - comfortable facilities and loving, confident midwives - i couldn't have asked for anything more!

If you have any more questions feel free to PM me

[Hukuna Matata]

you'll be too late for the birth centre i'm afraid. you pratically have to call the birth centre before you call your significant other to get in (!!).

No no no, it may not be too late.

Due to recent changes in the ballot system, the birth centre midwives no longer have anything to do with the ballot and is now conducted by the hospital. The whole process is longer.

My current understanding of the situation is that you book into maternity services at RWBH. At your booking in appt with a midwife, you should have your options presented to you including birth centre care, team midwifery care or shared GP care. You then indicate your preferences. If you nominate birth centre care as 1st preference, you'll go into a randomised selection process that is conducted by the hospital. You should be notified as to whether you can receive BC care.

The BC care at RBWH is fabulous. Speaking from experience. Can't comment on other maternity services......

[*Country Bumpkin*]

hi kara

i just found out through a group im involved with- young parents programe taht they have placed me on the "special care" list. Because im young they have a different ballot system or somethig- so basically i have doubled my chances of getting into the BC!!! Yipppiiii Im sooo happy i got involved with YPP if I wasnt i would be struggling with the hospital- i had problems before i got YPP to caht with them

I should know if im in or not in about 2 weeks so im holding my breath!!!