Freemasons Hospital Melbourne

**emma2938** · 21-07-2008 22:57

Hi Girls,

well i went for my hospital tour the other week, and I was so disappointed to learn that Freemasons have torn out their baths!!! No more baths at all!!!!
They said they needed the room for two more delivery suites, which is great, but no baths?

I was so looking fwd to spending time in a bath during labour. Its made me second guess even going there.

Anyone got any reassuring words about Freemasons?

**Lissa7** · 22-07-2008 07:50

Oh my goodness I just had my 3rd baby there on 11th July and I can't speak highly enough about the place !!!!!!!!!!

Our midwife was amazing and so were all the staff during my stayand I was lucky enough to have one of the new delivery suites and it was beautiful. And there is also the option of moving to the Park Hyatt if you want although I was very comfortable and didn't want to leave. The food was also delicious!!! And the midwives took Lily for me each night about 10.30pm so I could get a good block of sleep which was great and meant that I didn't come home completely exhausted.

The bath for me was never an option though I was happy to move around and I used labour T.E.N.S so I couldn't use the bath anyway, don't let this put you off such a great hospital and it's staff though. Is this your 1st baby??? Chances are you may not want the bath once you are actually in labour it can all change when you are actually there doing it. Good luck you are in wonderful safe hands there. Who is your obs???

Take care

**Shootingstar** · 31-07-2008 09:58

Im booked into the freemasons.

Lissa it was great to read your response. Im booked in with dr. Pregs Pillay. I too was a bit unsure that there is no bath, but surely there is a shower, I will just use that.

Do they ask you if you want to stay at the park hyatt? Or do you have to tell them when they get there so you can get in line?

**Lissa7** · 03-08-2008 22:14

Hi there they do ask you if you would like to go to Park Hyatt, I got asked on the day after I had Lily. You will really enjoy your stay at Freemasons the staff are wonderful and as I said the food is yum!!!!!!!!!! You can also request a queen bed room when you are admitted then you have the option of your hubby staying and he can also have meals with you also which we always found a nice thing to do.

All the best

**Chalk** · 08-08-2008 16:11

I have to say I think it is a worry when maternity units get rid of baths in the birth suite area. Of course I realise showers are still available and great in their own way. But I think having a bath available is important in options for non-medicated pain management. I worry it is reducing options for keeping as relaxed and comfortable as you can in labour.

Perhaps have a think about other things you might like to do in labour in help with coping with the pain such as heat packs, tens machines, massage, and of course jump in the shower. My experience with showers was I got cold because I have the water jet pointed towards my lower tummy (where my pain was) and the rest of me was shivering! However I'm sure lots of people would have found showers perfectly adequate.

Best wishes for your pregnancy.

I have heard lots of good things about this hospital though and I hope you have a great stay there.

Best wishes,
Chalk.

**KiahsMum** · 08-08-2008 23:27

We were told when we did the tour before DD's birth that they were rarely used so I guess they decided demand didn't outweigh the need for the extra suites?

**emma2938** · 13-08-2008 17:09

Originally Posted by Lissa7

Oh my goodness I just had my 3rd baby there on 11th July and I can't speak highly enough about the place !!!!!!!!!!

Our midwife was amazing and so were all the staff during my stayand I was lucky enough to have one of the new delivery suites and it was beautiful. And there is also the option of moving to the Park Hyatt if you want although I was very comfortable and didn't want to leave. The food was also delicious!!! And the midwives took Lily for me each night about 10.30pm so I could get a good block of sleep which was great and meant that I didn't come home completely exhausted.

The bath for me was never an option though I was happy to move around and I used labour T.E.N.S so I couldn't use the bath anyway, don't let this put you off such a great hospital and it's staff though. Is this your 1st baby??? Chances are you may not want the bath once you are actually in labour it can all change when you are actually there doing it. Good luck you are in wonderful safe hands there. Who is your obs???

Take care

Hi Lissa,

Yep, its my first babu. My obs is Dr Guy Skinner. I have found him to be wonderful and am so glad I found him! I think you use him as well dont you??
Emma.