Independant midwife... hospital birth??

[Jorja]

Hi,

I am just wondering if it is possible to have an independant widwife for a hospital birth?
If this is a possibility do you know of any IMs who offer this service in Brisbane?

Thanks

[One of THOSE mums!]

Most hospitals won't allow it. But u can always call then another support person. However they have no say medically.

[Jorja]

Ohhhhh
Im just trying to evaluate my options..... I had my last child at the Birth centre but have not been excepted due to a change in policy (they are now only accecpting woman from RBWH catchment area). I didnt get into midwifery group practice at the mMAter as it is so popular. I have had one appointemnt with an OB.... when i asked if they were supportive of a natural birth they requested that i put my birth plan in writing and then we could discuss it. Not a completly negative response but i can just see i will spend the next few months and my labour negotiating!

I just want continuety of care with someone who is supportive of natural birth..... is it to much to ask for

[Merla]

You would be better off looking for a experienced Doula to support you.

An IM will set you back about 3.5-4.5k and they really don't have any power in a hospital setting.

Have you considered staying home?

[Jorja]

I have considered home birth....... My husband dosnt think it is a great idea, but i could talk hime round
What puts me off is the out of pocket expense! I dont mind the process of going to hospital. I have a very full on 2.5 year old DS and i actually like the idea of spending a night or two in hospital to rest up and focus on the baby.
I also thought about a Doula but if i am out of pocket $1600 for the Ob i would prefer not to have to pay a doula as well. If i go public with a doula i wont be able to go to the private hospiatl i have chosen which is close to home, has private romms and allows DH to stay if i like.
I just want to go back to the birth centre

[scarlett41]

I am having an independent midwife with me at a public hospital but there is a catch....she is a student midwife (3rd year, 3 kids of her own).

It may be something to consider in your situation. Last time she followed my whole pregnancy as part of her uni commitments-so she came to everything scans, ob appoints, GP appoints. She was there for pretty much the whole labour (once her DH had gotten home to look after her kids!!) and DS was actually the first baby she delivered on her own rather then just observing.

The thing that was unreal was that I trusted her above all other support personnel-including DH. She had been with me through every appoint (and every waiting for appoint time) and knew my limitations etc so she could really be my advocate. Plus I think as a student she was more willing to try "left of centre" stuff rather then experienced midwives who do the sames same over and over (not a criticism just a student wanting to try theories she has learnt about!!).

The only thing was that I had to give birth at the hospital that was aligned with her uni (I would have gone there anyway) and of course as a student she had to take a back seat to the trained midwives in terms of the final decision making. She even helped me shower and clean up after DS was finally born and gave him all the injections and stuff!!

We have since become good friends and she will be in the delivery room with me again (but she doesn't need to follow the whole pregnancy this time).

Oh and it didn't cost a cent (apart from the pedicure voucher I got her to say thanks!!)

For me definitely a winner but obviously not for everyone!

Good Luck-what a shame you can't have your birth centre experience again

[missred]

YES of course you can have an IM at a public hospital BUT they can only act as a support person. They can give you advice etc but they CAN NOT perform anything medically, so they act like a Doula.
Normally an IM fee's are less than a home birth if you are only having them as a support person. But you would have to contact some IM's to find out.

Where do you live???
Depending on what hospital you are going to google My Midwives, i am going through them this time. I am able to get a medicare rebate for everything!
I was going through Mater Mothers (i have had 3 bubs there) but have changed to Ipswich so i can have my own midwife.