Birthing Suite

[Trix]

At my 12 week scan I booked into the Labour Ward (for some unknown reason), well I do know why, the midwife said, if you are even considering any drugs you're better off the labour ward, so me not knowing ANYTHING at that stage just went along with her suggestion.

Now at 19 weeks i've decided I want to go in the birthing suite, I want to go drug free! Is it too late to change my mind and book in the birthing suite? I know how quickly they fill up, but how do they work it out if you don't know the exact date you'll go into labour?

[Artemis]

Sorr Trix.. where are you posting from? Perhaps it would be best to look at strategies that will help you meet your goal for a drug free birth. Doula's or birth attendants are a great way to recieve support during childbirth and women who use them have far less usage of interventions and drugs. I know a doula that visits this site - I will pm her and get her to post some info for you.

[Jamily]

Hello

I had bub at the Birth Centre in the Royal North Shore in Sydney - I booked in at 16 weeks so perhaps 19 isn't too late.

Good luck,

Claire

[DoulaFelicity]

Hi Trix (and thanks for your PM, *******) ,

19 weeks isn't too late at all. What hospital is the Birth Centre contained within? Your chances of obtaining a spot there really depend on hospital policy (which is always negotiable, no matter what they initially tell you ) and the logistics of how much room they have left in the Birth Centre. They take on a certain number of birthing women due each month, based on the staff they have available at that time. If you have any difficulties getting a spot, maybe negotiate along the lines of having all your antenatal appointments at the Birth Centre, and being put down for a spot there based on whether there is room and staff available when you go into labour? Always be willing to push (hard) for every little thing that will help you get the birth you want - the environment you birth in is extremely important, and a Birth Centre can be a wonderful environment for a natural, drug free birth. Certainly you have far more chance there then in the general Labour ward, where natural drug free birth is, sadly, very much outside the norm. Rest assured that should anything occur during your birth that requires you to have medical intervention (highly unlikely in the course of a normal birth), transferring to the Labour ward is a matter of some paperwork and a quick trip that can be done in minutes - so don't allow your fear of not having access to drugs (which you won't need anyway ) influence your choices.

In terms of achieving a natural, drug free labour and birth, particularly in the hospital system, you may wish to look into hiring a Doula (professional birth attendant) to support you during your pregnancy and labour. A Doula can help you obtain the information you require to be well informed and empowered, give you the emotional support that every pregnant and labouring Mum so sorely needs, and offer physical support during pregnancy and labour. The presence of a Doula during labour has been shown to result in the following wonderful outcomes:-

Decreased medical intervention in labor:
Reduces need for cesarean by 50%
Reduces length of labor by 25%
Reduces use of oxytocin by 40%
Reduces pain medication use by 30%
Reduces the need for forceps by 40%
Reduces epidural requests by 60%

6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied w/ partner (71% vs 30%)
More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)

There is a listing of Doulas right here on BubHub (http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesdoula.shtml) that you might be interested in checking out. Most Doulas will be willing to negotiate their fee with you based on what you can afford; we do it for passion, not riches. If paying any fee is completely out of the question for you, contacting one of the larger Doula organisations (Doula Express, Doulas Australia, Dial a Doula, Optimum Birth, Childbirth International) and requesting a Doula in Training is another option. Doulas in Training practice free of charge, whilst still coming to you with invaluable skills and training - they just haven't received their certification yet. It is worth noting that some of the most experienced and wonderful Doulas have never certified; their experience and passion is their qualification.

Hopefully this has been of some help to you. If you'd like to know anything else at all, please ask. The only silly question is the one that goes unspoken.

And above all, very best wishes for a beautiful birth.

Cheers,

[Trix]

Thanks everyone, i'm going to Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide. I have an appointment on Tuesday so will ask my midwife then . . . . no, I'll TELL my midwife then! We'll see. I really hope they have room left!!!

[Trix]

DoulaFelicity,

Are you able to tell me an average fee for a Doula, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. Or does it vary too much for you to comment?

I do like the idea, but due to budgetry cuts (losing my income) hubby and I probably couldn't afford anything too out there, so might just have to look into a student in that situation.

Although I'm already having a student midwife follow my pregnancy and birth, i wonder if my hubby, a training doula and a training midwife is too much??

Thanks so much for the info!

[DoulaFelicity]

Hi Trix,

Doula fees vary, depending on a number of factors. As a rough guide, you'd generally be looking at anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Do speak to some Doulas before making any money based decisions, though; you may find one willing to negotiate lower than that, or to chat about some other form of payment (some Doulas take payment by way of exhange of services).

A Doula in Training is by no means a newcomer to pregnancy or childbirth. Often the only distinction between them and a Certified Doula is the Certificate itself. If paying a fee definitely becomes something you can't do at all, speak to a few Doulas in Training and see how you and your husband feel. You may find one that you both "click" with, and you'll immediately begin to reap the benefits.

Good luck with the Hospital. Remember, it's your birth, and you have the right to negotiate so that your needs are met.

[Pixie]

Ah I am so glad to have found this, and think I have just found a solution to many questions I had!

I hope I can afford it and if not have a training doula at least they have some idea!

[brooke]

hello trix,
I would defiently TELL your modwife you would prefer the birthing centre!

I am booked in for the birthing centre at the womens and childrens
but that because i am in the midwifery group practice and they are the rooms that they use otherwise its a matter of first in first served! and the thought of a labour ward scared me!

good luck trix and let us know how you go!

[jaydensmum]

Trix - if you want to give birth in the birthing centre then tell the midwive that. Thats there job to do whatever you say! If they are all booked up then unfortunately you'll have to do it in the labour ward. You dont have to use drugs just because your in the labour ward. I gave birth in the labour ward with no drugs. Just make sure that you ask her sooner than later because they do get booked out very fast. Best of luck with getting your booking!!

jaydensmum