Cairns Base Hospital

**TeamAwesome** · 11-01-2007 21:39

Hi Girls,

just wondering what your experiences have been like at Cairns base for the antenatal care as well as the birth suite and the after care.... any thing whether its word of mouth would be a big help.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Natalie

**Kylles** · 11-01-2007 23:17

My first child was born at Cairns Base almost 4 years ago. I found it great even after having an emergency c-section and a terrible reaction to the drugs.

The midwives were absolutely fantastic, I saw 3 through my labour and was lucky enough to have the one we had for our Anti natal classes first so I felt really comfortable.

I had a big baby and my milk was slow coming in and the midwives were great in helping me settle bub and taking her for a while to give me a break when her relentless crying wouldn't stop.

I have nothing but positive comments from my experience there.

Hope that helps.

**TeamAwesome** · 12-01-2007 06:37

Thanks aussie swede, yeah thats the sort of thing I'm after. We're TTC atm and we're going to be possibly moving up that way so just getting a feel for it.
Thanks again.
Natalie

**Pippi Longstocking** · 12-01-2007 07:22

I've had four babies at Cairns Base. My first experience back in '94 was horrendous. The midwife was awful, the "delivery room" (pizza anyone?! I hate that term!) small and dirty looking and the entire maternity ward had a shared toilet and shower room with no privacy at all. The last thing I wanted was to shower in full view of anyone that came in when I was leaky, droopy, bleedy etc.

(they did have bodgy shower curtains that were see-though and lightweight so they blew open every time people walked in).
Buuttt...by the time I had my fourth baby, they had built the new maternity ward and it was lovely! Double rooms with an ensuite replaced the 4 and 6 bed wards

and it was great.

Like anywhere, there are some dodgy midwives and some fantastic ones. My advice would be to fully educate yourself, work out what kind of birth you want and if you are at all able, get a doula to help make sure your birth goes as you want it to (as much as it can, of course!)

**TeamAwesome** · 12-01-2007 08:33

Thanks Guv,
you're right every place has dodgy and fantastic ones but I just wnated to hear what people thought... If we're up in Cairns when I'm due then thats where I'd be having my bub no matter what... I just try to go in with an open mind to everything but wanted a general idea cos there is nothing on QLD health's website at all about it. good to hear they've good double rooms much better with privacy! and to not have to go into the hallway to have a shower even better! thanks for your replies!!
Natalie