For many women, especially first time mothers who may be a little anxious about the birth experience, a hospital water birth could be the perfect solution.
There are now a number of Australian hospitals that support water births. This is great news for all those mums-to-be who would love a natural birth, have heard about the pain relief of water births, want to be guided by an expert midwife, but need the assurance of medical assistance in case there is a birth emergency.
So, can your medical center offer you a water birth? Check the list below, which hopefully includes your local maternity facility. Keep in mind that hospital water birth is becoming more commonplace, so even if your local hospital doesn’t appear in the list below, give them a call to see if they’ve recently added water births to their services or are planning to do so in time for your baby’s birth.
You could also ask your GP if they know where you could have a water birth. It’s also a good idea to ask pregnant women and mothers, especially if you’d like to hear about other people’s experiences with clinic water birth. Women are usually pretty good at sharing this sort of information, so you’re bound to get lots of useful feedback and suggestions.
Antenatal classes can be a good source of information and guidance. When you choose your antenatal course, ask if they discuss water birth in the classes, or are prepared to do so on request.
Preparing and planning for a water birth in a medical center is fairly straightforward and you’ll receive help from your caregiver, who is usually a midwife. When choosing a caregiver, ask them if they support water birth – i.e. do they have the equipment, experience, knowledge and attitude to guide you through your water birth?
If you’ve already chosen a caregiver, ask them if the medical centre you’re booked into has a birth pool or tub. You should also ask them:
Some midwives have their own birthing pools, and you can also hire them in some parts of Australia .
Water Birth is a subject that can polarise opinions around many mothers in Australia . It has its heroes and critics. But having the right information will help you to make an informed decision. Here are some advantages:
Disadvantages of having a water birth
Whatever style you choose to deliver your baby, just remember the choice is yours. Don’t be bullied by well meaning friends and distant family. Research the situation and come to a decision that suits you and your immediate family. Following is a list of hospitals that offer water births (According to babybelly.com.au). These facilities are not recommended or vetted by Huggies.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra Birth Centre
Queanbeyan Hospital
Canberra Hospital
New South Wales
Mullumbimby & District War Memorial Hospital Birthing Service
Queensland
John Flynn Private Hospital
Royal Brisbane Womens Hospital Birth Centre
Gold Coast Hospital Birth Centre
Mackay Hospital Birth Centre
Selangor Private Hospital, Nambour
Ipswich Hospital
Victoria
Monash Medical Centre – Family Birth Centre
William Angliss – Family Birth Centre