Newcastle Birthing Options

honeyfrog · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005, 09:47 PM

I just posted this in the birth information area but perhaps you can help me with this info can't hurt to have the details available for others either

Does anyone live in the Newcastle area and have a good sense of the birthing options there?

I have a friend who is in well into her 2nd trimester and just found out they are moving there in 6 weeks due to hubbies job, and quite nervous about what her options will be. She is coming from being in a Team Midwifery model of care through the hospital here.

Birth Centre?
Midwifery Care?
Hospital Options? which ones are more women centred. Preferably public.
Doula's?

Thanks
Honey

mamasue · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 09:22 AM

i had maia at the birth centre at JHH and had a fantastic birth - one of these days i will post my birth story...

the antenatal care was fantastic as well, i went home the same day and the home visit midwives weren't that great, but they were the same whether hosp or bc

HTH

vespertine · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 04:16 PM

I too just had a birth at the Birth Centre at the John Hunter Hospital, it was great. I was very happy with the care I received throughout labour and birth... the midwives were lovely. I, like Sue, went home the day of delivery and received home visits from midwives, but the midwives were from Maitland Hospital (as I'm in Cessnock) and were fantastic.

I'd advise your friend, if she chooses to birth there, to ask for the Birth Centre team antenatal care, NOT the general team care. The midwives at the Birth Centre have case loading (you should only see 2-3 midwives for all your visits) and there's much less of a wait for appointments.

I can't say much for the other options in the area, but I'd recommend JHH too (if your friend decides not to have a home birth.)

Good luck to her!

mykidsmum · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2005, 10:40 AM

Honey, PM me and I'm happy to talk to your friend about her options, there is also the Hunter Home and Natural Birth Support Group here in Newcastle and there is a lot of information available about birthing options through them all too.
It would be great if she could talk to one or several of the members of the group to help her in choosing what options would suit her best. We also have a couple of midwives as part of the group who give a lot of inside information.