Monash Birth centre - is it good?

My 2 DDs were born at the Monash Birth Centre in Moorabbin - and I felt that experience was fantastic!!!!!

But, now the Birth Centre has moved in to the big noisy smelly impersonal hospital in Clayton (notice my opinion so far????) and I am wondering if anyone has been there and can tell me what it is like - especiall if you've been to Moorabbin as well?

Thanks!!

Pip,
Mother of DD6 & DD3 and one on the way.

[BellyBelly]

Have heard (and supported) women having gorgeous waterbirths there You could always opt for a homebirth for the ultimate in personal experience

Thanks Kelly - Home Birth is my preferred option, actually. My DH needs a bit more convincing and there's the cost to consider...

Sometimes I feel like just going to the Birth Centre because I just can't be bothered with the politics of a home birth, and things are 'done' for me... But also, I'm not sure about this Clayton centre. **sigh** I found people already thoguht I was a 'tree-hugging hippy' as I had water births and breastfed for a few years. A homebirth might push people's opinions over the top. IYKWIM ;-)

So I have an appointment after 12 wks and I'll see what I think then. I wonder how suppotive the midwives at the BC would be of the HB decision?? My GP just wouldn't hear me say the words 'Home Birth'. Just ignored me and went on about the BC as I'd mentined that as a 2nd option.

[BellyBelly]

Most women will get an earful when telling their GP they want a homebirth! Why dont you arrange for a couple of midwives to come and meet you in your home, no strings attached? Then your hubby will see it's not all that tree-hugging stuff and you might relax about the idea too - why worry what other people think? When you could have an awesome experience and one on one care your whole pregnancy and birth. Not just a 5 minute visit but a 2 hour one in your home, not to mention the great outcomes homebirth offers, generally faster labours etc

Check out both sides and see where you feel most comfortable. Who cares what anyone else thinks, whats important is whats best for you and your baby. Homebirth has certainly changed over the years and they are normal midwives like the ones at hospital, only they come to your home and are passionate about helping you acheive the birth you want, they are on YOUR team and not the hospitals, bound by their protocols. Even if there is a need to transfer, you will still have that known carer with you, which studies show is massively beneficial.

Hi, I had DS4 at Monash birth centre Moorabbin and it was fantastic and I just loved the hospital, the staff,the whole experience.

I also had DS5 at Monash birth centre Clayton and it was still fantastic and nothing had changed except it was a different hospital but the midwives were exactly the same.
I still had the best treatment and support that I could wish for and I would reccomend the birth centre clayton to anyone.
I am pg with number 6 and wanted to go through the birth centre again but I am not allowed to do so as I am now considered high risk and I was devestated when the OB told me.
So now I am going through the Monash hospital and it is just not the same as dealing with the birth centre.
I am sure after your appointment you will see how great they are.

Take care
Michelle

[Angel Babies 3]

I have birthed in at Monash Birth Centre Clayton and the general maternity/labour ward and found both to be very good. In my experience, I have found no reason to fault either facility.
Good luck,
Debbie