I had my first baby at the RBWH Birth Centre, and I'm due to have my second there this week (or next). Apart from the ballot to be allocated a place, you do need to be a low risk pregnancy, so worth investigating this as well.

You also need to understand that you are not scanned as often as what some OB's offer, so if you like this pre-natal care, a birth centre may not be for you.

As long as your thoughts on birth align with the birth centres, then it is definetly worth applying. The Birth Centre offers Midwife led care for low risk pregnancies, for women who desire a low intervention birth without the use of drugs. You can access gas and I think pethadine, but if you want an epidural, you will be moved to the birth suite. The birth centre also offers water birth, and a more home like environment (double bed, not a hospital bed, private bathroom, couch, rocking chair).

The other point to note is the standard discharge time of 4-6 hours post birth, assuming mum and bub are cleared for discharge. All important points to consider.

I'm aware there is also a similar midwife led program at the Mater Public that focuses on active birth, so this might also be an option.

Good luck - I hope you get the birth you are after.