I just wanted to pop my head in and say that I gave birth in a private hospital (norwest private) and I would definitely recommend creating a birth plan, make sure they put it in your file beforehand and bring a copy with you and be prepared to explain it (I had DH on that duty) and make sure every midwife in change of shift reads and understands it.

I found this to be an invaluable tool in assisting me to have the natural birth I ended up having in a private hospital. Some of the midwives attitude was just outright terrible, but they knew what I wanted and it had to be made very clear to them from the start. I had no gas, no intervention, no pain relief and was given time for the cord to stop pulsating and bub to do the breast crawl ALL because of my birth plan.

Put it in writing. your wants, your values and your expectations - in black and white. they are MUCH more likely to listen to you then.

The only reason I went private is because (besides having private health) as it was my first pregnancy I wasn't 100% sure of the outcome and I wanted to have peace of mind that IF necessary, i would receive the best medical care from an OB I somewhat trusted and that was very Important to me. I did a calm birth class and was very pro natural birth though. However next time (if and when) I am considering a home birth!

I would say to anyone that if you can get whoever is with you to be your voice and advocate that will help immensely.



Sent from my iPhone more than likely while I should be doing something else