What's it like...?

[QueenMab]

So, here I am, early in pregnancy number 2, and I am already not only terrified of labour (it frikkin hurts lol) but terrified of going to hospital, or, more precisely, giving birth in a labour ward.

Punky was born in the water at the RPA Birth Centre, no drugs, no issues, but now we're in "the country" and there are certainly no Birth Centre options here.

Homebirth, well, I would love it. L.O.V.E. But I just don't think it would be possible, cost wise (although any info anyone can direct me to re: homebirth in Victoria would be greatly appreciated, if the costs were spread out I might be able to get them past DP lol, but then the whold govt changes to regulations & everything... is it all just too hard to contemplate...?!), so I'm stuck freaking out about what to do with Punky when I go into labour & wondering how different birthing in the labour ward is going to be.

What is the procedure in a labour ward? You can't give birth in the bath, can you? Who is there? A nurse? A doctor? A midwife? Did you like your hospital labour?

Put my mind at ease, won't you?!

[Olive]

hi hun and welcome back!!

i had both DD in a labour ward, with DD2 i had my DH, doula and midwife, a second midwife came in at the end but it was a brilliant labour and birth, drug free, not bath but i did spend the last40 mins including transition in the shower which was bliss!! if you cant have a homebirth then id look into having a doula!!

[~Trish~]

Some hospitals do allow waterbirths, our hospital does now. You just need to ask. I have had three labour ward births, two of them drug free. The rooms were really well set up and comfortable. I second Olive's suggestion of getting a doula!

I read up on calmbirthing and my last two labours were wonderful. DD's was completely drug free, I had her 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital, it was a great experience!

[TeniBear]

My hospital had a birthing bath that we could use if we really needed it - but there was just the one, so tough luck if someone else was in there. Each room had a shower attached (as they tend to do), birthing balls, mats, etc. So there were quite a few different options. And this is a hospital that I had a hard time finding positive feedback about!

ETA: Oh yeah, and you'd think for a SB, you'd see the doctor more than the midwives - I don't think I even met "my" ob That would explain why he f***'ed up the paperwork

[Fleur]

I had all mine in the labour ward (uh except DS2) and it's really not that bad not as nice as a Birth Centre I'm sure but not awful.
You would most likely have just a midwife, you might never see a doctor - I didn't see a Dr with my second & fourth labours, my fourth was a VBAC & it was just a midwife. They pretty much left us to it and were there if we needed them (and then for the actual birth).
Water / bath will depend on the hossy but I used the shower a lot with DS1 & it was great

All labours are different but FWIW I loved my labour with DS2, it was great

[QueenMab]

Ah, thank you ladies, I knew you would put my mind at ease!

Trish - I went to calmbirth classes AND had no fear of labour, so the actual, hideous, almost unbearable pain... well, that kind of took me by suprise! I guess I'm just not that good at going to my 'happy place' lol.

Re: A doula - I forgot about that, actually. I looked into having a doula for #1 but after meeting a couple decided against it, in the end I was glad it was just DP & the midwife, but I might look into that again, DP was a wee bit at a loss....

[Oorki Galoorki]

talk with HB midwives and discuss payment plans and costs...esp if that is all that is holding you back.

i know with my 1st it was terrible pain but my second it wasnt anywhere as bad as i knew that it wouldnt last long and i knew that working with them, going with the flow would be better.. DDs birth was STUNNING compared to DS.

[QueenMab]

Oorki Galoorki - I read in another thread when I was snooping that Warranambool was 2 hours from you when I imagine you were looking for an IM - I am in Colac, you don't have any contacts for this area do you? I seem to be having no luck... (and after a much more positive chat with DP, well in a way, if you can call "Well... you're the one that has to push it out.." positive lol, I am feeling a bit more optimistic...)

[Oorki Galoorki]

there isnt any one near me.
and i am in SA so no vic ones could come here unless registered in both states.
i dont have any contacts for vic atm but check out the maternity coalition "MIPPS" maybe chat with alan too as it appears he is thinking about coming down to vic permanently (although different area) he might still be happy to come to you.

any other info let me know.
also would you be interested in having a student midwife follow your pregnancy? i have a friend in portland and one in warnambool

[QueenMab]

also would you be interested in having a student midwife follow your pregnancy? i have a friend in portland and one in warnambool

Gosh I have no idea! Perhaps if I found an IM & they were cool with it too, but we are talking the very first thougths of possibility here...!

I have emailed a couple of people & have my fingers crossed that I can be put in touch with the right peeps... will keep you posted! (But, if that does nae work out, I still am so glad y'all made me feel a bit less freaked out!)

[The[cookie]Doctor]

QM - G-Town have a birth centre... maybe too late to get... and the 60-75 min drive might be... hmmm I guess I wouldnt recommend the travel, 20 minutes from Lara was bad enough for me.

My hospital birth was perfect! (G-Town public normal delivery suites) Okay, sure there is things I would change BUT they did it was really good. The only reason I want a homebirth as that I dont see the point in wasting hosp facilities if I can do it at home etc.

GL in your decision.

[QueenMab]

DC - You don't know of any IMs down this way do you? And I REALLY don't fancy driving that far... hossie here is a 2 min walk away... and I don't particularly fancy that lol.

[Kitt3n]

oh QM I hope you find an IM - HB is such a different experience, and worth every cent.

FWIW, we didn't decide on HB until I was 30 weeks with Laa - so you have plenty of time!

I think Kellie put up listings of IM's in every state .....

ETA here you go, I hope there is on here for you...?

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...-tasmania-ims/

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Sorry hun I dont know anyone. Havent looked into it as we dont plan on TTC any time soon (despite both our longing wishes, practicality is the winner here), and not down that way any more! Sorry I cant help but I think Kellys lists are pretty comprehensive and there was a fairly big group from the area came to the homebirth protest in canberra so there must be soem around!

[Oorki Galoorki]

how have you gone heard back from any one?