homebirth options in Cairns

[Mermaid]

Hello everyone....
This is my 1st post. Let's hope this works.
I am 18 weeks pregnant with my 1st baby. I live at the Northern Beaches in Cairns. I am wanting to find out more about the birthing options available to me.
I would love to have a water birth. Is this possible in Cairns? Is it possible at the Cairns Base?
I do not have private health care.
Does anyone recommend a really good midwife/doula?
Any other information you would like to share please feel free.

I am very very green to all of this & would welcome any advice/suggestions you have.

Thanks

[Visitor7]

Hi Mermaid,

Welcome to BellyBelly and congratulations on your pregnancy!!
I unfortunately haven't looked into a doula/private midwife in Cairns YET, as I'm not pregnant. But what I can tell you, is that Cairns Base is a fantastic hospital to birth in. And yes, they do have the option of having a water birth. Have you been for a tour yet? Have you seen any dr's there yet?

Let us know how you get on.

[AngelsMum]

I just wanted to add to this thread to say that I keep in touch with most of the birth workers in the region, so if anyone wants updated details, feel free to contact me: haylynda (at symbol) hotmail.com.

I am also actively & constantly trying to encourage someone to train as a doula. I almost (pressured? ) *ahem* encouraged someone to train recently, but she's chosen to be a post-natal doula. Which is still pretty brilliant!

So, as a quick summary to date, in the region we have:

* 3 Independant MW's. Though one is/was on hiatus, one only covers a certain area, and one travels from Townsvile thru north of Cairns & Tablelands.
* There is an acupuncturist in Kuranda who does sometimes attend births as a doula in Cairns.
* There's now a post-natal doula in Cairns and soon to be in Innisfail..
* A homebirth doula who also does provide pre-natal education.
* Two doulas in my area (between Cairns & Townsville). However, the other doula is thinking about moving a bit closer to Cairns .... so who knows?
* I will attend homebirths further afield and on occasion, attend clients who are birthing in Cairns hospitals.

I also have a summary of the Perinatal Data of the hospitals in the region if anyone would like a copy.

Anyway, I'm not sure if I've forgotten anything, but I'll update anyone at the time.

Feel free to contact me anytime!

Cheers,
Angelsmum/Lynda.