Hi Babyluv,

The gals have given you tons of information, particularly Catherine.

I'll quickly share my story as I went to SJOG in Berwick. This was in June of 2007. I chose SJOG as I live 5 mins away, have private health insurance, had heard mixed reports of South Eastern (two terrible reports being from a very close gf of mine - PM if you want the details). I also heard from a GF that at the time Casey would not admit you if your BMI was in the obese range, which mine was and that you would have to go to Dandenong hospital.....

Started pre-labour on Thursday night - up & down, timing contractions, calling the hospital, going to the hospital then being sent home as contractions would slow down. This was constant over the weekend too. Went in Saturday & had internal done, only 1cm. Was told to go home, rest as much & if contractions come on quicker/more intense to return - never bothered, nothing really changed. Went in very early Sunday morning as I was buggered from lack of sleep & they asked if I wanted a sleeping tablet but had to remain in hospital so they could keep an eye on me. Must have dozed off then ended up in the bath/shower at about 5am on & off until OBS (not mine) came in about 8am (?), again only 1cm dialated. Grrrr! Was given option of going home to continue labouring & seeing fill in OBS (mine was on holidays) the next day about 4pm or have my water ruptured / put on the drip. Chose the later after much consultation with DH & sister. Full on labour started 10am labour progressed to about 6cms dialation at about 4pm. Ended up trying the gas & had an epidural for pain relief. DD heartrate was becoming difficult to find & when they did it was all over the place. She seemed wedged right under my ribs, rather than down & engaged (?) OBS gave me choice of continuing to labour or c-sect. Again, after much consultation with DH & sister decided on c-sect. DD was 'born' just past 6pm. Care during theatre was amazing. Everyone kept talking to me, telling me what was going on, m/w & other surgical team kept stroking my hair, holding my hand. Went to recovery for short time before being t'fered to a room where I got to properly cuddle & feed DD. Next day was transferred into a double room - DH quite welcome to stay and stayed for 8 days due to bf difficulties. They offered for me to stay another day but I declined & went home.

I agree with choosing an OBS who is supportive of your birth choice but also you want to go to a hospital where the m/ws are supportive of the after care and parenting choices you want to make. SJOG m/w were really quite supportive. Some I didn't 'click' with & one when I decided to ff DD chose to ignore me (WTH?!), other than that I couldn't really fault them.

Many hospitals offer 'information sessions' where you get to tour the midwifery unit & meet an OBS & m/ws. If you can, go to them and get as much knowledge as possible. Best of luck with your decision.