Like Jelvie I had my first child at the RWH - that was 12 years ago now and we transfered from a homebirth... I did't have a great experience. The midwives in my labour were absolutely top notch but I didn't enjoy the after care. But, as I said that was 12 years ago.

I am not sure but 3 years ago they were running the Pegasus programme at RWBH. Is that still going Jelvie? If so, this is where there is team midwifery. So, you hvae one of 4 midwives at each antenatal visit and one of those four will be at your birth in LW. This means you CANNOT have a water birth. But, you can have access to the showers etc just not water immersion. It may be an option for you.

Second to that you can pay to go to a private hospital. Selangor hospital at Nambour routinely uses water to labour/birth. It's a great service. You can birth and stay a night. Your maternity allowance would probably cover the cost. It's an option. Or, of course there are other private hospitals in Brisbane. Unfortunately I don't believe any have water births...

Good luck with your decision. It's a hard one hey?