"Non clinical environment and continuous care"

I found the continuous care from start to finish made a positive difference to my mental health throughout pregnancy and my experience of birth. The relationship I built with my midwife allowed me to be in a safe space and ask all the uncomfortable and important questions in the lead up. I believe it's a very personal experience where you are left vulnerable so going in with someone I knew made me feel comfortable and safe. I learnt these are two very important emotions to promote oxytocin in labour. 

We were given information and choices at each antenatal appointment to go home and think about which was so important for us being able to decide what was best for me and baby before the onset of a very overwhelming event (the birth). I'm glad I didn't have to make many decisions in the moment and was able to reflect on them in my own time e.g. Vitamin K, hep B shot, physiological or active 3rd stage, the opportunity for my partner to catch the baby etc.

We also took part in the online parenting classes which I felt were a great opportunity for us but mainly my partner, to learn more about pregnancy and birth. I think one in-person class to be attended by the woman and her partner would be beneficial to teach breathing techniques and positions/techniques for labour.

I found the birth space was fantastic. I laboured as much as I could at home and when I walked into the FBC surrounded by fairy lights, I felt at peace. We had everything we needed around us and I felt I was never rushed to progress throughout the birth. My midwife was great at leaving us to have our own space but doing the necessary checks required. It didn't feel clinical and I was able to use the bath, shower, peanut ball, gas and movement to help with the pain. I also really benefited from the sterile water injections which helped ease the back pain I had and progress into the pushing phase. I later learnt I was the first woman to utilise the SWI and felt excited to have the opportunity.

The only things I would change about KEH is that I felt the facilities are a little old, more rooms with baths should be available and I think breathing and preparation techniques could be taught prior to the birth. It would also be great if more of the public knew about this fantastic program, I have been spreading the word to all my pregnant friends who wish someone had told them sooner. I believe it's important that we offer this kind of care to southern, northern, central and regional cities in WA. In my opinion, everyone has a right to birth naturally with minimal intervention.