"Birth"

I was so grateful to have had a natural physiological birth at Northam Hospital in the birth pool. I had been booked in for an induction and transfer to another hospital which was very distressing, but luckily my daughter decided to enter the world that night. I had focused on calm birth techniques and was so grateful to have the opportunity to birth in water at Northam. I believe its an incredible service and opportunity for women to have empowered births, and something that should be offered as standard care. My experience of climbing into the warm pool was instant relief and comfort, my muscles melted and gravity was lifted, it allowed me to breathe my baby out in a calm, peaceful and tranquil way as a first time mother.

I think WA should allow water births in all hospitals and provide better support and rebates for home water births.

My experience also showed me how hospital policies can prohibit the outcomes parents want, I believe that having timeframes and inducing women is stressful for both the mother and baby and patients should be able to choose where they birth and have a say on this. Not be declined a birth option due to an estimated date.

A huge shout out and thanks to the incredible midwives at Avon Valley Midwifery Group Practice at Northam Hospital - I think you are all amazing!