Birthcare - birthing and staying

I am considering birthing at Birthcare Parnell, my mw is more than happy to go there. I searched but all the threads are quite old so was wondering if anyone had any recent feedback about birthing and staying there. What are the delivery/birthing rooms like? What are the rooms like? I understand they are quite small. Is the post natal care there good? I have only visited once and it was over 4yrs ago

lilfatty - Did you birth there? Which part of the west are you in? How did you find the drive in when you were in labour? We are in Swanson and are yet to time the drive but it shouldn't be too long with the motorway, I hope

I didn't birth there, but was there postnatally, and it was BLISS. I loved every single midwife/nurse there, they were so caring and understanding. They also taught me numerous things about looking after baby which was much appreciated for a 1st time mum! anna was the best, I actually miss her and will be taking her flowers once I'm a bit more active. Oh, and the food is divine

I tried to birth there (I used the Birthcare midwives) and started off the process there but they were worried about how big Alex was going to be and transferred me to Auckland Hospital. It turned out there was no problem with his size (he was huge, but no problem with the birth!) so I was transferred straight back to Birthcare afterwards and to a private room. It was AWESOME. Fabulous, helpful midwives, lots of help and support for a clueless first time Mum, and hubby stayed too. I will be going back to the Birthcare midwives next time, and will be aiming to birth there.

The birthing suites are pretty big, I laboured in a pool for a while, in some of them there are pretty nice views if you can concentrate!

The rooms afterwards are quite small, but we didn't have any problems fitting in and hubby is 6 foot 4.

We live in Avondale and it took about 10 mins to get there. It was pretty uncomfortable, but I don't think I would have been happy about sitting down through any part of labour!

Basically I was totally happy with my experience there and while it was 17 months ago now, I don't expect it will have changed much if at all. I'd recommend it to anyone!

Thanks ladies. Should be fine with the birth, both boys were born with no problems at all so shouldn't think this one will be any different. Will only go there if I birth there, I am pretty sure I have to pay for a room otherwise. Actually starting to get excited!

The other option is to transfer to Helensville after the birth since you're out west - that place is wonderful! They only have 4 rooms but I was the only patient - 1:1 care for 2 days straight.

Interestingly I didn't enjoy birthcare at all! Some of the staff were lovely, some I found very unhelpful and quite grumpy. I found I didn't have much support or help from the staff, with regards to feeding or settling, and they didn't pick up that she wasn't feeding properly, they didn't help me to bath Aria, or even remove her cord clamp, which apparently they should have. Different nurses told me different things, and I didn't think the food was very good.. Maybe I was just there at a bad time, but I couldn't wait to get out of there!!

i had a section but went there afterwards for two days and loved every second i didnt want to leave, the food was amazing, the midwives were lovely (one or two i didnt click with but you get that) and there was one in particular that is the reason i managed to breastfeed my prev formula fed from birth baby and continue to today.

the rooms are like small hotel rooms, well mine was i was in a private room, but enough room to set up a bed for partner to stay which i really needed after being in hospital for 7 days!

linzy if you have medical insurance check it as you might have a benefit which allows you to pay for obstetric care up to a specified limit. Thats what i did as i was in hospital for too long to do the transfer for free.