Alternatives to BirthCare?
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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
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Printed Date: 29 August 2025 at 3:30pm
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Topic: Alternatives to BirthCare?
Posted By: firsttimedad
Subject: Alternatives to BirthCare?
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 2:35pm
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I've been doing some looking and BirthCare seems like a great place to go. I'm waiting for them to call me back at present to book in to see someone.
Just wondering though - are there any other similar places? BC seem to offer a high standard of care, with good food and private rooms (if you're willing to pay) and apparently you can see their MW's on the weekend which would be a god send for us. Is BC the only place in Auckland that offers facilities of this level? If you know of any others please let me know! |
Replies:
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 2:59pm
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One thing you may want to note .. (just in case you are not aware)
You cant have an epidural if you give birth at birthcare .. also if you have anything other than a relatively straight forward delivery (eg if baby is breech, or very large) you cant deliver there and will be sent to Auckland Hospital. Also, if you give birth at birthcare, the private room is free .. you only have to pay if you deliver at another facility and transfer. Oh and finally the private rooms are allocated on a first in first served basis (and there are only a few), so even if you book one you may not get one. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 3:26pm
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I also think birthcare are very pro-breastfeeding (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so if your wife doesn't want to breastfeed it may not be the most comfortable environment for her? ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
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Posted By: firsttimedad
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 3:48pm
| Thanks for the tips. What are the facilities/staff like at Auckland Hospital? I'm thinking that my wife may want/need an epidural (this is a strong form of pain killer right?) or possibly even a C section in which case she'd end up delivering at the Hosp. |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:04pm
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Yup epidural is a strong pain killer , if it works properly , its one of ,if not thee strongest pain killer for childbirth
Im not sure what auckland itself is like , an option is to birth there then transfer if that suits better :-) ------------- 
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Posted By: firsttimedad
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:08pm
Any downside to an Epi? why wouldn't you want one?
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:14pm
Plenty of reasons - for me personally there are more valid reasons to birth naturally than opting for an epi. 
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firsttimedad wrote:Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:14pm
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I had both children without pain relief other than gas with Jack, and let me tell you I have a VERY low pain threshold normally!
So I am not 100% up on Epi's but my understanding is that there is a "window of opportunity" to have one and if the birth progresses past a certain point then you can't get one and they require an anthesitist (sp??) to insert them so I assume that you may not always be able to get one straight away if there isn't anyone available. Please someone correct me if I am wrong ETA:
I have to agree there. IMO I think there is a time and place for an epi, my SIL had one after a VERY long labour in which baby was not progressing and then got stuck. I think that it is an option but not necessarily one you should reach for straight away. Yes childbirth is very painful but it really is an honour and a privilege to experieince it and it is great if you can do it as natually as you are able IMO ------------- Lindsey 
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:29pm
I wanted one, but the first time my daughter sped her arrival up before the anethesist got there, the second time it had been 7 years since I gave birth and I forgot what it was like lol, next time im getting one . There are plenty of reasons why people are against them tho ,ranging from feeling they need to give birth naturally , to it not being a safe option for them , when you find a mw ,it might pay to ask her about the different pain relief options and the pros and cons for both , there are quite a few options out there :-) -------------
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Posted By: KitKat
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:33pm
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Can I just say-
As you guys are only 8 weeks (?) Its easy to become overwhelmed with info, and feel like its all a bit daunting etc... we found that anyways. There is plenty of time to think about things like pain killers, over the next few months. By all means arm yourself with knowledge... but dont forget to enjoy the pregnancy stage. I know some will totally disagree with me here- so here goes- My mw suggested it was best not to write up a 'birthplan' or get too set on a 'plan for the day' because plans can go out the window with childbirth and the dissapointment of not following the plan can be devastating. Stay open to all options, and all opinions and advise.... (not that you arent) and enjoy it all. ------------- 
http://www.littlegreenfruit.blogspot.com - Little Green Fruit |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:33pm
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[[/QUOTE]
I have to agree there. IMO I think there is a time and place for an epi, my SIL had one after a VERY long labour in which baby was not progressing and then got stuck. I think that it is an option but not necessarily one you should reach for straight away. Yes childbirth is very painful but it really is an honour and a privilege to experieince it and it is great if you can do it as natually as you are able IMO[/QUOTE] haha, well , I've birthed both my kids without any pain relief and I personally just felt like I wanted to die , I didn't feel anymore honoured or privileged than anyone that has an epi , I was just relieved it was over . I've "proved " I can do it , and next time I want to have an epi , whether its required or not and i'll watch Friends episodes til im ready to push :-P -------------
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 4:35pm
I don't disagree at all , I think staying open to the fact that pregnancy and babies things can change in an instant and be completly out of your control is very sensible advice . The best advice I ever got given was to go with the flow , takes a lot of pressure off :-) -------------
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Posted By: jano1
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 5:18pm
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You can go and view the rooms at Birthcare.
I had a csection at Auckland and transferred the next day to Birthcare (my choice, they would have preferred me to stay at the hospital but I didn't like it). I was in a shared room but was lucky enough to have it all to myself for the duration of my stay. I agree with Kitkat- be open to change at the last minute. I planned on birthing at Birthcare but things didn't work out that way. It's great that it is right next to the hospital so if anything goes wrong they transfer you straight away. Good luck, hope all goes well |
Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 5:37pm
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[QUOTE=Linzy] So I am not 100% up on Epi's but my understanding is that there is a "window of opportunity" to have one and if the birth progresses past a certain point then you can't get one and they require an anthesitist (sp??) to insert them so I assume that you may not always be able to get one straight away if there isn't anyone available. Please someone correct me if I am wrong
I have always thought this too and asked exactly that yesterday, apparently thats not the case. Tey can be given later in labour than i was led to believe. I would suggest if money is no option private - assuming you can give birth at the likes of ascot etc? And also using an obstrtricain at the same. Your wife is entitled to a certain amount of leave to attend appointment. You may also want to attend a meeting with whoever you choose and then talk about pain relief options and what ifs - like a c section As kitkat said, your only a wee way in, you have plenty of time to explore your options. Good luck with your pregnancy and new babe ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 6:10pm
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I personally wouldn't choose to have an epidural as it can actually hinder birth rather than help it - once it's administered you are pretty much stuck flat on your back. I also have very strong objections (again just personally) to the use of narcotics when they may not be necessary, I don't see pregnancy and birth as an illness that automatically needs to be medicated (though I will acknowledge that these interventions do have their place). ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 7:03pm
Best advice ever. No plan = no disappointment! Just be aware and have knowledge of all options etc. Epis are great and I don't feel any less honoured or priviledged for having them with either of my births. Infact, I loved both my birth experiences as I am sure those that didn't have drugs do to. You really just need to run with whatever YOU are confortable with not what others think you should do. -------------  
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 7:21pm
Actually , best advice, would be to apply that to everything when it comes to parenting !!! -------------
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Posted By: RinTinTin
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 10:34pm
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firsttimedad - This website and many others have so much info on your options during pregnancy and birth (including your options of where to birth, etc). Have a look around but don't take every piece of info as gospel. And also try not to overwhelm yourselves with too much info (it's a fine line between educating yourself and scaring yourself). Read over everything with an open mind, then sit down as a couple and decide what you think is best. BTW: Don't mean to underestimate you and what you may or may not know, but just so you're aware, an Epidural is probably the strongest form of painkiller available during pregnancy. It's inserted between the vertebrae in the spine (correct me if I'm wrong anyone) and it, like any other drug or medical procedures, has it's own set of pro's and con's. You need to weigh these up and gauge them against your own personal situation. Personally, the idea of someone shoving a needle in my spine was enough to send me into sheer panic. But thats just me. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: mumtooboys
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 10:38pm
Ditto so though I had a fairly open mind there was NO way I was having one unless medically indicated. In the end with DS2 didn't matter anyway cause he was born at home. LOL I agree with the other ladies too. I know you're probably excited but you've got another 32ish weeks of pregnancy to get through yet so don't try to cram it all in now. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 10:56pm
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The thought of EPIs scare the crap out of me but when it come to the cruch i would have prefered it Josh had other ideas and there wasnt time.
I cant help with the where to birth or who to use stuff as im about as far away from AKL as you can get but i really think you need to set up interviews with a couple of MW's and see what they have to say and what their advice is as to what route you chose. Definitely have a birth plan to put your mind at ease but dont expect it to be what will happen to the the letter. My plan was to go to bed preg one night and wake up with a baby in a cot next to me after a good night sleep (ok so that was my denial plan it was actually to have a straight forward birth with drugs on arrival at the hospital) the reality was rather different with the labour being very quick complicated and a lack of the hard drugs i would have prefered. Im a huge wuss and as bad as my last experience was as you can see by my ticker im actually doing it again and thanks to an early plan feeling ok about labouring again (despite after having josh swearing anyone who did it more than once needs to be commited to an insane ward and that they could stitch me closed). I may have gone off topic im not sure i am tired and just typed what came to me -------------   
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Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 05 February 2010 at 10:59pm
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BC is good but yes they are VERY pro breastfeeding. Some MWs are good with it and will be open to formula if you need to supplement because your milk isn't coming in some are horrible and one mw made the poor woman in the bed next to me feel bad for wanting to supplement because her baby was hungry! I didn't have an epi although at the time I hated the pain of the contractions but that was because it was all in my back but funnily enough the pushing wasn't that bad aside from certain moments ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: RinTinTin
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 11:37am
Most (good) MW's won't give you a c-sect unless you (your wife) or the baby are in danger and/or have been labouring for a considerably long time with no progress. Also, at 8 weeks preggy, how can you say she might need a c-section? Bit early to make those assumptions don't you think? My MIL thought I'd need a c-section. I ended up with a 6.5 hour labour, birthed naturally with no painkillers and only had one stitch. I know I was lucky but the point I'm trying to make is...don't assume anything. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: JAFAjaffa
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 12:18pm
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I found Birthcare completely wonderful. I went the whole way through with them, used their midwives and even though I didn't get to birth there in the end (my baby was quite large - 10pd 5oz and they were worried about shoulder dystocia), I still had the midwife from Birthcare and I transfered back there straight after the birth. Because I at least began my labour there I qualified for a private room for free and my husband stayed as well for the three days.
I know everyone has a different experience but mine was fabulous. The three days after Alex's birth were really awesome - meals made for you, midwives checking on you all through the day and night and making sure you felt okay about everything and helping with the first bath etc. I can't recommend them highly enough! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 12:33pm
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I actually think it is quite sensible to think about the possibility of a c/s, I thought c/s was something that happened to other women then at 35 weeks my waters broke, I was told my baby was breech when 12 hours earlier it had been head down and I had about a million people turn up and start prepping me for a c/s, I was terrified and confused and no idea about what a c/s entailed at all cos they don't really cover them at antenatal class.
I had an epi cos my labour looked like it wasn't going to progress very quickly (this was my second baby) and I was not coping. However mine wore off even though I had the one that could be topped up and they take it off you when it's time to push because you need to be able to feel to push. And yep you need an anaethetist and you may need to wait, I had to wait 50 mins for mine after asking for it and it seemed like years. I agree with not really having a plan, a set of ideas is good but nothing that is too set cos babies often have their own plans and they don't share them with us. I can't help with birthcare etc though as not in that part of the country. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 2:49pm
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I had an epidural and it was fan friggin tastic!!!! BUT, I had it when id been in labour for coming up 45 hours! I needed it as I was exhausted and had run out of steam.
I had planned a natural water birth, but got transferred to Middlemore Hospital after i had been in labour 40 odd hours. I actually dont agree that it can hinder labour, I wasnt dilating properly and after 45 hours of labour I was stuck at 6cm, I had my epi, and was able to relax and I quickly went to 9.5cm, however, DS was getting stressed, had meconium in waters and my temp was high, plus the way his head was coming down caused a lip of cervix that wouldnt budge, so I had to have an emergency C Section in the end. Also, birth plans, meh! They hardly ever go to "plan" so I called my a birth 'plan' "guideline", it was a list if things I would like to happen but if its didnt oh well! When it comes down to it, you do whatever works at the time! ------------- |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 3:31pm
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I have not birthed at birthcare but can not comment on that but with regards to your question about epis.. I had one and regretted it almost immediately... it certainly was a contributing factor to needing a c-section PLUS my son had side effects (ie not breathing properly) plus he needed oxygen..
He was incredibly lethargic and was too sleepy to feed. Thankfully I had a switched on duty mw who got me expressing every 3 hours and we were feeding him with a syringe until he finally got hungry and started waking for food almost 72 hours AFTER he was born. I personally wont be opting for an epi unless I really cant take it... they have their place but in my experience they really should be used as a last resort. -------------   
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Posted By: RoSee
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 5:48pm
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I birthed at Auckland Hospital which was fantastic then transferred to Bithcare. I had a private room which was expensive but worth every penny! I loved it and would have stayed longer if I could have afforded it
Oooh and the food was awesome!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 September '11
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Posted By: KitKat
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 6:22pm
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Ill never forget the best caramel slice I ever had was in hospital- the first thing they gave me after the general wore off (I had an ankle op) Post Not birth related... just food related -------------
http://www.littlegreenfruit.blogspot.com - Little Green Fruit |
Posted By: crafty1
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 7:03pm
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I birthed at Auckland Hospital and the facilities were great, had a room with a birthpool and an amazing view of Ranigtoto and the harbour. That wasn't my first choice - Birthcare was but my MW had to go away last minute and so had to go to ACH.
Yep you need to be aware that Birthcare is only for natural vaginal deliveries of full term, no complication pregnancies. Any good midwife will register you at both places for a first labour. As for these decisions re pain relief, CS vs vaginal delivery etc, just read up on the pros and cons and keep an open mind. It's best for both mum and baby if pain relief and CS isn't needed, but in some cases it just is and that it can be completely beyond your control. And you won't know till the day. Personally i'm very anti pain relief for myself but having experienced labour i can sure see why people want it! And my labour didn't go on too long so was manageable. Most people get an epi becuase they are bloody tired and need to have a rest before the pushing stage. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 7:22pm
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God the food at birthcare never stopped coming!!! I felt like I had just looked at one meal when the next one was coming through the door, and so yum! I managed to feed myself and half my family that were sitting around!
I birthed at Auckland then transfered to Birthcare - had a private room, only stayed a couple of days though, my labour was easy so I didnt feel I needed the 3rd day and the room would be better for someone who could use it! I breastfed, but have had friends who didnt want to - to avoid them getting pushy just take in your own formula or bottles, or a pump if you're going to express and not feed directly from the breast. There is a place to make cups of tea etc you can get hot water for the formula. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: Phat_Cat
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 9:21pm
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My girlfriend birthed all 4 of her children at birthcare & whenever I went to visit her they were lovely. Her first she did have at Auckland hosp then transferred.
As for birth plans IMO just find out as much information as possible and make decisions closer to the time. My first I wanted a natural water birth but got pre-eclampsia at the end of the pregnancy so needed to go to NSH & be induced, did 6 hrs natural water & unmedicated but then my contractions stopped & thus I didnt progress I needed syntocin & an epi however I insisted that i wanted to push bubs out on my own so when I was 9cm dialated she only topped me up with a 1/2 dose. I delivered him naturally. My second was a completely different kettle of fish. one week false labour 1hour 40 minute labour, water birth & no meds no time for that :) So every birth is different you cant predict what will happen just arm yourself with as much info as possible thus making the best decisions for yourselves. As my foster dad used to say "don't cross your bridges before you get to them" oh I birthed at warkworth birthing centre & the staff there are fab, helpful no matter what time of the night you needed them & it was free as I used their MW .. ------------- Tristen - 24/06/07 Rylan - 11/12/08 Angel Babies -14/08/05 & 21/01/2010 Curtis - 26/02/12 |
Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 06 February 2010 at 9:27pm
Hmmm i feel like caramel slice now With epis the most common problem is the headaches, and you need to get a blood patch done which isnt anything really major. ive had 2 epis and one spinal block and not had any headaches or blood patches needed. an epi needs to be done by an anethiatist(sp) as its a very delicate procedure........as much as everyone says its an pain killer its actually in my eyes not a pain killer as such, when i think of pain killer i think of panadol and such that dulls the pain etc, when i think of epis i think of a way to completely NUMB where you can even have surgery |
Posted By: firsttimedad
Date Posted: 08 February 2010 at 3:51pm
No, I really don't think it's too early to be considering whether it may be necessary. Suffice it to say that we have reason to believe that a c-section may be more appropriate for her on medical grounds. I'm not going to get into the details as they are personal. Thanks for the feedback, it sounds like Birthcare is something of a one of a kind in auckland. the BF could be an issue, but I guess we'll have to try and tackle that in advance with the MW we use. |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 08 February 2010 at 6:38pm
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If you get a great midwife, do your research and you are confident in your decision to not bf you midwife should back you up and the hospital midwives will usually support you. If you aren't sure they will try and convince you to bf but if you are straight up you may find them to be very helpful.
All the best. |