Helensville Birthcentre

Wasn't sure which section to put this in.

Has anyone stayed here? What was it like? Is it free?

Hi Flutterby,

I stayed there went DS was born in 2008. It was lovely. Hubby stayed with us the whole time and he even received meals (they don't cater for hubbies as a rule) we were meant to stay two nights but got to stay for three as there wasn't any demand for the rooms at the time.

It is a bit of a drive out there. I figured it put the hangers on off coming out and gave me a chance to rest. It worked Only downfall, not all midwives will travel out there. They have a group of great midwives out that way and my MW just referred me onto to someone. As soon as I was home I went back to the normal. MW.

Each room has it's own double bed and bathroom which was bliss. The room had a TV but I spent all the time looking at the new baby and sleeping that I didn't watch it.

Hope that helps. Remember, Rodney people and those birthing there get first choice of rooms.

Good luck!

Flutterby, we had our little one at Waitakere under the care of hospital midwives, then we went to Helensville a few hours after his birth and stayed 2 nights.

It is awesome, really lovely staff, the food is great, and they really treat you like you are in a hotel. I even was offered a bath with salts etc in while baby slept.

I would totally recommend it. I know there is also a post about it in the pregnant forum here.

I've done both, and just got home from Helensville several days ago.

For my first birth, I stayed at Waitak. Hated it. MWs too busy, care got dropped, inconsistent advice re feeding etc. I hated having to clean the loo and shower everytime I used them. I really hated DH getting kicked out at 8pm (now 9pm) b/c I didn't see him as a visitor - to me, he was way more support than the MWs and I needed him there.

This time I had a night at Waitak which was fine. I was more stroppy about what I needed (i.e. take this baby for a few hours please). I then had 2 nights at Helensville. It was fabulous. Breakfast in bed each morning for DH and I. DH stayed the whole time. Ensuite. Baths run, dinner cooked when you wanted it. DS could visit when he liked. Large outdoor area including a cool playhouse. We were the only people there, so had 1:1 support with BFing. Whenever the MW heard Ben cry at night, she'd pop her head in and check how the feeding was going. It was the best start we could have had. Definitely definitely recommend it!

Man I wish we had birthing centres down here!! Hutt hospital was the pitts when I went on my visit last week