3930

2021

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Cabrini Malvern

2

3

1

3

1

I want to preface this with the knowledge that I was truly uneducated in my birthing options. I chose an obstetrician in a private hospital because I thought it was safer. I wanted the one person to care for me throughout my pregnancy and at birth, I didn’t want a stranger to deliver my baby on the day. For this reason, I also opted for a planned induction (I wanted to ensure I didn’t go into labour on a weekend when my obstetrician wasn’t working). I feel silly for this now. My plan was to start with the lowest pain medication and move up the ‘ladder’ if and when I needed. I wasn’t guided by the obstetrician or midwives on natural pain coping strategies, body positions, movements at all. I was offered pain relief, which I accepted. I had an epidural and therefore had to birth on my back. I was not advised by my obstetrician that inductions and epidurals increase the need for intervention (something that I’d previously stressed to my OB that I didn’t want). My main worry was having to use forcepts or suction and I stressed this to my OB weeks being being induced. They should have told me that being induced increases the likelihood of this type of intervention. During my active labor and pushing stage, my OB interrupted me and told me that ‘she only lets first time mothers push for 1 hour before intervention’ - looking back, I’m bemused! Why did I think this was ok at the time? We were not in any medical risk. I ended up with a 3rd degree tear and a baby taken out by suction and I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it, even now. I wished I could go back and educate myself, I wouldn’t have made the same choices and I would have been much more careful as to which obstetrician I selected. The hospital stay itself was long. We were constantly interrupted and I could not get a decent sleep because of it. By day 4 I was desperately needing to go home, I couldn’t handle it any more. I don’t feel that I gained much from being in the hospital for 4 days after birth.

2265

2023

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Birth centre/"low risk" service

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Belmont Hospital

5

5

5

5

5

From the start, I felt encouraged by my midwife throughout my pregnancy to trust my body as it was made to grow a baby and birth. During my labour I was supported to stay at home for as long as possible and labour in my comfortable home environment. My midwives supported me over the phone and provided direction including advice to preserve energy and listening to labour sounds as an indicator of when it was time to come in to the birth centre. My labour was fast and I was only at the birth centre for a short period of time before the baby was born. My midwife ran the bath so I was able to labour and birth in the water as I had requested. They provided reassurance and gentle coaching that helped me avoid tearing in the final pushing stages. Despite the rush of my birth the space still felt calm and in control. I had a post partum haemorrhage but still the midwives remained calm and quickly provided the appropriate care without making me feel like something was wrong. We were supported to return home that afternoon and we received daily home visits from the midwives at home where they cared for me and the baby and provided breastfeeding support. Overall we were very happy with our experience and felt that we had chosen the right service for us. We felt in control and never felt pressured into making decisions or accepting unnecessary intervention.

5162

2020

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

5

5

5

Having the support from a known care provider for my entire pregnancy was invaluable! I was privileged to be able to find a private midwife and be able to afford to pay for this option. I would have been treated as a bunch of 'risk factors' in the system, but was given the ability to be in charge of my body and guided and supported by my wonderful midwife. I had a terrible time breastfeeding my first (different care model) so the additional support from my PPM meant I was able to breastfeed until 2.5yo!!

3305

2022

GP/hospital shared care

Home (without a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

1

2

1

5

1

1

I would like to provide feedback about my recent experience with PDH maternity, especially considering it is advertised as a ‘woman-led service’. It is a woman’s right to choose what kind of antenatal care she receives, and they should be respected even if they aren’t following your usual processes. I was treated disrespectfully by one midwife in particular for not aligning with her views/beliefs. This is not woman-led care. Not every woman feels it is necessary to see an obstetrician, especially one they are not comfortable with. However, there was one midwife who should be recognised for her true approach to woman-led care, as she provided care and support without pushing her own personal beliefs and agenda. It is standard in many other maternity care models for midwives to provide the primary care of pregnant women and deliver babies without the assistance of an obstetrician, so I am unsure why it should have been such a big deal that I did not wish to see one. This was my choice, and I was under the care of a doctor whom I felt comfortable with and is respectful, far from my experiences with the obstetrician at the hospital. I also did not appreciate having the head midwife call me telling me all the things that can go wrong with VBACS, especially having never met, or dealt with her before. Although I understood her concerns about my wish to birth at home and she was well-intentioned and polite, this is an inappropriate thing to do to a woman who is about to give birth. I was already very aware of the small chance of risks associated with VBACS. Many of the things she said in that phone conversation, particularly how quick they are to intervene with VBACS, really made me feel even less comfortable coming to hospital. However, when speaking to an obstetrician at the Warrnambool hospital it was explained that it was very much like a normal birth. There was no fear mongering or pushing of opinions. It is fair enough that medical professionals have had their own experiences and fears related to that, but it is not fair to push those on other people. Especially when many poor outcomes result from interventions, exactly what I wanted to avoid. Brochures were also dropped in my letterbox about the risks of having a ‘small baby’ despite scan and measurements being around average (which are not precise measures anyway). My 20 week scan actually had an EDD of 9 days earlier than the more precise dating scans which obviously was not checked or considered, but even still my baby was measuring above what is considered risky. The information provided states that small babies fall in the 10th percentile, so I am unsure why this was provided, and was not explained during appointments. Luckily, I was aware of all this, however providing such inaccurate information to someone who wasn’t aware could have induced serious unwarranted fear. My baby was born a perfect size. At my birth I luckily had the midwife who continued to display the definition of woman-led care. She got down on my level, speaking softly and gently. The other midwife, who was clearly disapproving of my choices, spoke to me sternly and stood over me with her arms crossed. Her attitude and manner negatively affected my experience. I wanted to have my cervix checked but the midwives said they don’t feel confident or very good at doing cervical checks. I was confused, from my past birthing experience this was part of what midwives do. So they called the obstetrician in to do it, something I was really uncomfortable with. He straight away said that I needed to have blood taken and a cannula put in “in case I need to be rushed into surgery”. He didn’t make it sound like it was optional and I refused both feeling it was unnecessary. Telling a woman about to give birth that she might get rushed into surgery is also not very appropriate. I understand sometimes that may happen but can be dealt with if it arises, as can inserting a cannula. My bloods were on file so that was also completely unnecessary. The cervix check was extremely painful, so I yelled to stop which he ignored and continued to get the job done. Regardless of providing initial consent this is not acceptable, as he was asked to stop. During stage 2 of labour, someone in another room yelled out ‘shut up’ which the midwife also commented ‘well there is other patients here’. This was not a very supportive response, especially when I physically could not be quiet anyway. As soon as I birthed my baby the obstetrician came in stating we must get the placenta out and that I’d have to take the Pitocin. I had already declined this prior to the birth and signed a refusal. This should have been respected. I had to ask the midwife and the obstetrician to move away from me (they were standing over the bed) as they were interfering with the natural process of birthing the placenta which needs an undisturbed environment where I can bond with my baby. This is basic knowledge, but obviously against his usual processes. My support people had to physically block them from me by standing in front of them, then the obstetrician stated he was going home and if I bleed out send me to the Warrnambool hospital. This does not seem like appropriate bedside manner. The placenta detached perfectly on its own. I took my perfectly healthy baby straight home, wishing I had just stayed at home so I did not have to fight so hard to have my preferences adhered to for the unassisted birth I wished for.

4740

2022

Self-managed (no registered care provider)

Home (without a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

Having a wild pregnancy was by far the most stress free and empowering experiences I've ever had. Freebirthing my baby was empowering to have taken full responsibility for my birth and baby. Being able to instinctively listen to my body and birth undisturbed at home with my children present was by far the best out of my 4 births. We all must take responsibility for our births and trust ourselves, our bodies and our babies. We know what we are doing and we are not medical emergencies or diseases.

2444

2016

Obstetric clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Manning Base Hospital, Taree

1

1

1

1

1

Third pregnancy, two miscarriages previously. From the beginning labelled high risk (diabetic and of weight). No informed consent, no given options, blindly followed as felt like I had no choice. Wanted unmediated birth. Induced at 38 weeks, after 48 hours it ended in an emergency caesarean under general. Fail to progress past 4cm. Didn’t see my son for 5 hours, hard recovery. Husband kicked out of hospital only a few hours after baby born. Overdosed on pain med. discharged myself early.

2250

2014

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Birth centre/"low risk" service

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Gosford Hospital

5

5

1

3

5

Was a trusting experience with a very experienced midwife that I got to build trust and a relationship with- As it should be!. I was heard in every way possible, I was undisturbed and supported by those I wanted and needed.

2446

2020

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

5

5

5

I had a very smooth 12 hour labour and delivery, in my own home where I felt the most relaxed. My husband was very involved and my mum got to be present as well. Baby and I were in charge. My body knew what to do, and pushed my baby out really perfectly. Then we got to snuggle up in our own bed, get to know our new baby, and have a good home cooked meal. And we got to have regular visits and great support postpartum, without having to leave home once. Which is so important I those intense and confusing early days.

2790

2019

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Bathurst Base Hospital

2

3

1

1

2

2

My previous birth was a home birth through a MGP which was amazing but I found that in Lithgow, there are only limited options for pregnancy care and birth. I wasn’t happy about birthing at hospital at all. I asked if I could be looked after by the midwives at the hospital for antenatal appointments but apparently that’s not an option at Lithgow hospital. I was stuck seeing a doctor for antenatal appointments which I wasn’t a fan of. When I arrived in labour, my doctor was called to attend even though I specifically asked the midwives not to call him because I didn’t want him there at the birth. Then I was coerced into having iv antibiotics for GBS because I had not yet done the GBS swab and they wanted to treat me as GBS positive. I refused continuous monitoring so I could be comfortable and the main midwife looking after me was ok with just using the doppler intermittently to check on baby during labour. I was constantly interrupted and hardly left alone for the whole labour. I declined internal cervical checks many times before finally giving in and letting them check me so they would leave me alone to labour in peace. The main midwife did the check and said she couldn’t feel anything so in came the doctor to do another internal on me. This was the most intense pain I had felt during the whole labour! The doctor said I was 7cm so I’m not sure how the midwife couldn’t feel anything. One of the midwives offered to fill the bath for me to labour in to which I gratefully accepted. The ‘bath’ that was ‘allowed’ was a great big inviting looking corner bath but was filled to merely ankle deep! Absolutely useless for any sort of comfort or pain relief. The main midwife got me loads of pillows (all the way from other parts of the hospital too) and was very helpful at getting me into a comfortable position for pushing. During pushing, as my baby was crowning, my doctor asked if I had ever torn before! I ignored his question and he continued to ask multiple times until the main midwife got right up to my face and said “The doctor wants to know if you have torn before” so all I could think about was the worry of tearing, why were they asking me this now!? I did not tear at all in the end, only slight grazing. Everyone was happy with my choice to have hubby catch the baby which was fantastic! Once my baby was born I had to specifically ask for a warm blanket because we were both freezing. One of the midwives made me an ice pack for my pad which was amazing! Then I was left alone for at least half an hour to soak up my new baby which was also amazing. After that, I went and birthed my own placenta over the toilet which is exactly what I wanted. A few hours later I strongly advocated for myself to be ‘let go home’ so the main midwife got me all of the paperwork I needed to get out of there which I was so grateful for because I was worried they would make me stay the night. If I had to go through Lithgow hospital again, I’d hire a really good, strong minded doula to take with me for the birth. It’s really hard to advocate for yourself strongly when you are in full blown labour and are very vulnerable. I suspect that the doctors at Lithgow hospital run the show and the midwives hands are tied. Evidence based care is something you’ll have to fight for if you find yourself needing to birth there.

2340

2019

Known midwife (ante/postnatal only)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Tamworth Hospital

1

1

1

1

1

I did not give consent to many things during my birth, I was not asked for consent. I was not offered pain relief, or support in any way shape or form. I was told my baby would die if I didn't let them put the fetal scalp monitor on my unborn baby, after the midwife had put me under severe stress. I was threatened with DCJ if I discharged before 48 hrs (baby & I were perfectly healthy, no complications) The midwife was rude, invasive, did not listen to anything I said or wanted, ignored me when I clearly did not give consent. I was not aloud out of bed, I got yelled at for rolling from my back to belly after I refused constant monitoring - to which, they ignored and still made me have.

3039

2020

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

The Royal Women's Hospital

3

4

4

5

4

4

I had my second baby right as we went into covid restrictions and lockdowns in Melbourne in mid-2020. So it was a strange, stressful and unpredictable time to go through pregnancy and labour. I was relieved and fortunate to be able to have my partner and student midwife attend the birth (as I gather this was not the case at all hospitals). At times during my maternity care and my hospital admission after the birth it felt like communication processes between the care providers (eg different clinicians in the hospital) and with me were not always clear or consistent and I sometimes felt confused, not listened to or that I received mixed messages. I do believe this was compounded by the situation at the time (covid) and healthcare workers were operating in such difficult and ever changing circumstances. I was discouraged from coming to hospital and this meant I was quite far along in labour when I was admitted - this was stressful and physically difficult and ultimately led to me having to stay longer in hospital which isn’t what I wanted. Once I reached the birthing suite however I was supported by a wonderful midwife and had a relatively straightforward and positive birth experience. Going through RWH I had reasonable confidence in the service and it’s expertise but as mentioned the downside was having lots of different individuals involved in my care and the challenges that brought for communication and consistency. Having a regular trusted GP and support of a student midwife helped counteract some of this. I am using the same care pathway for my current third pregnancy.

2444

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

5

5

5

Most incredible and empowering blissful birth experience. Supported by my known midwives who knew me and respected and advocated for my choices. Felt safe and relaxed in my home environment with only my husband and midwives as my chosen support team. Free to move around and trust my instincts. Able to use our Hypnobirthing relaxation techniques. Minimal interruption , ie fetal Doppler used occasionally as per routine but I felt respected to stay in my focused relaxed headspace. Reassurance and encouragement given when I needed it, relieved anxiety from previous birth experiences. Most impactful was the post natal care for 6 weeks which was a lifeline to us particularly during lockdown. Knew my choices and was supported by our amazing midwives. A beautiful gentle water birth, so good I can’t wait to do it again!

2323

2022

Self-managed (no registered care provider)

Home (without a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

Free birth is not for every woman but it was definitely the right choice for me. I felt so comfortable with my choice to stay home and it all went perfectly.

2444

2022

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Port Macquarie Base Hospital

5

5

5

5

3

Emergency C section after spontaneous rupture of membranes at 32 weeks. Only went in to the hospital to check as there was the slightest change in my discharge. No pain or bleeding and I honestly thought everything was fine, but just felt like I should get checked. They measured bubs heart rate and it was unstable, and then swapped me and it came back positive that my waters had broke. Plan was to be transferred to John Hunter asap in a helicopter with baby inside. This was not possible as her heart rate continued to be unstable and I had to have an emergency C section at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Baby was taken to special care with my husband and waited for the NETS team to arrive. They were both choppered down to John Hunter Hospital and I joined them the next night via medical flight.

2429

2022

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

5

5

5

Care with a known midwife who attended my birth. This was the second homebirth for us with the same midwives and birth team. They even supported us in a rural location where we now live. Labour and birth were gentle and fast. There was no fear present just optimistic expectation. Supported well in our own home and postpartum the same midwife visits. I wouldn’t choose any other mode to birth unless I had to. I would choose this model of care hands down every single time. If for some reason private midwifery weren’t an available option to me, I would do my best to educate myself and husband and search for a supportive birth worker who would attend a freebirth. Research all the need to know things to do with the responsibility of freebirth. Going to hospital would be my very last choice. And only if there were a true medical emergency.

2350

2018

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Induction of labour

Yes

Armidale Hospital

3

2

3

4

2

3

I was booked in for an induction on a Tuesday, given I was post-dates and coming up on the 42 week mark. Looking back, I should have asked for an induction closer to 40 weeks, but it wasn't on offer either. I had cervadil tape, which is extremely uncomfortable and fairly painful to insert, and I had two insertions of it, because it didn't "work". I was experiencing contractions every 5-10 minutes or so but baby didn't drop and my cervix remained closed. After not sleeping Tuesday night, I was given endone to numb the contraction pain so I could get some sleep on Wednesday night. Despite my explaining opioids make me vomit, I was denied anti-emetics. When I then was vomiting, the midwives assured me it was labour starting. I disagreed through gritted teeth and I was now sleep deprived and throwing up. My cervix was still at maybe 2cm and I was exhausted so I requested a c section. This was Thursday morning. I was asked if I was sure and whether I would like to try a balloon induction or other methods. The obstetrician had recommended the balloon, I was told. I'm very proud of standing my ground at this point and insisted on a c section. I was scheduled to go into theatres on Thursday afternoon but got bumped for a more urgent case. The joys of a small hospital. I was sent home to try to relax on Thursday night and told to only have a very small snack if it was before 5am, since I hadn't eaten Thursday to prep for surgery. I had a half a cereal bar before 5am on Friday morning, after not being able to stomach any dinner. So basically well over 24 hours since a decent meal. I felt rubbish. Upon returning to the hospital, the anaesthetist refused to let me go into theatre, due to the couple mouthfuls of breakfast I'd eaten. So I was delayed again. I finally got propped for theatre at closer to 4pm, by which time a different anaesthetist was on and he was appalled at my low blood sugars from not eating for almost 48 hours by that point. I got to have some sugary drink and into theatre I went. The surgery itself was easy, quick and painless. The anaesthetist talked my partner and I through it all and baby was out and on my chest very quickly. Turns out he still hadn't dropped and clearly had no intention of coming out vaginally at all. I was wheeled into recovery and started getting a bit shaky, which is not uncommon with an epidural. When I got back to my room, I could finally relax a little. I was given endone and again denied anti-emetics so I was vomiting, holding my incision and crying. All while trying to learn how to latch a baby. Over the coming days, I was "milked" by the midwives, which felt so embarrassing and degrading that I will never go through that again. Consent was barely sought before squeezing my sore, full breasts and often consent was not sought at all. I refused endone after the first night and was chastised for that decision by the midwives. I couldn't wait to go home and thankfully had no complications from the surgery. If I were to do it again, I would book in an elective c section without a second thought.

5125

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Home (with hospital run birth service)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Sunshine Hospital

5

5

3

5

5

I had a spontaneous onset at 39+3, labour began at 5am. I laboured in my room and in the shower all day. My midwife came at 9am and then left after a check as it felt a little too early still and I agreed. She came back at 2pm and I got in the pool. My baby arrived at 4.14pm with instinctive pushing and no guidance, just support and reassurance. I birthed him myself and pulled him up to my chest. Incredible.

2444

2020

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Port Macquarie Base Hospital

3

4

3

3

3

2263

2018

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Gosford Hospital

3

3

3

2

3

Water broke naturally but was forced to come directly into hospital instead of labouring at home (low risk pregnancy). Then was told I had 12-24 hours to birth my baby otherwise they would have to step in. Was denied all my requests like using my oil diffuser, getting in the bath etc. labour got very challenging and requested to be checked to find I was 2cm…midwife framed it as “you are ONLY 2cm” like I was whinging and weak. Then her shift ended and I got the loveliest midwife…after I had got the epidural that I really didn’t want to get. She was so supportive, friendly and hands off as best she could in the hospital system. Baby born healthy and happy!

2263

2022

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

5

5

5

Was the most amazing experience. Midwife helped ensure I was extremely educated and confident. The birth was almost entirely hands off, with my midwife only stepping in to check heat rate with Doppler when absolutely necessary and to watch over my husband catching our baby in the birth pool.

2902

2022

Obstetric clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

The Canberra Hospital

3

3

1

1

3

Very little antenatal care due to no appointments and being too busy. No continuity of care. Different Drs with different opinions. Forced to have continuous monitoring as it was policy despite saying no. No Postnatal rooms, no postnatal care, threatened to make me give formula (I fought and did not).

2300

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Home (with hospital run birth service)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Belmont Hospital

5

5

2

5

5

4372

2013

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Induction of labour

Yes

Toowoomba Hospital

4

5

3

4

4

We were delighted with the care we received from the MATU, birth suite and postnatal ward staff. After birthing, I experienced a PPH which was handled well by the midwives. My husband was informed of everything happening at all stages and felt he could question any procedures that he didn't fully understand. The midwives also supported my husband in caring for our newborn while I could not. The only downside was when the changeover occurred, and the two doctors disagreed quite loudly about taking me to the theatre (my husband told me this afterwards).

4051

2021

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital

3

4

3

2

3

Some midwives I encountered were wonderful. To have a positive, empowering experience in this model, I think it requires a lot of self education and advocating. Quick labour so was fortunate to have the same two midwives for the entire labour. However I was placed into ‘midwifery team’ care because MGP was full. I never saw the same midwife twice, so the ‘team’ care didn’t really happen (unless each team is over 10 people?). No one on my ‘team’ had water birth training so this was not possible - very disappointing. In the end, no midwife in my ‘team’ available at labour so was allocated randomly. Postnatal care needs increasing.

2622

2009

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Queanbeyan District Hospital

5

5

5

5

5

5

this was a fairly quick birth, 4 hours all up, with about 2 hrs at the hospital. It was all me, and I felt confident. My two complaints for this birth were: 1. Being a high BMI woman, I was treated disrespectfully despite all other measures being excellent. I had to attend a specialist scan and appointment at the Canberra Hospital further way to prove my ability to birth at Queanbeyan. I did not want this scan, but felt I had to play this game - as if I did not prove myself I would be deemed unacceptable. This occurred at 34 weeks. During the birth, I was facing the wall, and turned around after the baby was born to discover ALL staff were observing the fat woman having a physiological birth. Maybe they were just observing physiology...but I recall feeling it was my size that was of most interest. Of note - I don't think I was actually particularly big and I wasn't unhealthy. I was probably a size 16-18 at the time. 2. As 'delayed cord clamping' was a fairly new concept, they hovered annoyingly until the cord was cut.

2622

2007

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Queanbeyan District Hospital

4

3

1

1

1

5

i was brilliant. birth was only 5 hours, all me. It was post birth here things went awry. the cord came away from the placenta after the baby was born in the water, but before the placenta. turns out the cord was velamentous. this led to an emergency transfer to a different hospital with a NICU. I do not believe this was needed, but the staff panicked at the cord. My placenta was removed manually, and I received syntocinin in my thigh. My husband had to demand that I was transferred, otherwise they would have kept me at the original hospital and removed my baby to the nicu half an hour away. We had to make our own way to the other hospital. I was never checked again after the manual removal of the placenta. In the NICU, we heard "why is this baby here? oh well we better do something". Baby was placed on a glucose drip - just in case. they stated possible blood loss through the cord. The baby was very alert and obviously fine. I was to breastfeed overnight and we were to be released the next morning. Over night, the nurse increased the glucose drip, causing the breastfeeding to not happen, and meaning another day in nicu and a night on the ward before release. Our breastfeeding was 6 horrendous weeks before we got the hang of it (bleeding nipples, pain, distress) but I was well supported in that journey.

4883

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Atherton Hospital

5

5

5

4

5

I was in active labour upon arrival at the hospital and my baby was very close to being born. My MGP midwife knew how important it was to me to have a water birth so she raced to get the bath ready and although it was still filling up she got me in and helped me to keep my body low. Having someone there that truely knew and supported my birth intentions was what made me walk away from the birth feeling empowered and positive about how I was able to birth.

4215

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

My midwife supported me to make decisions for my pregnancy and birth.

2481

2022

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

The Tweed Hospital

1

1

3

4

2

I was transferred to the hospital after 12hr labour at home. I was fine, baby was fine, everything seemed was very natural. Only my contractions slowed down because of emotional impact provoked by one member of my birth team. At Tweed Hospital I was induced. My baby came after 2 hours of pushing. I had episiotomy. She came as healthy and beautiful girl. Obs and midwife said they going to cut the cord. I was clearly and vocally expressing that I do not want the cord to be cut, my doula was saying as well that they can not cut the cord. They clamped it, for the reason that it was haemorrhage. At the same time they were pushing the placenta out of my belly pulling by the cord and pushing on my lower abdomen. Medical stuff did not have my consent but still did it. After I have to do my own research because I did not get proper medical explanation about that procedure. And all research suggests delayed clamping. Regardless the risk of bleeding they should not have to cut my daughter of her placenta while it was still intact. They went against my will and did the procedure without my consent. That is not Ok.

2285

2022

Obstetric clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Planned c/section

Yes

John Hunter Hospital Royal Newcastle Centre

4

5

4

5

2

I developed a condiditon called HELLP and was very unwell I was supported well by the midwives and Dr’s I was sad that I had to have a C-section at 35 weeks and my baby had to go to NICU, but I was thankful that my condition was picked up and action was taken to look after me and my baby.

4881

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Mareeba Hospital

5

5

5

5

5

I had the most incredible midwife throughout my whole pregnancy and labour. After I had my baby, my partner and I stayed in the hospital for an additional 3 nights, we both were provided delicious meals and every midwife that came to assist were extremely kind and full of knowledge regarding many aspects such as different ways of breastfeeding etc. I couldn't fault the service I received and will definitely be going back to this hospital for all future births.

4885

2022

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Atherton Hospital

2

1

2

1

4

I have rated my overall birth satisfaction as high due to my self advocacy and confidence to stand firm with certain requests with regard to my birth experience, no thanks to the staff or policies in place. I have no doubt my experience would have been very different if I had not been educated and empowered during my first birth, which was with an MGP midwife at the same hospital who has since left. It would seem that midwife leaving has caused the unit to change rather dramatically and the level of care and respect once shown is no longer present.

4883

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Home (without a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

4

1

3

4

I planned to freebirth but wanted to have all my anti natal care through Atherton hospital. I was allocated a midwife who was very supportive of my choice to freebirth and all through my pregnancy she simply explained the risks/facts without judgement. I would have preferred to have a homebirth midwife but given that I had free birthed before and couldn’t afford the private fees I decided to freebirth with a doula. I ended up being “overdue” and this is where I found there to be a lot of judgement, pressure and scare tactics from the doctors and some midwives at the hospital. My midwife was still supportive of my choice to not be induced but she was on leave so I was being seen by other staff. The other midwife and drs were very unsupportive and made me feel like I was a bad mother for “risking my babies life” when I had no risk factors and had been “overdue” with my first baby that I freebirthed safely without tears or transfers. I felt pressured to have a stretch and sweep and ctg monitoring when I felt there was no need. I also felt pressured to induce despite stating that I didn’t want to. The only reason they had for wanting to induce was that I was 42weeks. I ended up having my daughter safely at home at 42+3 and I’m so glad I was able to withstand the pressure from the hospital staff to induce as this would have completely ruined my birth and created a situation where the natural birth process was interrupted.

2037

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

My private midwife was very understanding of my need for detailed planning and self-determined decision making throughout my pregnancy. She listened to the story of my previous traumatic birth - an unplanned, unnecessary caesarean, answered my questions, supported all my decisions, and helped build my confidence. She supported my choice to have a doula present as well. I was lucky again to have an easy, very healthy pregnancy. I had a 3-day pre-labour, and she was patient and encouraging throughout the frustration of having things seem to start and stop all day. When things finally started for real, I ended up labouring so quickly that she didn't make it in time, arriving just a few minutes after my baby was born. It was such a great experience - I came out of my birth feeling so powerful and whole. So much better than the awful way I was treated for my caesarean birth.

4883

2020

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Atherton Hospital

1

2

1

2

1

Unfortunately my known midwife was not available when I went into labour at my hospital. Had she been there, I know I could have birthed my baby as she would have advocated for me and empowered me. Instead (once fully dilated) I was given a time frame to push my baby out and when my baby wasn’t showing signs of coming, scared into a caesarean. My baby had no signs of distress but the fear scared me into surgery and left me feeling a failure.

2037

2018

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Mater Hospital Sydney

1

1

1

1

1

I wanted to have a low-intervention birth - a plan that was supposedly supported by my obstetrician. However as my due date approached, she pressured me to accept a stretch and sweep, which possibly caused my waters to start leaking later that night. the next day, I went to the hospital because they wanted to "check the baby was ok", but as soon as I got there, I got pressured into an induction. After only 8 hours, I got told I "needed" a caesarean, in the middle of the night no less, without further explanation. I "consented" because the way they were acting made me believe my baby's life was in danger, when in reality it wasn't. I found out only after filling a complaint that the only problem was that the induction hadn't made me go into labour yet. There was no problem with me or my baby, and my clearly stated wishes for a natural birth with minimal intervention were entirely disregarded, and other things were also done that violated my trust. My obstetrician then went on to blame me and my body for "failing the trial of labour".

2430

2016

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Port Macquarie Base Hospital

1

1

5

2

1

I was denied being allowed to move and have heart monitors removed as i could feel baby on my hip, i was yelled at and told "if your baby dies its your fault" because they could not successfully get a 10 minute heart scan. After birthing my son i was not given the chance to naturally birth my placenta and it was "pulled" out " Within 20 minutes i had a huge bleed which resulted in just over 4 litres of blood being lost . Prior to this i was told the placenta looked perfect, once it was discovered that a partial amount of placenta was left behind , they said placenta looked "rugged" from first inspection.

5084

2022

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Women's And Children's Hospital

5

5

1

2

4

My experience with my private midwife was amazing. My pregnancy was incredible and I felt so supported and in control the whole time. My labour was the same - surrounded and supported by the most amazing team. When I felt that something was wrong, I had a cervical check and we found my daughter was face presenting. After trying many other options, we came to a decision that I felt fully at peace with to transfer to hospital. Unfortunately at the hospital a number of concerning things happened, including a lack of consent around my third stage. I did have an amazing vbac, but it has been hard to come to terms with the way I was treated to get it. To make matters worse, I was coerced into letting my daughter be taken away from me by a paediatrician who made it clear that she hated homebirth. She was homophobic, told lies about me to other staff, and as a result my baby was treated as if I had gestational diabetes (which I didn’t) and my baby suffered because of her actions, and ended up in hospital for 2 nights.

2529

2013

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Wollongong Hospital

2

2

3

3

3

Birth choices included birthing in water and a physiological 3rd stage. I was told there wasn't trained staff available for a water birth so I had to leave the bath (during pushing). I was then given pitocin for a managed 3rd stage and cord cut prematurely without consent.

2529

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

True support, continuity of care and respectful care.

2221

2021

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Birth centre/"low risk" service

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Royal Hospital For Women

1

1

1

1

1

I got to the hospital and was denied my doula. CTG was used without informed consent. I was put in the main hospital and didn't know why. I was put in lithotomy and told to push, all without consent. Forceps and an episiotomy were done with coerced consent and no pain relief, because the local anasthetic wasn't placed right. I've sustained permanent physical disability not to mention severe mental health concerns.

4012

2022

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Induction of labour

Yes

North West Private Hospital, Everton

3

4

5

5

3

I hit my 40 week appointment and I had hit my limit with pregnancy. I asked my OB to be induced. I got the vibe he would have been OK if I wanted to wait much longer. He performed a VE (with my consent). I was booked to go in the night before for Cervidil, then the next morning my waters would be broken and the drip would be started. He asked me if I wanted an early epidural. Based on experiences of other women and hearing the drip wasn’t overly nice, I opted to have one. I was booked to go to the birth suite at the hospital at 9pm Sunday the 10th of April. I got a phone call from the hospital at about 7.30pm the Sunday night - they were wanting to know where I was, as I hadn’t arrived yet. Discovered their records said I was due to get there at 7pm. The email I received from my OB’s office said 9pm. They apologised and said they’d see me then. I then had a ‘bad feeling’. Went in and got the Cervidil inserted. Spent the night in the hospital. Bubs HR was checked before and after the Cervidil. It also got checked at about 2am the Monday morning. I went to the birth suite at approx 6am the Monday morning. My epidural/waters broken/drip started all in between 7.30/8am. Things were going well, about 10am there was some concern about my baby’s HR. The midwife stopped the drip and contacted my OB. He advised her to turn it back on. Then at about 11am the same thing continued to happen. My OB came down from his office, performed a VE. Discovered I had made very little change from night before. I was given the option to continue labouring or call it and go for a C-Section. I asked my partner what he thought we should do and we both agreed to the C-Section. Got taken up to theatre and everything was prepped. My daughter was surgically removed from me and she was covered in meconium - lucky she didn’t swallow any of it. During our first cuddle, my hands and arms started to go numb. My epidural went ‘too high’ and I had no feeling from my chest down. My daughter was taken off me and I was sewn back up and whisked into recovery. I didn’t know where my partner or baby was. I was still pretty out of it - I wish I asked the recovery staff where they were. I was in recovery, separated from my family for 3 hours. My partner was taken back into the hospital room with our daughter and not one midwife helped him - he had no idea what he was doing. Anyway, we were then all together again. I do wish I got more education on what an emergency C-Section looked like. I didn’t know we were going to be separated for that amount of time. And I do regret getting the epidural early.

4300

2021

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Mater Mothers' Hospital

1

1

1

1

1

I had a clear and detailed outlined plan of how I invisioned my 2nd birth, this time I wanted a vaginal "natural" birth. I showed the midwife a month prior to due date in which she was very happy that I had plan. I had a doula and had attended hynopbirthing classes which ultimately made me feel comfortable and capable of what my body could achieve. I started having contractions on a Thursday afternoon which I laboured at home until Friday night. My waters had broke Friday afternoon. My partner, doula and myself went in to the hospital about 11pm Friday night after being in labour for over 24hours on my own. Once we arrived at the hospital I was greeted by a lovely young student midwife who was accommodating and willing to assist my birthing wishes although that fast changed when a Scottish angry lady came barging I'm telling me I either have a vaginal examination or I leave. My 1st wish was not to have an examination as I wanted to be calm and have no distractions. After being given an ultimatum I gave in and said okay to the vaginal exam but for them not to tell me how dilated I was. I also insisted my waters had broke but she did not believe me until we showed a picture of my waters on the floor and it was very obvious. I was then allowed ro be moved upstairs the birthing ward but was told I can't have my doula despite the midwife I had seen a few days before saying I can. Clearly there was confusion so I spent the next 6 hours without my doula while she slept downstairs at the hospital since she comes from the Gold coast. All I wanted was a shower and bath to labour in instead was given a shower that trickled and was freezing cold. I laboured on my knees with a yoga ball I was really upset that I couldn't relax. We kept asking to me moved to the birthing suit because i desperately needed a safe space. We were told at 5am we would be moved by 7/8am to a birthing suite. That came and went and by 2pm I was moved. I begged and cried for someone to listen and move me and while the midwife station was directly out my door I was ignored for hours and hours and hours. I did keep seeing women carting their luggage in with significant others in tow ready to be induced. I was told I don't get to be moved into a birthing suite because they needed to keep it free incase someone else more important needed it and they had inductions on. I was now in labour for over 2 days and with noone wanting to help a "natural" birth. After all this and 50 hours of labour we find out my son was posterior. I did deliver naturally and thankfully to 1 midwife that specialised in home births and her amazing student midwife. I am forver traumised by a SYSTEM that can't fathom or appreciate a mother wanting a bath to have a baby in or even a shower that works. I wasn't asking for anything crazy. After this massive ordeal I felt coerced into giving my newborn antibiotics that he didn't need. I stood my ground but allowed them to take blood to check for infection of my newborn son only to find he had no infection (waters had been broken for over 11hrs) I was hounded over and over and over to give antibiotics and was not allowed to leave hospital until 48hrs of monitoring despite negative results. I will FOREVER be traumatised by the most awful neglect any mother could experience. To top it off I never had anyone come and visit me or my baby after the birth apart from a telehelealth. Never would recommend this hospital. I dream over and over my birthing experience and wish I could have been respected as a birthing mother.

4207

2020

Other

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Logan Hospital

2

5

2

1

4

This is a challenging one to answer. I loved my birth because I achieved a twin vaginal birth without medications, but fighting for it was traumatising and I had to make big compromises. It is not the birth I wanted. I wanted to be attended by my private midwife and her colleagues, in my home, with my sister and friend and mother and my older children. I didn’t want to fight and be coerced into choices. I didn’t want to be guilted into things. I was induced through having my waters broken because twin b was small They put a FSE on twin a’s head because it allowed them to monitor her better. It was quite annoying and fell off when I started pushing. I was able to go in the shower and that’s where she was born. I didn’t know I could catch her myself. They moved me back onto the bed and checked twin b. I had a few moments with twin a before they cut her cord and broke twin b’s waters and he came shooting out. They cut his cord after 20 minutes and gave me syntocin, although I hardly bled. I got a full golden hour and was not rushed to do anything with them afterwards. They didn’t want me to leave because of twin b’s size so we stayed for 24 hours. It took 8 days before I had any milk, so bad to supplement until then. They’re still bf now ;-)

4207

2016

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

John Flynn Private Hospital

4

4

4

5

5

I had a very empowering and beautiful water birth with my first daughter. A few things I would have changed if I’d have known better would have been staying at home longer, declining ARM (which was offered after I had been in hospital for quite some time and I postponed it for 4 hours but didn’t feel I could fully say no), and declining active management of my placenta. Otherwise though, I was so stoked with that birth experience, I just know more now and would do things differently.

4118

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

There was no way I was going to birth in a sterile hospital with bright lights and strangers watching and touching me during my most private and vulnerable experience. I birthed at home in privacy and safety in my own time in a birth pool and went straight into bed with my healthy son! I took full power over my choices, care and health.

4300

2014

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Mater Mothers' Hospital

1

3

5

5

2

Water broke no labour. So put on drip. Posterior baby and drip hurts a lot ( now birthed 4 babies and this was the worst). No support on position changes to help decent. Not able to really be active due to drip. Got epidural. Didn’t work one side, got redone. Heart rate declined got skull cap monitoring. Couldn’t feel to push. Vacuum then forceps. Obstetrician did what his job was. Mid wife was nice but no support or assistance nothing like having a Private midwife.

4300

2019

Private midwife

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Ipswich Hospital

1

4

1

I had twins. Birth of twin 1 was amazing. They were born en caul and my partner and private midwife caught them. The hospital staff was amazing. Then there was a shift change. I was yelled at. Bullied into agreeing to a procedure I now know was contraindicated. No warning before the start of the procedure. More yelling. Not told about baby going into distress. Bullying and I believe I was about to be cut without consent when I requested a csection. Baby was injured during the procedure and I lost 1.8L of blood. I received a T incision. I dont believe it all went to plan as I couldn’t wear clothes with wastebands and took pain killers for a year after. I was unable to visit baby in scn for 2 days ( I couldn’t even stand to get in wheel chair) and had no support. It was attempted to talk me out of making a complaint.

4127

2017

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Logan Hospital

2

2

2

1

2

Huge failure on informing me of nearly all risks vs benefits. Unnecessary induction, I wasn't informed of risks or informed that there were other options.

4300

2021

Private obstetrician

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Kareena Private Hospital

2

3

3

3

3

Had water immersion in birthing pool but forced to get out due to it being easier for the obstetrician. Constantly being checked and uncomfortable.

4055

2018

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Induction of labour

No

Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital

1

2

2

1

1

1

4055

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

4508

2022

Private midwife

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Sunshine Coast University Hospital

5

5

4

Precipitous labour, baby delivered via fetal ejection reflex in bath 15 mins after arriving at hospital. No tearing, no monitoring or cannula due time constraints. Intermittent monitoring with Doppler was planned. Placenta failed to deliver with postpartum haemorrhage approx 10 mins post birth. Managed third stage with drug administration followed by general anaesthetic (my request spinal was offered) for placenta removal. Later diagnosed with placenta accreta syndrome following 3L pph.

2622

2016

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Home (without a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

1

3

5

I did it my way

2478

2021

GP/hospital shared care

Hospital

Induction of labour

Yes

Lismore Base Hospital

5

5

4

5

4

4

I had a relatively easy pregnancy and prepared for a normal birth/water birth. I joined the hospitals antenatal program and the midwives were lovely! Around my due date the hospital midwife had concerns about my waters leaking and they wanted to induce me. I feel like this paved a different path for my birth which I wasn't expecting. For my next birth I am considering a private obstetrician as I would feel more assured in knowing who my care team are.

2477

2020

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Lismore Base Hospital

4

5

4

5

4

I was disappointed that I could not access continuity of midwifery care and was attended to by a different midwife at each appointment. My appointments felt rushed and sometimes impersonal. I felt overly serviced and monitored towards the end of my pregnancy as I went 'post-dates' and felt pressured to accept an induction as a routine procedure. I was not informed of any risks associated with this procedure and I'm very glad I denied it and was able to go into labour spontaneously. I was fortunate to have beautiful midwives at my birth on the day, although I did not know them, and they respected all my wishes and had thoroughly studied my birth plan. I felt like I was able to make my own decisions when challenges arose during the birth. The facilities at the hospital were very good.

2084

2016

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

Birthing with a private midwife was an expensive option but I considered this an investment in my own health and wellbeing, and thus an investment in the care for my baby. In the home environment, I was less likely to be interfered with in ways that would detract from my birth experience.

2640

2022

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

4

Our baby boy came at home on his due date after my waters began slowly trickling out at 5pm. Surges began at about 9:30, and then ramped up very quickly. Pushing by 11:30, waiting for midwives to arrive. Got in the bath about then, which momentarily felt better but then carried on being an intense wild ride of pushing. It was just my partner and I until 12:30 when our second midwife and an observer midwife arrived. They provided some good reassurance. The first midwife arrived just as soon as the bum and balls of my baby emerged to everyone’s surprise!! This was at 1:30am. Took about eight minutes to get his head out. He was an almost perfectly executed Frank breech but his head needed some help tucking his chin in so that he could come down. Finally came out after a lot of effort and moving from all fours to standing. He had good tone throughout, however was a little bit out of it by the time he exited fully. Was put on my chest immediately where he had some oxygen, rubbing, talking and some little compressions. After five mins his apgar was 8 so all good. The ambulance was called just in case so they had arrived promptly but weren’t required in the end so stood in the kitchen respectively and kept their distance and let the midwives handle it which was great. They left again without having to intervene. Birthed the placenta when I got out of the pool, 20 minutes later. We stayed attached until I was ready to cut the cord. We sat in bed whilst I recovered and got stitches and held my precious baby breech boy. We were all happy and healthy by the morning!

2480

2020

Private midwife

Birth centre/"low risk" service

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Lismore Base Hospital

5

5

5

5

5

It was my first birth & I chose my care team. I chose to transfer after a very long labour & chose to get an epidural which resulted in an episiotomy & forceps. My midwife, partner & doula came to the hospital with me & stayed for the birth & the backup obstetrician we had paid for supported our birth. I felt empowered the whole time despite the transfer with no trauma from the birth experience.

2480

2022

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

I had my 'dream' homebirth of our 2nd baby, spontaneuos labour at 39+4 (besides a stretch and sweep by my midwife at home 3 days prior). Unfortunately bub was 5.3kg & a shoulder dystocia, stuck for 4 mins. I had a private obs backup with scans in late pregnancy but no one predicted his size including myself, it was no ones fault & I really feel everyone who cared for us did the best they could. So my midwife gave an episiotomy when his head was out with my consent, the ambulance was called & my partner & baby had to transfer to hospital once he was born while I stayed home to get stitches. His challenging birth resulted in 4 weeks of special care then NICU from broken collarbone & swallowing issues due to neck trauma but he is ok now.

2481

2018

Known midwife (MGP/birth ctr in pub. hosp.)

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

Yes

Lismore Base Hospital

4

3

4

3

4

I was no longer able to birth with my known midwife through the public birth centre when my baby was measuring too small at 38 weeks. After looking at my options over the coming weeks I chose to birth at the hospital and went into spontaneous labour and had a natural birth at 43 weeks. I had many midwives and different people entering the room throughout my labour and birth. I felt pressured to get to a certain point at a certain time which resulted in me physically pushing my baby out when I could have waited for my body and baby to be more ready. I wasn’t able to be in water during my labour and birth as I had constant ctg monitoring. They recommended putting a clip in my baby’s head to monitor their heart beat so I could go in the water but I said no thank you, I did not want a clip out in my baby’s head. My baby was healthy and we left a few hours later as I felt more comfortable at home. In hindsight a private midwife would have been a better choice for my birth. I chose this for my second birth and had such an enjoyable and empowering birth.

5605

2022

Known midwife (ante/postnatal only)

Hospital

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

No

Port Lincoln Health Services

5

5

5

5

5

2481

2021

Private midwife

Home (with a registered midwife)

Spontaneous labour (started naturally)

5

5

5

Birthing at home with my chosen support team and private midwife I felt calm and safe. I laboured mostly on my own in the night which was such a special time for me to spend with my baby working together getting a lot of the work done before waking others. My midwife and second midwife let my body do what it needed to do to naturally birth my baby and placenta. My 3yr old son got to witness his sister being born in our home. The birth was calm and beautiful and once out of the pool I lay on our couch with my baby on my chest still attached. My support team made tea and birthday cake and we celebrated. There was no timing anything or schedule or pressure. It was 8hrs start to finish.

2558

2013

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Is. Mat. Service (pub. hosp.)

Campbelltown Hospital

Had rude midwives who shamed me for being too loud in labour, using a pillow to breastfeed for the first time, and pulled the blanket off me to expose my vagina while a male friend was in the room. Known midwife was great. She would come to my house every appointment before and after birth. I wanted a full water birth in the Indigenous womens room and I was denied because I had a “BIG” baby and coerced into an induction-mostly due to it being Christmas. A midwife explained “they like to induce around this time because DRs are on holidays.”

4750

2017

Other

Yes

Mackay Base Hospital

4

4

1

4

4

4066

2015

2

1

4

1

2

4066

2015

Private obstetrician

4301

2020

Private midwife

The most empowering experience of my life. Completed supported, known midwife present, felt calm and in control and loved. Baby was born easily into birth pool. I was the first person to touch her, I picked her up out of water and straight to my chest. Absolutely life changing and fulfilling experience.

2477

2020

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

Yes

Lismore Base Hospital

5

5

3

5

3

2622

2016

Known midwife (Midwifery Group Practice in pub. hosp.)

4

4

5

Fast Birth at home full term no complications

4305

2012

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

No

Mater Mothers' Hospital

1

1

1

1

1

2482

2009

My planned homebirth for our first child with the midwife of our choice was a safe, private and meaningful experience. Our baby was born with no complications and apart from a hairline tear, there were no notable physical impacts on/in my body. We are grateful to have had access to this model of care and had sought it again the second time round (also a successful and wonderful experience).

6208

2016

Private midwife

4

4

4

While my experience overall was fantastic my private midwife was the only one that serviced my area so there where things we did not align with but I felt I had no choice but have her support to birth at home.

4514

2017

Midwifery clinic (pub. hosp.)

3

3

2

5

My midwife team consisted of 7 women who worked out of Caboolture Hospital, I wasn't required to see them at the hospital though. Some were open to intervention free birthing, some were not. There was one midwife I refused to see again after a couple of appointments with her. I was required to have unnecessary appointments at hospital with head obstetrician at beginning and end of pregnancy. A stretch & sweep and induction were offered but not pushed after I refused. I was forced to book an induction for two weeks after my due date to appease the process. My free birth at home 7 days after due date was wonderful and exactly what I hoped. But the pre-birth & post birth process involved put me off having another child in Qld/Australia.