"My pregnancy and birth experience with the birth center"

I had an amazing experience with the birth center and would highly recommend to everyone giving birth in perth! After finding out i was pregnant with my first child I was assigned Osborne park hospital, which seemed far away considering i lived in Vic park south of the river!

I had researched pregnancy and birth and knew I wanted a birth as natural and low intervention as possible. I also really really wanted a water birth (which some/most hospitals don't have or cant guarantee) I applied for the birth center, worried that i would not get a place as i thought surely many many women must apply and want a place but i got accepted straight away.

I felt I had all the support and guidance needed with appointments and online classes. Vicky was my midwife, she was amazing. Supportive, understanding, encouraging and friendly she put me at ease, always replied quickly to any questions via text, wasnt pushy with my decisions against vit k and other vaccines and I felt like I had a very personal experience with one main midwife and not lots of different people who you cant build any connection with like i imagine a hospital birth is! Lots of people coming and going and not really knowing who they are!

It was perfect for me and I felt safe with Vicky. Luckily my birth couldnt have gone any smoother. I arrived 8cm dilated and got straight into the water it was just Vicky and I think one other midwife helping coming and going. The birth center itself is relatively small and quiet and i barely noticed anyone else there. Everyone was calm and the room lights low.

She suggested I change position when the birth stalled a little which worked immediately. She offered my husband to help guide her out and bring her to the surface of the water and into my arms. My daughter came out calm and relaxed (not upset and crying) and opened her eyes immediately and looked around. We got out of the water and went to the room and lay on the bed. My placenta was delivered naturally and i had optimal cord clamping after which my husband cut the cord. We were both checked over and were able to leave a few hours later. My daughter was a picture of health perfect oxygen levels and heartrate ect.

I felt amazing, exhilarated and full of joy. I had arrived at around 5pm gave birth at 8pm and was home before midnight. Not tired and barely any pain. I couldnt believe how smoothly it went after hearing many womens horror stories. I know you cant control what happens 100% when you give birth but I do accredit my quick, (somewhat) painless and beautiful birth experience to Vicky and The Birth Center. Words cannot express enough gratitude for the safe arrival of my first born daughter. Thankyou.