"Birthing in Karratha"

I had my baby at Karratha Hospital through the MGP program after moving up from Perth. The antenatal care has been more the exceptional. The midwives follow everything through from blood tests, scans, doctors appointments ect. You have direct contact with them at any time of day for all concerns you may have. The birthing process was no different. The birth suits are absolutely amazing with dim lights, bath for water births and your space is protected while in labour. The overnight rooms are spacious and the night midwife’s are so helpful with helping your baby latch and give you reprieve overnight. The antenatal and birthing care could not be faulted. 

Postnatally I feel the care does lack. I found that having access to the midwives for home visits for the first 5days is invaluable however afterwards you are discharged and have no further care. Your baby gets a week post check with a nurse and then 6 weeks. The child health nurses do have a walk-in clinic once a week for help with your baby. However anything else requires you to go to a GP. Is the umbilical cord wound normal? They are unsettled, screaming and poos have changed colour but not sure if this is normal? Is your baby putting on weight? Your baby isn’t latching properly but you can’t get in to see a lactation consultant for a week. All these questions I have no one but google to ask. 

When it comes to your own healing, I understand early care is important but what care is that. I was told to rest up and watch for infection signs. A headache, chills, fatigue are all things I am going to experience but they could also be signs I am unwell. As a first time mum I didn't know what symptoms are normal, what the wound should look like, what physiotherapy I should start doing. As a new mum to town and having all my care dealt with by the hospital midwives and doctors we have no local GP especially a GP who is aware of the outcomes of my birth. 

Summary;:

Antenatal care and birth - can’t fault it 

Post natal care for bub - good but could be better 

Post natal care for mum - needs improvement