"Lack of access to Warm Water Immersion during labour and Birth"

As a woman who has recently given birth in Kununurra, I feel it is important to provide feedback on the maternity services and birthing options available to women in our community.

Since giving birth and connecting with many local mums, it has become increasingly obvious to me that one of the most requested labour support options is access to water immersion and water birth. In fact, for many women, the lack of access to water immersion is one of the main reasons they choose to birth in other hospitals rather than in Kununurra.

During my own pregnancy, I purchased a birth pool with the hope of using it during labour. I was advised that I could not bring it into the hospital due to plumbing concerns, however these concerns were never clearly explained or demonstrated. As a first-time mother who strongly desired access to water immersion during labour, I felt disappointed that I did not have access to an option that is routinely available to women in many other locations across Australia.

I understand that many mothers in Kununurra are now having these conversations and would like to see meaningful progress. If water birth services or alternative models of maternity care are not being pursued, we would appreciate transparent communication about why. What barriers exist? What steps have been taken? What plans, if any, are being considered for the future?

I would also appreciate feedback regarding the use of birth slings during labour. I personally used my birth sling during labour at Kununurra Hospital and have since been told that women are not permitted to bring and use their own birth slings in the hospital. If this is the case, I would appreciate understanding the reasoning behind this decision and whether there is a pathway to allow women access to this option in the future.

I believe that women in regional and remote communities deserve access to evidence-based maternity care options that are comparable to those available elsewhere in Australia and with baby number 2 on the way I would love to see this available for me.