This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Birth Experience at King Edward Memorial Hospital

Posted By silverwareys45

"Birth Experience at King Edward Memorial Hospital"

About: King Edward Memorial Hospital / Maternity

(as the patient),

I gave birth to my first child last year at the Family Birthing Centre (FMC) at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). I greatly appreciated the continuity of care and empowerment I felt to make informed decisions about my pregnancy and birth. I arrived at the birthing centre at 2: 00 am and delivered my baby in water at 3: 25 am so all in all my pregnancy and birth experience was very positive. What I did not enjoy as much was the stitching afterwards. I could feel every stitch and the thread being pulled through too. I don’t think there is much to be done about this. The other thing I didn’t quite like is having to leave so soon after giving birth. I gave birth at 3: 25 am and was on my way home at 8: 00 am. I knew that I wouldn’t be allowed to stay longer than 7 hours after delivery because of centre policy, but even still, I was not ready to leave. I feel like the complications I had establishing breastfeeding might have been avoided if I had a little more time and support before I left for home. Now, as I think about any future births, I am trying to decide between having a good birth experience or being allowed to stay a little longer after birth. I really don’t think women should have to compromise one or the other. So my only request would be to find a way to offer women in Western Australia Family Birthing Center quality care as well as sufficient time post-delivery to recover and establish breastfeeding.  

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Jodi Graham, Executive Director, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group 5 years ago
Jodi Graham
Executive Director,
Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group

Submitted on 29/03/2019 at 6:35 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 1/04/2019 at 10:06 AM

picture of Jodi Graham

Dear jojo123

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback about the Women and Newborn Health Service.

I am pleased to hear that you had a positive birthing experience at the Family Birth Centre (FBC). Our service strives to always provide quality, patient centred care and I will ensure that your feedback is provided to the staff at FBC.

The FBC cares for healthy, “low risk” women who anticipate a normal pregnancy and birth, with the expected length of stay being approximately four hours after the birth of your baby. After the birth of your baby, the FBC midwives assist mothers with the care of their newborn, including breastfeeding, nappy changing and bathing.

I am sorry to hear that you did not feel fully supported with establishing breastfeeding with your baby before you were discharged home. KEMH aims to provide a comprehensive counselling and support service for new mothers at, or as close to home as possible. The Breastfeeding Centre of WA centre offers a state-wide telephone counselling service for women experiencing breastfeeding problems. Coming to the centre enables a mother and her baby / babies to spend up to six hours overcoming breastfeeding difficulties with the help of a midwife or lactation consultant. I would encourage you contact the service if you feel that you require any additional support.

I would like to extend my congratulations on the arrival of your first child and I wish you and your family the best for the future.

Regards

Jodi

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k