"Antenatal care and childbirth"

I was cared for by the fantastic midwives who work within the family birth centre at KEMH. I could not fault the care provided to myself or my baby by these fantastic women. 

Having one midwife throughout my entire pregnancy was absolutely the most reassuring and supportive model of care I could have asked for. Seeing Emily (my midwife) once every few weeks (as well as having her available to contact essentially at any time) meant that I was comfortable and supported through this journey.

The model of care the family birth centre provides is just exceptional. The holistic, woman and family-centred approach is completely flexible and customisable to the client. I was supported in every choice I made for myself, my labour and my baby. 

On the days where Emily was unable to make scheduled appointments, these were easily rescheduled, or I was able to be seen to by another one of the wonderful midwives in the team. Every single one of them was supportive, professional and knowledgeable, and made me feel completely comfortable. 

My labour didn’t go exactly to plan, and unfortunately, I was not able to birth in the centre as I had wanted. I felt extremely disappointed in myself when I made the decision to be transferred to the hospital - but Emily was absolutely supportive of my choice, and made me feel so much better about it. There is no way I could have laboured as long as I did without any pain relief or intervention without her support. 

I was most impressed by the care provided when another midwife from the birth centre took over from Emily late in the evening to be present at my birth on the labour ward of KEMH. 

This midwife (Marina I think her name was) was extremely encouraging, and supportive of my birth choices and encouraged me to stick to my guns when it seemed medical staff encouraged/ suggested otherwise. I would likely have not felt empowered enough to stand by my choice without her presence. 

I could not recommend the family birth centre enough. The care I received was exceptional at all points of pregnancy, labour, and postpartum (daily visits from Emily and Nicole post-birth). I would not hesitate to birth through the FBC again.