"Positive birth course & birth at Kununurra District Hospital"

Our son was born at Kununurra District Hospital. 

I don’t think it could have been a more positive or empowering experience and that comes down to the amazing staff and also WACH’s Positive Birth Program.

My partner and I spent a lot of time preparing together for the birth. It was so helpful learning all the ways we could do that and how my partner could support me. We did the Optimal Maternal Positioning most days and practised acupressure and massage. We talked about my preferences for touching and encouragement and staying home as long as possible.

I was very fortunate to have a quick and easy labour, most of which we managed at home using the tools from the program.

Labour started quite gently on the Saturday night. We woke up on the Sunday morning and went for a walk. I made sure to stay upright as long as I could (on the fit ball and seated). When things became more intense by mid morning I put on the TENS machine. I was using my positive visualisations and thinking about all my affirmations which I had as the background on my phone. By around 1pm we called the hospital to check in as I was 15 minutes apart. They encouraged us to keep going at home until 2-5 minutes apart as we were doing so well and we live 5 minutes from the hospital.

I decided to hop in the shower around 3:00pm to see if the hot water would help. I got straight out as it was much more intense without the TENS machine. I think I went into transition at that point and my partner called the hospital and said we were coming in.

We got to the hospital by 3:30pm and my waters started to break in reception while we were doing RATS. I was using my surge and relaxation breathing while we waited to go to delivery.

We got to delivery by 3:55pm and our baby was born at 4:22pm. He was born en caul. There was no time for an examination; the midwife just said I could start pushing. My legs were really tired and sore so I couldn’t stand. I got onto the bed on my side and my partner held me and reassured me. I asked for the gas and air and found that really helped me with my breathing. I was still wearing the TENS machine and using my Hypnobirthing visualisations and affirmations. I felt my baby’s head come out and he was out a couple of pushes later. 

Baby came straight onto my tummy and we started breastfeeding immediately. We are so lucky that he naturally has a really good latch and I felt pretty confident having done the Fourth Trimester program too. We had a couple of hours together like that while my placenta came and I had some stitches before we went to our room. My partner cut baby’s cord and helped with measuring him.

Things were not without complication. I needed the injection and then had my placenta removed manually because I was bleeding and it wasn’t coming. I lost 1.5L of blood and needed a blood transfusion the next day. Two and a half weeks later I had a secondary bleed due to an infection and needed surgery to have retained placenta removed and then ten days of antibiotics. I was readmitted to hospital for a few days.

I honestly think the program gave me all the tools I needed to feel strong, calm and positive through it all and during my recovery. I am so grateful for it. The hospital staff were so supportive and caring, which made a huge difference too.

The program also helped me advocate for myself and seek information while making decisions. We adapted the template birth preferences and the hospital was so good with them. Our clinic midwife and a doctor went through them with us in advance so we felt prepared. At the birth they knew I wanted limited interventions if possible and a really calm environment and they respected that. They were so supportive, caring and helpful during both our hospital stays.

I think everyone should have access to the program. I feel like it was the perfect balance of education about the medical side of things plus tools and strategies to have a positive and calm birth no matter what arises. Doing the Fourth Trimester program was also extremely helpful.

I would also encourage Kununurra families to birth in Kununurra where that is an option as in my experience, the team is incredible.