"Care in the Busselton Maternity Ward"

We’d like to thank the team of midwives and Drs that cared for us during the birth and the following three days. 

I had such a positive birth experience and would like to share my positive induction story. I had intended to wait for spontaneous start of labour and so accepting an induction for being overdue was a big decision for us. Dr Peter, explained my options, the risks, benefits and alternatives and made me feel empowered and in control of making the decision without placing any pressure or creating any unnecessary fear or urgency around this intervention.

I feel the Busselton birthing suites are beautifully appointed and had everything on hand to create a safe birthing space - (lighting, affirmations, oil burner, speaker) that we really didn’t need to bring any of this ourselves. 

The midwives through my birth (Abbey, Melania and student midwife Sophie) were so supportive and encouraging to both myself and my partner. They respected our birth preferences and protected our safe space. Throughout my labour any checks for baby or how I was progressing was carried out minimally and by gaining consent and discussing processes with my partner who advocated for me throughout my labour. 

After a very quick second stage I delivered a beautiful healthy baby boy we were left in the calm quiet care of one midwife to soak up those precious golden hours without any pressure to move, rush or do anything we weren't ready for. My goal for my labour was to pass through it feeling like I was in control of what happened regardless of how I ended up giving birth - the Busselton hospital staff supported me to do exactly that, anything they recommended was always left to us to make the decision and we felt fully informed and never pressured into further intervention or felt the need to make a decision based from a position of fear. I will forever be thankful to the team for supporting me through my beautiful birth. 

In the following days the follow up care and assistance with establishing breastfeeding and general support and care we received in the beautiful room on the ward was the most beautiful experience to gently transition into the world of parenthood. I know there is a lot of focus on the birth experience but I think the model of care Busselton offers afterward meant I received such good support and care. The one on one support through latching difficulties with a midwife who was also a lactation consultant each night (Helen) but other midwives throughout each shift, Claire, Elle and others were all so attentive and provided me with amazing care and advice. 

Thank you so much for everything you did for us and helping us bring our son into the world and beginning the journey of parenthood.