"Birth experience at St.George Kogarah"

I’m so pleased I got the delivery I deserved. After having a traumatic birth at a different hospital 5 years ago, I was determined to do my best to avoid too much intervention this time. The midwives during my appointments were all supportive of my VBAC request but the night I arrived in labour (on my due date amazingly!) I was met with such an amazing team. 

Bree was my first main midwife and was so calm and supportive. She was supported by Courtney who was also so gentle. Bree ensured my pain relief was ramped up as soon as I needed it and allowed my body to go through the motions. Bree saw me through my labour up until it was time to push. At this time, Grace started her shift. Grace can only be described as quirky as her energy is incredible. She had the best balance between supporting me but also guiding me with pushing effectively. She made me feel so safe. Dr Hayley and the rest of the team did have to assist when my pushing wasn’t making sufficient progress. Hayley explained what she thought was the best steps to get baby out safely and I felt so safe with her decision. I felt a power sweep over me to enable me to push as hard as I could to deliver my baby with the help of a vacuum cup. These women gave me such an overwhelming feeling of empowerment and they all knew how important a VBAC was for me. I feel like they all came together to ensure we did absolutely everything in our power to achieve the VBAC. 

Once my baby was delivered, even though I’d torn badly and was losing blood, the team still ensured that the cord clamping was delayed and my husband got to cut the cord. They placed my baby on my chest for as long as they could before I was sent down to surgery for repair (another excellent supportive team). 

My husband and I are so grateful for the care we received and the experience we had during the birth of our second child. I firmly believe it has given me the closure I desperately needed following our horrific first birth experience (not at the same hospital). 

My post natal care has also been good with a special shout out to Maddie who does the night shift. She is by far the most supportive nurse I’ve had over the last two days in the post natal ward. 

I really hope everyone who was involved in my birth (there were more midwives there during my final stages of delivery but I was in another world by that point!) can be recognised for their dedication and commitment to what was so important to me. We will be forever grateful to have finalised our family in such a supportive environment.