Amanda, from Heretaunga, Upper Hutt, shares about birthing her daughter Quinn at Te Awakairangi BC

I gave birth to my daughter at Te Awakairangi in August 2020 with the support of my midwife, Kelly.

As a first time mum, I was apprehensive about giving birth but realised right from the start of my pregnancy journey that Te Awakairangi was the right place for me to be.

I wanted an environment that was private, safe, relaxing, quiet and facilitated a low-intervention birth but that was closer to the hospital than my home in case anything went wrong. Te Awakairangi ticked all of these boxes for me (and more) and it was a no brainer that this was where I should give birth.

I was fortunate that my pregnancy was low-risk and there were no complications so I was able to see through the entire birth at the birthing centre. My own midwife, Kelly, and the midwives at the centre provided absolutely fantastic care of me and my newborn daughter. I felt so relaxed, private and free from the stresses and chaos of a hospital. The birthing centre is also far more welcoming of support people and family which creates an environment that far better suits the needs of people giving birth.

Without a doubt, I would birth there again and I'm absolutely gutted that this may not be an option for myself, or for other mums-to-be in the Hutt Valley, in the future.

It is incomprehensible that Hutt Valley women will not have primary birthing options available and there will be inevitable added pressures on the already under-resourced Hutt Hospital. The loss of options for women in the region will also add to the mental and psychological stress of childbirth, particularly where women have no choice but to birth in a hospital environment despite their best wishes.