Hinetaapora from Tawa birthed Arihia at the Birthing Centre

I chose to give birth at Te Awakairangi because I wanted a space that I could feel in control, I felt welcomed and the facilities were amazing. I couldn't believe that I could give birth there for free and that my husband would be able to spend the first night with me because hospitals never allow partners to stay.

After the experience of my eldest son (I was 18 years old and gave birth at the hospital) it was a very traumatic experience and I knew that I wanted to give birth at Te Awakairangi from the first tour I had of the place.

Sure enough, our stay - from the time I entered there when I was in labour to the time we left with our daughter was the most wonderful experience.  It felt relaxing and was the best way to spend the first 36 hours of my daughter's life.  I felt the post-care I experienced from the midwives was the best I have ever received and felt so looked after. 

I had such a positive birthing experience at Te Awakairangi. There is simply no other place like this and it would be a true and utter shame if it was to be closed down.