I experienced the birth I wanted during the most unprecedented times with the support of my midwives and team of carers at the birthing centre in Melling.
My son was born naturally at the birthing centre 33minutes into the first lockdown which was a very stressful time for a first time mother. The staff were very supportive, my husband was able to stay with me the WHOLE time to provide me with support as we weren't allowed visitors with the level 4 status of the country. The midwives were available for questions, help and support 24/7 no matter what and even took baby for a couple of hours so we could get some sleep.
The facilities are second to none, we had our own private room with a bathroom/toilet, with the option to have waterbirth or birth wherever felt right. I can't imagine being able to do this in a hospital or at home with other family around. The food was nutritious and delicious, my first meal was AMAZING (after 36hrs vomiting during labour).
I am forever grateful to these people and for allowing me to have such a positive birthing experience. I am saddened that this service and facility which did not cost me a cent, may be unavailable to mothers in the future. A service which should be the standard of care in a hospital setting, which unfortunately is stretched to their limits and underfunded.
My son was born naturally at the birthing centre 33minutes into the first lockdown which was a very stressful time for a first time mother. The staff were very supportive, my husband was able to stay with me the WHOLE time to provide me with support as we weren't allowed visitors with the level 4 status of the country. The midwives were available for questions, help and support 24/7 no matter what and even took baby for a couple of hours so we could get some sleep.
The facilities are second to none, we had our own private room with a bathroom/toilet, with the option to have waterbirth or birth wherever felt right. I can't imagine being able to do this in a hospital or at home with other family around. The food was nutritious and delicious, my first meal was AMAZING (after 36hrs vomiting during labour).
I am forever grateful to these people and for allowing me to have such a positive birthing experience. I am saddened that this service and facility which did not cost me a cent, may be unavailable to mothers in the future. A service which should be the standard of care in a hospital setting, which unfortunately is stretched to their limits and underfunded.
I hope for things to change and remain positive, as I know NZ is a country that has led the way before in many other issues (gay marriage, Covid strategies, womens' right to vote) and long may it continue especially in relation to freedom of womens' birthing rights. That starts with saving the birthing centre!!! I support you 100%!
NB. Ritisha's midwives, who helped her to have this amazing experience, are leaving practice at the end of 2021 due to the terrible conditions and pay that LMC midwives have to work under in NZ.
