[my3beautifulboys]

Hi, We re expecting baby #4 not due until October though all being well. My other three children have all been born in country hospitals, which has been nice as we ve always been near home, family and friends. I was wondering whether too choose a birthing suite this time or not? Can anyone recommed a nice one in Perth W.a.

I would nt be able to leave my children with anyone whilst in hospital, so i was wondering can they be with me, or dont hospitals allow that. Would it only be Dh and I allowed in there? I would love to hear youre thoughts and experiences, thanks.

This post has been edited by my3beautifulboys: 10/02/2013, 10:13 PM

[Cranky Kitten]

If you're low risk and want your kids to be with you, check out the Family Birth Centre at KEMH. The catch is that they only offer gas for pain relief (although you can have a water birth if you like) and they tend towards early discharge.

You would need an extra support person for the kids unless you're happy for your DH to wait with them.

[my3beautifulboys]

Thanks, well with my other 3 i didnt really have any pain relief, except for abit of gas for #3. So that doesnt worry me too much. Do they allow children in the birthing suite with you at time of labour or not, as Dh would be there with me. Do you mean i'd have to have another person to look after them while Dh is helping me?

[Cranky Kitten]

According to their information on their website, yes the kids may be able to be in the birth suite with you, they also have a waiting area that has toys and play equipment available. They would however, need an additional support person other than your primary support person as they may find it too confronting or overwhelming and need to be taken out of the room.

One thought that occurs to me though, is you could hire a doula to be your primary support, freeing your DH up to deal with the kids?

[trishalishous]

you will def need a person to be with the kids at all times.

[my3beautifulboys]

Thankyou for finding out for me, that very kind of you. Yes i guess i could hire a doula to be my support person and then Dh would be able to support the children, and take them out if need be. I know they would be more comfortable with Dh rather than a carer they didnt know. I imagine that the private room, doula is covered by private health insurance, which we have. I wouldnt think i'd be kept in hospital for very long aslong as everything is fine. Who do you have as a Doctor in that case?

[roses99]

I am happy to be corrected, but I wouldn't have thought a doula would be covered by PHI. I do agree that it's a good idea, though. Do you have any family or friends
within a reasonable drive that could help with looking after the kids?

[Cranky Kitten]

Doulas generally aren't covered by PHI as theirs is not a medical role.

As far as which doctor you'd see, the majority of your antenatal care is done with a small team of midwives, if a doctor is required you'd see one at KEMH.