Auckland Hospital or Birthcare???

Hi all

We're trying to decide between going to the hospital to have our baby or having it at Birthcare in PArnell. I guess it will depend on the midwife we chose but am wondering if anyone has any experiences of either place?

Also looking for recommendations of Auckland (preferable central) midwives??

Thanks in advance :)

I was booked to have my first baby at birthcare, and laboured there for about 6 hours before I had to transfer to hospital. Its a great facility and really comfortable to labour in assuming you plan not to have an epidural or anything. The only reason I transferred was that my daughter was posterior and after being in painful labour since early morning I wasn't getting anywhere fast, so drugs were an attractive option . The biggest bonus with being booked to labour there is that you are allocated a private room free of charge for 3 days afterwards. (I got one even though I'd transferred!) and it is so nice recovering there. They have round the clock midwives to help with feeding and anything else, and there was only one I didn't like much. I'm a bit sad I don't get to go there this time, I live too far away for it to be convenient now.

Yup, she made the reccomendation for an epidural as we were in for another 6 hours at least she thought. She met us there and stayed the whole night until we transferred back to birthcare in the morning. She was fantastic!

Thanks all very mcuh.

Cara/Jax - would you recommend your midwives? We're going to go and tour both Auckland and Birthcare on Saturday so am hoping we'll have a decision made then. Hubby would prefer us to be in the hospital in case something goes wrong but is not too keen on driving me and the baby to Birthcare hours after the birth!

Is that correct? That if everything is fine, then you get booted out of the hospital and have to make your own way to Birthcare?

Does the hospital teach you about breastfeeding and all that other stuff like Birthcare does?

Thanks all again for your help! :)

Yes you do drive yourself to Birthcare after the birth, that was another reason why we decided against it for this birth. I can see myself being a nervous new mum!

Edited by Paws

I gave birth in Auckland hospital & had a night there afterwards (due to gestational diabetes) then transferred to birthcare. The after birth care was so much better at birthcare than Auckland hospital. I think the midwives at the hospital are so busy they don't really have much time to spend with you teaching you breastfeeding etc, whereas at birthcare they are fantastic. Birthcare is less like a hospital too & a much nicer place to spend a few days after giving birth. The meals there are really yummy as well (not like the slop they give you at Auckland hospital!). You can always book into birthcare & then go on the hospital tour later when you're over 24 weeks. If you'd prefer to go there then you can book in & just cancel the birthcare booking. I know I was originally booked into Waitakere hospital & then had to book into Auckland later on, so it shouldn't be a problem.
I would recommend my midwife - she was great - but she's based in West Auckland & has clinics in Green Bay, so might be a bit far for you to travel??

I am glad to read that the hospitals still rate as if and when we achieve I hope to go to the hospital as I have an irrational fear of dying in childbirth (i know i know!) and also with medical people in my family we hope to go with a doctor...this of course may change but im so pleased to read a well rounded amount of opinions here....
BTW anyone used Botany? Ive heard some things about it and wondered if anyone on here had anything to add as it may also be an option for us.

Thanks all very much for your replies. We're leaning towards Auckland Hospital now for the birth and then transferring to Birthcare so do appreaciate your advice!

Nic01 - thanks but Green Bay is a bit far for us. Thanks anyway :)