Choosing hospital or birthing unit

You can choose Birthcare/Auck Hospital but I think if you choose to birth at Botany, you will be transferred to Middlemore if needed. In 2010 I spent 4 days prebirth at Middlemore and then 4 days when baby was 10 days old with Mastitis and op to remove the abscess, had no problems with any of the staff, all lovely and helpful, the same when I had no2 but was only there about 6 hours. I can understand that a bad experience can be very off-putting and birthcare is like a hotel but I loved Botany, needs a huge make over but staff and food make up for it :)

Edited by LateStarterLorna - 29 July 2013 at 8:45pm

I live in Manukau. While I was booked for Botany we ended up at Middlemore, then transferred to Botany after my son was born. The birthing suites at Middlemore are state-of-the-art, but I totally agree with you about the ward afterwards! As long as you & baby are ok you can transfer out 4 hrs after baby is born. And that's ONLY if you end up needing to go to Middlemore (there's a good chance you wont). I found the staff at Botany were fantastic (same as the food) and I'll be going back there with this little one. I also like that Botany is nearer for family and friends to visit. There's something to be said for having visitors at the birthing unit where you don't have to think about cleaning, cooking or being a hostess!

On the other hand, I have friends from out this way who had their babies at Birthcare/Auckland, so it's not zoned.

Edited by Mrs Mac - 02 August 2013 at 6:00pm