Werribee Mercy Childbirth Centre

[Jellyblush]

Hi there,

I've just found out we're expecting our first baby, and after 12 months of trying we're over the moon!

I'm a bit naive about it all though I'm afraid, and didn't realise that private health insurance didn't actually mean you were covered for your DR The upshot is, really, even with the insurance, we are not sure we can afford private.

So, I have booked myself into Werrribee Mercy, into their new Childbirth Centre which is midwive led, with a female Ob.

I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced this service, or Werribee Mercy at all? I love the idea of a midwive assisted birth.
I'd love to know how big the hospital is, how equipped they are if something goes wrong, with bub, or with me. What the consistency of information is like - as a new mum, i want to get one message about they way to do things like breastfeed if possible. Will they throw me out after 24 hours like some other public hospitals, that scares me!

So many questions - sorry for the essay! Grateful for any thoughts and experiences you may wish to share

[rayray]

most public hospitals are 2-3 night stays, unless you chooose to leave earlier, or need to stay longer.
I had DS1 at werribee mercy but that was before the new director of obs. and midwifery team.
But my GP practised obs so i had team midwifery thru him anyway.
facilities are excellent, childbirth centre is quite large, and the Lactation Consultants there are excellent.
As far as getting the same message, any hospital you are going to get different opinions as all midwifes will have different levels of knowledge and experience etc, but from the LC and day stay staff you will get a consistant message.

[alexa]

Hi Jellyblush,

I havent actually had any children at Mercy Weribee but have read other older threads on belly belly and by far the majority of comments were really positive - do a search in this forum if you would like to get more information.
I had my first 3 children at a private hospital and knowing that our 4th would be in the public system i did quite a bit of research and MW was my first choice. Unfortunately when I called at 5 weeks pregnant the midwife clinic was already full so I am going to Baccus Marsh which also seems good.
From what I have heard from friends and from looking at various public hospital websites it is usual to stay 24-48 hours in a public hospital and i think Mercy Weribee is an exception to this.
Just wanted to encourage you too that going private is really expensive - there are so many out of pocket expenses. we cant believe how everything is free this time!!
all the best!

[rayray]

The other option you have is caseload midwifery at Sunshine, who have brand new birthing rooms. In caseload, which is what I did for DS2, you will see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy. This also fills up quickly though so if you are interested you would need to call early.