Your birth experience at Murdoch

Birth plans

Birth plans are a great way to start to think about what sort of birth you want to have and discover what options are available to you. There is no shortage of information through many sources, but your safety and that of your baby is our first priority.

Any birth plan must be discussed with your obstetrician , so they can ensure your safety and help you navigate what is realistic and reasonable, including any contingencies. The midwives at parent education classes can help you make these decisions as they explain all the choices available at Murdoch.

About the birthing process

Throughout your pregnancy, your baby is growing and developing and your body is feeding your baby and preparing for birth.

Your uterus maintains the pregnancy by keeping your cervix closed then as birth is imminent it contracts, and the cervix opens to enable the birth of your baby. The Placenta needs to stay out of the way during birth then separate and be expelled. All this occurs in synchronised motion to ensure the baby is welcomed in a new world.

Our birthing suites

We have six dedicated birthing suites fully equipped to assist you to deliver your baby. Each private suite is fully equipped with bed, bathroom, comfortable and flexible places to sit and provision for your newborn. All clinical requirements are available in your suite and we have a dedicated Birthing Suite Coordinator onsite to ensure your admission and care is smooth. The birthing suites are located on the same floor as our St Marys ward where you will go following delivery.

View our virtual tour of the birthing suites

Contingencies

Sometimes things don't go according to plan and there may be many clinical reasons why birth cannot occur vaginally. Caesarean section is the alternative birth method.

Both vaginal and C-section methods of birth have risks and complications to mother or baby can occur. Your Obstetrician will guide you around the decision of caesarean section or vaginal birth and if there are any conditions existing which may prevent the normal birth process.

Emergency C-sections are carried out in our theatre suite and is available 24 hours a day.

Elective caesarean and induction

Some patients elect a caesarean birth for many reasons. This can include maternal choice, age, past birth complications or trauma or for many other clinical reasons.

At Murdoch, both our midwife team and obstetricians encourage patients to be involved in their healthcare decisions and we work with you when contingencies are required. Planned induction is another option for birth that may be discussed with your Obstetrician.

VBAC

VBAC is the common term for 'vaginal birth after caesarean'. We have excellent data to show that many Murdoch patients have been successful at having a VBAC in our hospital. Please let your obstetrician know if a VBAC is your goal and be prepared to discuss your plans to help make this happen.

Your birth experience is one you'll remember forever. Our Obstetricians and midwives will support you in your choices whether than may be a vaginal birth, induction or a caesarean and will work with you to ensure the best and safest outcome for your new family.

Fun fact!

• The age of delivering women in Australia has increased from 30.1 in 2013 to 30.8 in 2020.
• The age of delivering women at Murdoch is slightly older than average, from 32.4 in 2013 to 33.2 in 2020.