First Pregnancy - Birth Centre possible?

[totallynew]

Hi, I am in a simular situation. This is my first pregnancy and my doctor was very vague about my options. I have received a referal to the pre-natal classes at the Gold Coast Hospital, but I didn't get the referal to the Birth Centre that I wanted.

Can anyone tell me how I am meant to book or put my name down for the birthing centre without going back to my doctor for the referal?

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I am a little confused about how I am meant to start seeing a widwife at the hospital too??? The hospital send they would send out information for the prenatal classes... does this include seeing the widwife every 4 weeks?

Thanks,

Sharee

[NikW]

Hi Sharee,

Give the Gold Coast Birth Centre a call on 55 198234 (that's the number in their pamphlet anyway). I don't think you need a referral and they'll let you know if you are eligible. They are really wonderful.

The prenatal classes are just information sessions. If you don't get into the birth centre, I'd just phone the antenatal clinic at GCH and make an appointment. Not sure how far along you are but I know that the birth centre won't confirm your place until you are 12 weeks pregnant.

Hope that helps. Good luck getting into the BC xxx Nik

[CLH]

Hi Sharee! My doc sent the inital refferal to the GCH and said if I wanted the BC then to be sure to go back to her for a refferal. With her negativity about it I didn't even trust she would do it so I just called and spoke to the BC myself, no refferal needed. I did however hear from the GCH about my first appointment there which booked for september, so when I found out I got into the BC I just cancelled this. There does seem to be a long while where you don't see anyone - guess baby just has to get on with being cooked for a while!

I saw the midwife from the BC and from now she will take care of everything - ordering routing scans etc, I have my 12wk scan booked through GP already but she will contact them for the results so I don't have to go in. She did say they write to your GP out of courtesy saying you are with them now for baby stuff and will see the GP for other normal things.

Hope that helps - call up and fingers crossed you get in.

Happy Waiting!

CLH