Birth experience at Medcare

Heey Clever Bubbles!! I guess you're not the only one who can work out who I am. Lets hope doctors in Medcare are too busy to take part in forums. LOL

Hello.Again.Kitty - We think it was more towards insisting than encouraging... but I couldnt think or argue at this point. My husband said this does give them a good view of what was happening and easier access for massages, episiotomy, catching the baby etc - he thought it'd be difficult to do otherwise, but of course we have nothing to compare to...

Hi DebDanvers! No worries – ask me anything you want! Sorry for the delayed reply. I had my birth plan approved by Dr Wafa a few weeks back. I made sure it was only 1 page, very simple and easy to read. During labour I fully relied on my husband to remind them of my birth plan, deal with any other issues and take decisions. Episiotomy; I did mention “no episiotomy unless I’ll have a 3rd degree tear” on my birth plan – Dr noted “assessed according to situation in husband presence”. In the pushing stage, she said I might tear so she did ask. The midwife added it’d be better to have a straight neat cut than a tear (I had the impression they do this routinely, or often). As we spoke about this before, my husband said we’d take our chances. Apparently 1st degree is better than episiotomy, 2nd is almost the same, and 3rd & 4th are worse. I found this useful: http://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/third-or-fourth-degree-tear-during-childbirth Btw I did perineum massage from 33 weeks so that might have helped. I delivered on the bed, on my back with the stirrups. Not leaning forward but I was in too much pain to turn around. I could smile and talk until 8 cm (using TENS machine, breathing & relaxation techniques) but from transition (9cm onwards) contractions too intense!! You’re right natural births are very uncommon, on the same day there were 8 deliveries and 7 of them c-section (but I think only 1 of them emergency). Moonbean, I arrived at around 11 am, and delivered at 18:30. Dr. Wafa was around but she only checked from time to time, probably between consultations. She did deliver the baby though when the time came for pushing. My husband said it took like 20 minutes (he felt a bit rushed as I was told to push really hard throughout). If she wasn’t there, they have a doctor on duty who will follow the birth plan. Not sure if she would come at night or not. Raspberry tea... can’t tell if it made a difference as I have nothing to compare to! I did push the baby pretty quickly though (despite laying down and in stirrups) and ended up with red blotches on my face, neck and shoulders from pushing!!! They look pretty awful and got the doctors and nurses concerned, but they were painless and went away after a few days. That might have been the tea!! My baby is just lovely and adorable... breastfeeding started awkward (still is) but progressing. Be ready for days of interrupted sleep! Any more questions just let me know :)

Hi all, I thought Id share my recent birth experience at Medcare since there seems to be quite a few threads about it. I was with Dr Wafa for antenatal care and I was lucky to have a smooth pregnancy. She signed off my plan for natural birth (although I had to argue on some points like episiotomy and she crossed out squatting). Towards the end I felt there was too much unnecessary monitoring (like ctg machine at every appointment, increasing to every day after my 38th weeks), although she said everything was perfect! She also offered to "ignite" the labour at 38 weeks. I forgot to ask why and simply refused. I considered changing doctors but my labour started. My strategy was to rest, stay home as long as possible and get my husband to make sure the birth plan is followed. I got to the hospital at 5 cm. I had 1 midwife in charge and 1 doctor on duty, both were very nice, but Dr Wafa was the one in control. She was supportive all the way and although wasn't there throughout, she did deliver the baby. Dr said I would need episiotomy to avoid tearing. Btw it is difficult to tell if you'd tear and what degree so it is risky to not go for it. I did prepare for this so I refused and ended up just with a minor laceration. I had a total 13 hours natural birth with no medication, using only a TENS machine - which is up for sale with new electrodes if anyone wants it :-) Not happy with Medcare management and finance. The labour & maternity wards were full. After delivery, the 3 of us were offered a tiny room with shared toilet outside - it was horrible and my husband totally refused! He had to argue a few times and in the end they let us stay in the labour room. Apparently Medcare is overwhelmed with the number of deliveries as many freelance doctors admit their patients there too. Also, be very careful with the bills and do go through the items. My insurance paid for delivery but not the baby. There were many mistakes and wrong charges that were "difficult to change" because of the "system was down" and they kept trying to get us to pay anyway, or "pay now and you can come back later" or "oh I thought you had this" or "I thought you wanted this" or "oh, actually this is not for you". We were tired and ready to go home but were delayed for hours because of the wrong bills. I nearly didnt bother but it is not about the money but the careless attitude and saying anything so we just pay. Not impressed at all!! Overall it was a good experience, but I feel it was mainly because I worked hard to ensure my labour will be smooth. They do follow birth plans but you do have to live up to yours as in the end the Dr is responsible. Dr Wafa did a great job with me. Midwives and nurses were lovely and wonderful. Hope this helps and good luck!