Birth centre turns 10
TOWNSVILLE families have embraced the city’s birth centre, with almost 1600 women giving birth at the homelike facility since it opened 10 years ago.
And it was local families who lobbied to ensure a commitment to fund the Townsville Birth Centre, located at the Townsville Hospital grounds, was realised.
“The community lobbied hard for the birth centre for many years before it opened 10 years ago,” Townsville Birth Centre manager midwife Sari Holland said. “It was recognised that families in Townsville should have access to a range of birthing options and the birth centre offers that.”
Ms Holland said the birth centre offered care in a homelike environment, with expectant mothers receiving one- onone care by a known midwife throughout the pregnancy, birth and post- birth period.
“This means that the same midwife will care for an expectant woman throughout her pregnancy and birthing journey,” she said.
“This option is open to women who have a normalrisk pregnancy and no previous birthing complications.”
Ms Holland said the Townsville Birth Centre aimed to achieve a homelike atmosphere within a secure hospital environment.
“If medical intervention is required, the midwife will continue to provide care for the expectant woman in the hospital birth suite or theatre where possible,” she said.
Ms Holland gave birth to two of her three children at the birth centre.
“When my oldest child was born, the birth centre wasn’t open, so I didn’t have that option,” she said.
“I have been on both sides, being a birthing mother to being a birth centre midwife, so it is a wonderful perspective.”
Heatley mother Stacy Munro gave birth to her third child at the birth centre three weeks ago.
“This is my second baby to be born at the birth centre and I can’t help but sing praise to the midwives and the type of care they provide at the centre,” she said.
“I had a water birth and was magical.”
The birth centre will hold its 10- year celebration on July 21, between 2pm and 4.30pm.
All families who have accessed care with the centre are invited to attend the event, which will include activities, lucky door prizes and raffles.
RSVP to 4433 2779 by June 30. it