Bundaberg Hospital’s maternity unit recently celebrated a heartwarming milestone, where the cries of new life echoed amidst the soothing sound of water from a new inflatable birth pool.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the arrival of the inflatable birth pool marked an exciting step forward in maternity services and laid the groundwork for the expanded care that will be offered in the new Bundaberg Hospital.
“Warm water immersion during labour is widely recognised for offering comfort, natural pain relief, and relaxation, helping to create a calm, comfortable and supportive environment,” Debbie said.
“During planning for our new Bundaberg Hospital, many expectant mothers and families also told us that having access to water births as an option would be of invaluable support.
“The new hospital will feature two specially designed birthing rooms equipped with permanent baths for warm water immersion and births, offering an additional, soothing option for labouring patients.
“We’re really proud to have responded directly to the needs and preferences of families, ensuring they will have more choices in the new hospital and a positive birthing experience.
“We’re also thrilled that we’ve been able to introduce a new inflatable birth pool in the meantime to train our staff in water birth techniques ahead of our big move to the new hospital site.”
Acting Midwifery Unit Manager Bettina Aikenhead said the milestone water birth was a proud moment for her team and a great example of how the hospital was embracing contemporary models of care.
“Our first water birth was made even more special as it involved a water birth-trained postgraduate midwife, who forms part of our recently expanded Midwifery Group Practice,” Bettina said.
“It’s great that our postgraduate midwives are gaining invaluable hands-on experience in contemporary models of care at an early stage in their career as it will set us up for success in the new hospital.”
Bettina explained that clinicians who assisted women during water births had to be specially trained and experienced in managing water births to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
“At this stage, the option for water births will be available to women when our specially trained clinicians are on shift, ensuring the highest level of care and safety,” she said.
“As we continue to train more staff and refine our processes, we look forward to progressively expanding this service as part of our ongoing commitment to improving maternity care.”
Community members interested in learning more about pregnancy care options at Bundaberg Hospital are encouraged to visit Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service website.
More information about the new Bundaberg Hospital project is available here.
