The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, has marked a significant milestone in its pioneering homebirth program, celebrating the 250th baby born at home under the care of its dedicated midwifery team.
Rona and Sam welcomed baby Piper at their home in Maroubra at 1.44am on Tuesday 7 October.
The publicly funded homebirth program offers women with low-risk pregnancies the opportunity to labour and birth in the familiarity of their own home, supported by known midwives.
The program has grown steadily since the model of care commenced, with families embracing the option of a safe, supported, and empowering birth experience that often involves the whole family.
The popularity of the program reflects the trust families place in the hospital's team.
To be eligible for the Royal Hospital for Women's homebirth program, women must have an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy and live within the hospital's catchment area.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"This milestone is a testament to the Royal Hospital for Women's commitment to providing women with choice in their birthing experience.
"We are proud to support maternity models of care that empower families and deliver outstanding outcomes.
"The success of this program reflects NSW Health's commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality, woman-centred maternity care."
Quotes attributable to Member for Coogee, Marjorie O'Neill:
"Birthing is such a personal and intimate experience. The Royal Hospital for Women's homebirth program gives families the choice to welcome their babies safely at home, supported by trusted midwives.
"Thank you to the incredible staff at the Royal Hospital for Women. This milestone reflects their dedication, compassion and commitment to safe, family-centred care."
Quotes attributable to General Manager, Royal Hospital for Women, Donna Garland:
"Each birth is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Our homebirth program honours that by supporting women's choice to birth in a familiar, supported environment that they control.
"We are incredibly proud to have reached 250 births. For each midwife it is truly an honour to be invited to share such a sacred and intimate space with a family, and to welcome the new member of the family."
