Birthing at Genesis clinic

Hi Vendah,

I've had two births at Genesis. failed induction ending in emergency c-sec (2010) and VBAC (2014)

1. I've also heard that it could happen, however didn't experience it myself, and both mine were before upstairs was finished, so there might be less pressure now with additional beds.
Also, they have a recovery room (just beds, no birthing pool), and IF they have a mom that is staying for longer (more than 24 hours after birth), they can move her to this room to make more space for a labouring mommy.

2. Typically 24 hours after delivery (so labour doesn't count). Both of my deliveries was after 19:00 at night. with the C-sec I stayed 3 nights, and with the VBAC I stayed 2 nights (Because I gave birth so late, and they wanted to monitor baby's sugar ). They DID warn me that if they got full they might move me, but luckily that didn't happen.

3. Yes, you do get pain meds - but ask, they wont always offer first . As Wide-eyed mentioned, they encourage natural. With my VBAC I managed to go completely meds free, with a water birth, so its not impossible

4. With both I had LOTS of assistance with breastfeeding. They would sit with me every feed and help with the latching and so forth. As for bathing, they did help me bath my first. With my second we left before her first bath, so just did it at home.

Also, I just want to mention - with my emergency c-sec, I ended up having both the gynea and the midwife - and my medical aid paid for both, no problems.
The midwife I had to pay upfront, and then claim back (they only paid a portion, but that's because their rates are WAY low for midwives, not because of 2 claims). And the gynea claimed straight from them, and that and the hospital bill was all paid in full.

Hi Vendah,

I'm booked at Genesis too, but haven't given birth yet (due end August), so I'll answer what I can.

1. They do occasionally run out of beds, but I don't know how often. In such cases they will send the midwife with you to either Park Lane Clinic ir Garden City hospital, but the midwife will still do the birth.

2. Typically you would stay one night after delivery (to try keep beds open for other moms too), but you can pay to stay extra nights. If for any reason you end up with an emergency cesarean I think you get 3 nights to recover.

3. Pain meds are available during labour, but they do try encourage you to usw water and other natural pain relief options first. They can also give you gas in the water, but for pethidine or epidural you can't be in a birth pool.

4. You will definitely be assisted with breastfeeding by your midwife, bathing I'm not 100% sure about, but most likely. If you birth downstairs you can choose your midwife, so probably best to confirm with whoever you choose.

Do note - Genesis is a midwife led maternity facility, so they only do low risk pregnancies and you will need to have a backup gynae in case of complications - in the event of any major issues, you might be transferred to the care of your gynae and need to have a hospital birth, so do have a good gynae available, just in case (Genesis can recommend some).
Also, if you birth at Genesis and have complications during birth and require an emergency cesarean you will need to cover the fees of both your midwife and the gynae - two births basically - if you're having the baby downstairs. It's not highly likely, but just so you can be prepared in case. Medical aid will cover only one claim.

Don't let any of this make you anxious, but do keep asking questions whatever your plans are so you can make informed decisions and have fewer surprises. Knowing all of the above I'm still going with Genesis, but have chosen a gynae who can do births at Genesis and Park Lane just in case, and I'm birthing upstairs, so will only pay for whoever does the birth in the end - can't choose my midwife though, and the recovery room is less pretty with no rooming in for dad.

Basically explore all options before making your final decisions.

hi ladies

I am panning on giving birth at Genesis clinic and there are a few things i wanted to ask.

1. Does it ever happen that there are shortages of Beds? especially downstairs as i am planning on booking one of those rooms?

2. How long are you allowed to stay for after delivery?

3. Do you have a choice to use any pain meds when in labour?

4. Are you assisted with the basics after birth? eg breastfeeding and bathing baby?

Thank you