Is a birth centre right for you?
If you have a low risk pregnancy, you can choose to have your baby in a birth centre.
Why you might choose to have your baby in a birth centre
Birth centres feel more like home and offer different birthing options such as water birth. The same group of midwives will look after you during your pregnancy, labour, birth and up to 6 weeks after you have your baby.
Things to consider
Birth centres focus on giving birth naturally, with less options for pain relief and minimal intervention. The centres can be in a different building on hospital grounds, or a separate unit in the hospital.
Birthing centres are usually in high demand, so you’ll need to book in as early as possible. You may also need a referral from your GP - check with the centre you’ve chosen.
Public birth centres
Queensland Health has 7 public birth centres. These are free if you have a Medicare card.
| Birth centre | Phone |
|---|---|
| Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital | 07 3646 8516 or 07 3646 8317 |
| Gold Coast Hospital Birth Centre | 07 5687 1437 |
| Mackay Birth Centre | 07 4885 6933 |
| Toowoomba Base Hospital Birth Centre | 07 4616 6000 |
| Townsville University Hospital Birth Centre | 07 4433 2779 |
| Sunshine Coast University Hospital Birth Centre | 07 5202 0000 |
| Cairns Birth Centre | 07 4226 6000 |
Last updated: November 2024