The generosity of Mater supporters across Queensland is helping to transform healthcare for patients at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane.
Two new birth pools with LED lighting have been installed at the hospital to give more expectant mums the chance to birth their baby in water, thanks to community donations to Mater Foundation.
The new birth pools provide a positive birthing experience for many mothers, ensuring they can move freely and weightlessly in water, and helping with pain relief during labour.
Brisbane mum Bailee Lawrence, 24, was the first to give birth to her baby girl Allora in one of the new birth pools, describing the experience as “magical”.
“I love water and I love baths, so being immersed in water is a relaxing time for me,” Mrs Lawrence said.
“The new birth pools have multicolour LED lights and it worked wonders.”
On Wednesday June 26 the hospital will be asking the community to show their support again on Mater Giving Day – when all donations to Mater Foundation will be tripled by matched donors.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said there was now a total of four birth pools available to expectant mums at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted Queenslanders.
“Community donations enable Mater to continue providing the best possible birthing experience for expectant mums and their loved ones,” Mr Thomas said.
“Mater Giving Day – Wednesday 26 June – is the day the community can give to make good things happen.
“This special day unites Mater staff, patients, loved ones and supporters with gratitude to help deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare.”
Mater Mothers’ Assistant Director of Clinical Services Kathleen Goldsmith said the new birth pools were proving popular, with multi-color LED lighting and Bluetooth sound helping to create a soothing ambience for both the mother and their newborn.
“Water provides support and buoyancy that enables labouring women to relax and take advantage of the weightless feeling it provides,” Ms Goldsmith said.
Giving Day Donations can be made online at here up until June 26.
