Our Rooms
We’re proud to offer a calm, welcoming environment designed to support you and your whānau through birth and early parenthood. Please note that we’re unable to pre-book rooms. Either your LMC midwife or hospital staff will contact us directly to check availability and book a bed on your behalf. If you’re not sure whether you’re able to birth or stay at Waterford Birth Centre, please discuss this with your own LMC midwife, who can contact us to talk through your options.
Birth Rooms
Waterford Birth Centre is a primary birthing unit, meaning it is a safe and supportive option for birthing if you have had a well, healthy pregnancy. Our two beautiful, spacious birth rooms each feature a private ensuite and large birthing pool, designed to promote comfort, calm, and freedom of movement - helping your body work as it was meant to during labour and birth.
If Waterford is your chosen place of birth, once you are in established labour your own Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwife will contact us directly when you’re ready to come in. Your LMC will accompany you throughout labour and birth, providing personalised care and continuity throughout your journey. Our experienced Waterford midwives are always nearby and available to support your LMC if needed to ensure you feel safe, confident, and well cared for.
Each birth room is equipped with all the tools and comforts you may need, including swiss balls, peanut balls, birth stools, adjustable lighting, and music options - all while maintaining a warm, home-like feel. You’re encouraged to bring anything that helps you feel calm and grounded, from your favourite playlist to affirmations, snacks, or essential oils. You’re also welcome to have as many support people as you wish by your side, creating the peaceful and familiar environment that feels right for you.
Our rooms are fully equipped with emergency supplies, in the rare instance they might be needed. You can feel confident that both you and your baby are in safe, experienced hands.
Birth images kindly shared with consent, taken by Lily the Doula.
Postnatal Rooms
After birth, relax and recover in one of our eight private postnatal rooms, each designed to feel warm, restful, and family-friendly. You may have one chosen support person to stay with you and your baby. If you transfer to us after your baby is born, you may stay for 48 hours from the time of your arrival. Those who birth at Waterford Birth Centre are able to enjoy an extra night stay with us.
Most rooms feature a comfortable queen-sized bed, while three rooms are equipped with two single electric beds (which we try to reserve for those who have had a caesarean birth). You’ll find everything you need for your stay including nappies, wipes, maternity pads, changing pads, and a bassinet for your baby, as well as a TV, mini fridge, tea and coffee facilities, and hair dryers in the bathroom.
All rooms are serviced daily, and meals for māmā are delivered directly to your room, allowing you to rest and focus on your baby. Our midwives provide 24/7 care and feeding support, helping you adjust to newborn life with confidence. Your own LMC midwife and the newborn hearing screeners will usually visit daily.
You’re welcome to have visitors during daytime hours (visiting hours end at 8:00 pm). In special circumstances, we may accommodate an additional support person or children to stay overnight - please contact us directly to discuss.
Our whānau room is available for you to access any time, where you can relax, use the microwave, and support people can enjoy a complimentary continental-style breakfast each morning. To learn more about the meals provided at Waterford, click here.
