Firstborn arrives at new birthing centre

The Fryers of Maungatapu suddenly found themselves the first parents to have a child born at the new birthing centre at Bethlehem this week. Photo / John Borren

Pink circle of light announces Millie’s delivery at Bethlehem for Maungatapu’s Craig and Danielle.

At just a few hours old, Maungatapu bub Millie Fryer is being treated like a "rock star" and her parents like "royalty", says mum Danielle Fryer.

On Wednesday night at 10.32pm, the lights on one of two large circles outside Bethlehem Birthing Centre turned pink, heralding Millie's arrival as the firstborn in Tauranga's inaugural private birthing facility, which had opened its doors only on Wednesday morning.

The Fryers, both 31, were gifted a flax bassinet by the centre's directors, Nicky Campbell and Chloe Wright, containing blankets, soft toys, and treats including a night's accommodation for mum and dad at a local luxury lodge. For Millie there was a jade pounamu, the symbol of the centre.

Danielle, husband Craig and midwife Lyn Allport were thrilled to be the first, said Mrs Fryer.

"You can't plan these things can you? On Wednesday my sister-in-law texted me to tell me the centre was open and I joked, 'Oh hopefully it will be me'. I was three days overdue ... An hour later I was in labour ... I was embarrassed to call Lyn and tell her I was having contractions because I thought she would think I was joking. Then at 7.30pm my waters broke and Craig said, 'It's happening'," she said.

Mrs Fryer said her midwife was excited but cautious.

"She said, 'See how you get on. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched'."

The couple had arrived at the centre at 8.30pm. "I didn't know we were first in the door ... by then I did not care. I was in the zone and it just went so quick."

Just two hours later Millie was born in a bath.

Being able to labour in a calm place away from the bright lights and noises of hospital was something Mrs Fryer was determined to do, after the "difficult" birth of Millie's sister, Tiana, two years ago in Tauranga Hospital. "Millie means gentle strength," explained Mrs Fryer.

"It sums up how I feel about this birth. Last time I had such fear. With Tiana I was induced, then had a three-day labour with complications."

She believed that the speed of her labour was due to the environment at the centre.

"It's like a hotel. It just shows that when you are in that feel-good place what you can do," she said.

"I stayed last night and would quite happily stay tonight ... I don't want to leave," Mr Fryer said.

For Mrs Campbell and Mrs Wright Millie's birth brings to life their vision to provide a comfortable and supportive setting for Tauranga women to give birth in naturally.

"Afterwards I learned they had been pacing up and down the corridor biting their nails as though it was their own child," said Mrs Fryer.

Even just hours after Millie's birth, the Fryers were not ruling out another child to join little Millie, and sister Tiana, who will be 2 next week

"Oh it is not up to me," said Mr Fryer. Mrs Fryer added,

"Craig wants his little All Black ... I am not deciding now, but if we do, we are definitely coming back here."

Baby love

*Bethlehem Birthing Centre is for women having natural, uncomplicated births.
*As a primary care facility, no specialists, obstetricians or GPs are on site.
*It is free for all expectant women eligible for publicly funded maternity services in New Zealand to give birth and stay three nights post-natally at the centre. Private options are also available.
*The privately owned facility is a new concept in Tauranga, and has the support of Tauranga Hospital and the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.
*The purpose-built, 12-room birthing centre was officially opened by Prime Minister John Key last month.
*Rooms contain a queen bed, ensuite tiled bathroom, dimmed lights, flat-screen television, fitted wardrobes, fridge, cushions and soft chairs. An on-site chef provides all meals.