When Noeleen Denby welcomed her second child at The Bays, she carried both excitement and apprehension. Her first birth, in another hospital, had ended in an emergency caesarean and a difficult recovery, leaving her feeling unsupported at a time when she needed care the most. This time, she wanted something different: continuity of care, a calm and safe environment, and space to heal both physically and emotionally.
Originally from Ireland, Noeleen and her partner have lived in Melbourne for more than a decade. Their five-year-old daughter had been eagerly awaiting a sibling, and this birth marked a deeply meaningful moment for their growing family.
Throughout her pregnancy and birth, Noeleen felt genuinely supported under the care of Dr Natalie Elphinstone and the midwifery team. She describes feeling heard, listened to, and reassured, with a team she could trust. The calm, confident care she received helped her feel safe during one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.
“Most importantly, the experience made me feel safe,” Noeleen says. “The continuity of care and trusting the people around me made all the difference.”
After a previous birth where she felt powerless, having autonomy this time mattered deeply. At The Bays, Noeleen was given clear information and professional guidance without pressure, allowing her to make informed decisions and feel like an active participant in her care.
Her stay was nurturing and restorative, combining the comfort of a private environment with the reassurance of a highly skilled medical team always close by. That sense of safety stayed with her when she returned home with her newborn, confident and supported as her family settled into life together.
For Noeleen, knowing The Bays is a not-for-profit hospital makes this experience even more meaningful because she knows that every dollar is reinvested back into the hospital – strengthening facilities, upgrading equipment, and directly benefiting the local community and the families who rely on its care.
“All women deserve this kind of care when they give birth,” she says. “Supporting not-for-profit hospitals like The Bays helps make that possible.”
Your donation helps ensure more families can experience the same safe, compassionate and patient-centred care.