Positive birth
Fertility consultations at Genea Hollywood Fertility
Positive birthing
What positive birth means to me
Positive birthing to me means a very simple thing: I want a healthy mum and a healthy baby to meet each other on the delivery day, staying together to bond. When mum and baby come together for the first time it is almost always a magical experience. Part of my role is to help you discover the power and confidence in yourself, so you are willing to trust yourself and your body during the delivery.
"Empowering mums to trust their bodies is critical in allowing them to get through labour."
"Empowering mums to trust their bodies is critical in allowing them to get through labour."

Being able to do something that is so natural
It wasn’t long ago that safe caesarean section did not exist. It has become very common over the last decades for a number of reasons, perceived safety, convenience for mothers and doctors, often without a real benefit to mothers and babies. I can’t help but think we have reached a time where the the real luxury is allowing ourselves the time to safely delivery our children as naturally as possible.
“What motivates me as an Obstetrician is being able to assist with a process that is so natural and also sometimes risky. Making it as safe and enjoyable as possible is what I aim for.”
Dr Richard Murphy, Obstetrician Perth
Striving to get the most positive outcome possible
I have been involved in Obstetrics and the delivery of babies for over 20 years. In that time I have seen the good and the bad of what is possible. I also work as a fertility doctor and in the area of pregnancy loss. It is this combined experience that informs my philosophy, decision making and management recommendations.
“I have come to realise that often a small intervention at the right time can have really positive effects a little later on. ”
Dr Richard Murphy, Obstetrician Perth
It is this careful and considered approach that I try to apply to each pregnancy and each delivery, always striving to get the most positive outcome possible. In my practice I take the time to look at your ideal scenario and discuss risks and potential changes to your ideal plan.
Natural Childbirth
My interest in vaginal delivery
“Sometimes I think that I am turning into a bit of a hippie but I feel that the closer we can keep pregnancy and childbirth to what occurs naturally, the better off we are. ”
C-Section
A positive C-section
There are many reasons why some women either need or want a Caesarean delivery (C-section). I see my role as using my skills to achieve the best outcomes for each individual woman and her family. Your antenatal care involves developing a relationship where an open and honest discussion of the pros and cons of vaginal and Caesarean delivery can occur.
As much as I may aim for a relaxed natural birth: an elective Caesarean is in some cases better than an emergency or non-elective Caesarean and always better than the terrible, traumatic vagina delivery that people have nightmares about.
If you are being guided towards a C-section, there is still a way to include your active participation as a mum.
“During a maternal assisted C-section, you, as a mum-to-be play an active role. I have been involved in one ‘maternal assisted Caesarean’ which was a lot of fun.”
Positive birthing
Positive birth and mindset
Enjoy the experience. You are growing a little human inside you! Feel your baby move, he or she will be out in the world doing the same things soon enough. I believe it is essential to also work on your mindset together when we prepare your positive birthing experience.
“Stay physically and mentally healthy. Keep active, engaged with work, friends and family. Share the fun and joy. Doing this you will make the best dietary choices and not smoke or drink alcohol.”
Dr Richard Murphy, Obstetrician Perth
Dr Google
Too much information...
Information can help allay our anxieties but it can also feed them. More information does not always make us happier or allow us to make better decisions. Spending all your time googling information as you move through your pregnancy and prepare your birthing experience, might not always be a good idea.
“I always think of buying jam at the supermarket. 6 different brands, offering up to 8 different flavours. Which one to choose? I just wanted jam and it’s just too hard so I get Vegemite instead! ”
Dr Richard Murphy, Obstetrician Perth