The fate of St George's Maternity Centre in Christchurch will be decided next month.
As of Wednesday night, 28,000 people have signed a petition calling for any proposed changes - including the possible closure - to be scrapped.
The hospital won't confirm any details about the proposed changes but Newshub understands a full closure is an option.
Closure would cut off the hundreds of mums and bubs who use St George's every year to give birth and receive much needed postnatal care.
St George's chief executive Blair Roxborough declined an interview with Newshub but said in a statement on Tuesday he'd be able to provide an update after they've considered feedback and decisions have been made.
Edel Lougheed-Deane spent three nights at St George's Maternity Centre after bringing her son Hayden into the world - a world away from her family in Ireland.
"It was amazing," she said. "I'm so grateful for having that especially when I don't have family support here."
She was one of the first to sign the petition and says if St George's closed, it would have a huge impact on whether to have another child.
"For a huge city like Christchurch to get rid of a birthing unit sounds so ridiculous," she said. "Christchurch Women's [Hospital] is already overwhelmed."
Sheena Ross of Rata Midwives said the decision should be made by the community.
"It shouldn't just be [made by] a board who nobody knows who they are."
And the message to that board is clear.
"Please don't shut it is what I'm asking," Lougheed-Deane said.
The final decision is due in late April.
