Having a baby
We look forward to welcoming you to a Healthscope Hospital for the birth of your baby. The maternity teams at Healthscope are committed to individualised, holistic care and aim to provide opportunities for families to develop knowledge and skills for a positive transition to your new or extended parenting roles.
One of the most important experiences of your life is the birth of your child. At Healthscope Hospitals, we recognise that each of our expectant mothers have different needs and that you want the best type of care to suit your individual requirements. Our maternity teams are dedicated to providing you with a personalised experience while offering a full range of maternity services to support you while you are pregnant, during the birth and after the birth.
Everyone at Healthscope Hospitals is here to ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience with us.
Planning for your new Addition
- What do you do now?
- Come in to meet our people and tour the facilities
- Why choose us?
- Important health fund information
Childbirth & Parenting Education Classes
Education classes help to prepare you to make informed choices and decisions about your care and effectively communicate those decisions to the appropriate professionals and staff who’ll be on hand during your stay.
The classes are also a great opportunity to help you and your partner understand and trust the natural process of birth and parenting. It is important to book your preference for these classes early to ensure sufficient time is allowed prior to 36 weeks gestation. Class bookings can be made at your pre-admission consultation.
Getting ready for your Baby
What to pack:
We suggest that you have your bag packed by 36 weeks.
For you
• Pregnancy Information Record
• Health fund/Medicare cards
• Blood Group Card
• Pre Natal information from your obstetrician
• Old nightgown/t-shirt for the labour
• Nighties/dressing gown (if desired)
• Comfortable casual clothing and footwear
• Your own toiletries
• Super sanitary pads
• Maternity bras and briefs
• One box of nursing pads (optional)
• Enough money for incidentals
• Pen, wristwatch or clock
For your new baby
• 5 nightgowns or growsuits
• 5 singlets
• Nappy change lotion, bath lotion or pure soap (if desired)
• Mittens and booties (optional)
• Cardigans and hats (optional)
• 2 nappies (to take baby home)
• Approved child restraint - This is required by law
For your birthing partner
• Change of clothes
• Pyjamas
• Toiletries
What not to bring:
We strongly advise you not to bring your valuables (such as jewellery or large sums of money) to hospital, as the provision for safe custody is limited.
Coming to hospital
You’ve heard and seen hundreds of tales about the trip to hospital. But don’t worry – it is a good idea to plan your trip to the hospital before the big day arrives. Make sure you know how to get there and think about alternative route just in case there are delays. Remember to involve friends and family in your plans, just in case labour sets in unexpectedly.
Having your Baby
When to contact the Maternity Unit
Baby Identification
Newborn babies are identified with one ankle band and one wristband. These bands are placed on the baby immediately following his/her birth.
Your first days together - Rooming In
We encourage you to keep your baby in your room during those precious first
days after the birth. This will help with:
• Enhanced bonding
• Opportunities for learning practical parenting skills
• Establishment of lactation
• Increased confidence
• Decreased risk of cross infection
Midwives will be on hand to help you take the first steps towards caring for your newborn. We also understand that there will be times when you will need sleep. At these times, we offer to care for your baby. Or perhaps, your support person could care for the baby at this time?
During your stay you may wish to go shopping or have a night out with your partner. We are happy to take care of your baby on these occasions. However, we ask that you please check with your doctor and midwife first and make sure you are accompanied at all times.
Expected Length of Stay
After a normal birth – most mothers and babies will be ready to go home on day 5. Following a caesarian section, most mothers and babies are ready to go home on day 6.
Child car restraints
Please make sure your car is fitted with an appropriate time it comes for you to leave us. It is law that every baby motor vehicle transport. We recommend an approved further information contact the Road traffic Authority.
For further information on Healthscope's Maternity Services, or to book a tour of a hospital's facilities, click here to find your closest Healthscope Hospital.