Admission to hospital
Congratulations on your pregnancy, information about when to call the hospital is on the inside page of your hand-held records. Our maternity unit is always focused on safety and as such we would rather you call at any time, than be worried at home. We are open 24 hours a day. Call the Midwife Coordinator on (08) 6457 8021.
If you think you maybe in labour
Call the midwife, she will ask you a few questions regarding what is happening, when your baby is due? Is this your first baby? Have your waters gone? Are you bleeding? The midwife can then give you a plan of what to do or expect. Often, we can reassure you that things are progressing normally and depending on the information she is given, she may invite you to come along to our assessment unit. The Assessment unit is in B Block of the hospital and entrance is via the main hospital entrance. Call the Midwife Coordinator on (08) 6457 8021.
Induction of labour
Your induction of labour will be booked either through the antenatal clinic or through you GP obstetrician.
We often need to soften the cervix first, so you will come into hospital at 6am and have a balloon catheter or gel. You stay with us (and your birthing partner too if you wish) until your cervix is soft. This may take a couple of hours or even a day or two. Once “ripened” you can then be taken to labour ward to continue with your induction. Please remember than once you are on the ward after having your baby partners can not stay overnight.
Elective caesarean sections
The date for your surgery will be given to you, along with medications, in the antenatal clinic or by your GP obstetrician.
On the day, please come in at 6:30am fasted, and present at the main entrance reception area. You will then be guided to the maternity unit.
What to bring to hospital?
Most women will leave hospital within 24 to 48 hours for a vaginal birth and 48 to 72 hours for a caesarean birth. This will vary on clinical condition of both you and your baby. You can also choose to go home after 6 hours if there are no clinical issues . Therefore we encourage you not to bring too much.
A simple guide for mum:
- Handheld record and any medications you are taken
- Comfortable underwear (especially BIG knickers if you are having a caesarean section !! )
- Nightwear and comfy day wear
- Toiletries
- Maternity Sanitary pads
- Maternity bra
- Phone and or camera
A simple guide for baby:
- Nappies and baby wipes
- Baby clothes and a blanket for travelling home
If you intend to bottle feed, please bring formula and we will provide bottles.
Video recording in the birth suite and operating theatres is not permitted.
Your stay with us
As a new parent we know that it can be very daunting at times. Our team is here to help and guide you through 24 hours a day.
Your baby will stay with you at all times in accordance to the World health Organisation recommendations. If you are unsure what to do with the baby, does it need a feed? Why are they crying? We encourage you to ask for help and press your call bell. Our experienced midwives are here to help, support, guide and teach on this mother crafting journey.