Labour and Birthing Care
The Birthing Suites are comfortable modern rooms equipped with baths and showers.
After the birth of your baby you will move to a single room with a private ensuite.
At your booking in appointment we will provide you with information regarding what to bring when you come in to have your baby.
Some women choose to birth at home with a private community based midwife. These midwifes are not employed by ERH, however if hospital care is required the private midwife may accompany the woman to ERH in a support role only.
What to pack
For Labour
- Comfortable clothing
- Several pairs of underwear
- Water bottle
- Snacks – personal preference
- Phone charger
- Essential oils, diffusers are available
- Speaker, Spotify is available on the computer
- Any other items you prefer to bring in for your birth (ie. TENS machine)
For Birthing Person
- Casual, comfortable clothing for day wear
- Nightwear – Pyjamas, dressing gown
- Slippers/comfortable shoes
- Maternity bra x 2
- Maternity sanitary pads (2 packets)
- Your own pillow and pillowcase (if you prefer)
- Mobile phone
- Toiletries
- Nipple cream (if you prefer)
For Baby
- Singlets
- Jumpsuits
- Bunny rugs/wraps
- Newborn hats
- Socks/booties
- Baby wipes
- Nappies
- Bath soaps/creams (if you prefer)
Please do not bring valuables into the hospital with you.
A small lockable draw is available only.
The birth of your baby
Admission to Hospital
If you think you are in labour, or if you are unsure, it is a good idea to contact the midwives of the Maternity Unit on 5485 5310 or 5485 5301. This gives us an opportunity to prepare for your arrival, or to advise you what to do.
If at any time you need to be assessed by a midwife or admitted to the maternity ward please phone the maternity ward and then present to the front entrance of the hospital and you will be directed to the Maternity Unit. Out of hours e.g. 5.30pm – 8am enter through the emergency department.
If you are admitted as a public patient, the rostered GP/Obstetrician will oversee your care.
If you are electing to be admitted as a private patient, you will need to discuss this process with your GP/Obstetrician during your pregnancy.
Throughout your labour, birth and postnatal period, you will be cared for by experienced midwives and a GP/Obstetrician.
Birthing Rooms
These are comfortable modern rooms, equipped with ensuite, bath and birthing facilities A waiting area and kitchenette is located opposite to the birthing rooms. You will stay in the birthing room for approximately 2 hours after the birth of your baby, and then you will be transferred to one of the postnatal rooms available in the Maternity Unit. These are single rooms with ensuite facilities.
Induction of Labour
Sometimes your doctor may decide to ‘induce’ or ‘bring on’ your labour due to a medical or pregnancy related issue .If this is necessary your doctor will explain what going to happen and let you know when to come into the hospital.
Partner/Support Person
During labour and birth, it is important to have a support person present to assist you through this time. This is usually your partner but can also be your mother, sister or close friend.
Ideally your support person will attend childbirth education classes with you. It is a good idea to make sure your support person is aware of your special needs and requests so that they can act as your spokesperson when you are in established labour.
We encourage you and your partner/support person to seek out information about pregnancy, labour and birth so that you can discuss your ideas and preferences with the midwives and your GP/Obstetrician. The childbirth education classes are a good starting point.
Caesarean Birth
Situations can arise where a caesarean birth may be necessary to ensure the safety of you and/or your baby. Your doctor and midwife will discuss this with you if the need arises .and make sure that you are fully informed.
Nursery
Echuca Regional Health Nursery has the equipment available for short term treatment of unwell babies. Babies who are unwell may be transferred, if required, to a higher level nursery at Bendigo, Shepparton or Melbourne depending on availability.
If you go into labour, or your baby needs to be born at less than 37 weeks gestation you will also require transferring to a hospital with a Special Care Baby Nursery. This will be arranged by your doctor and the maternity ward staff.
