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 clothes, warm socks, several pairs of old or dark coloured knickers.
Massage oil ,if you wish
Water bottle
Snacks such as jelly beans, muesli bars
Camera/Phone and charger
Your favourite essential oil, diffusers are available
Your favourite music on your phone or MP3

For Mum

Casual clothes for day wear
Nightwear –Nightie, pyjamas, dressing gown
Slippers or comfortable shoes
Maternity bra x2
2 Packets of sanitary napkins (maternity)
Pen and note pad
Small change for kiosk items or newspapers
Your own pillow, pillowcase and doona (if you wish)
Mobile phone
Toiletries

PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES INTO HOSPITAL WITH YOU. A small lockable draw is available only

For Baby

3 nighties or jumpsuits
3 singlets
3 bunny rugs/wraps
1 hat
3 pairs of socks/booties
Baby wipes

While in hospital, the first pack of disposable nappies is supplied by the hospital, after that you are encouraged to use your own. It is a good idea to write your name on the tag of your baby’s clothes so that they don’t get lost or mixed up with another baby’s clothes.

As cupboard space is limited we encourage you to pack two small bags, one for yourself and the other for baby.

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.