Some people choose to have a birth plan. They see it as an opportunity to write down any thoughts or wishes they have about their labour and /or stay in hospital.

It is very important that you discuss your plan with your obstetrician and midwifery staff. This will give us an opportunity to let you know what we have available to meet your wishes and what is safe and practical according to your individual circumstances.

You will need to be flexible and be prepared to do things differently if complications arise for you or your baby. Childbirth is not always "normal" and intervention may be required under certain circumstances.

If intervention is required your obstetrician/midwife will explain why the intervention is necessary and the associated risks and benefits of the intervention.

If you have any questions in relation to this information please do not hesitate to contact your obstetrician or our maternity unit.

For Mother

• Loose comfortable t-shirt/nightie for labour
• Comfort items (favourite pillow, hot/cold pack [no wheat bags], lip balm, lollies & snacks, massage oils, massage tool, music)
• Sleepwear (4 night dresses with front opening or pyjamas)
• Leisure wear for day (e.g. tracksuit)
• Camera/Mobile
• Watch/Clock
• Underwear (6)
• Nursing bra (3)
• Light dressing gown
• Comfortable footwear (i.e. slippers)
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc)
• 2 packets of nursing pads - if breast feeding
• 5 packets sanitary napkins – (3 x maternity & 2 x regular).

For Baby

• 8 night gowns/jumpsuits
• 8 singlets
• 4 bunny rugs/ wraps
• 2 muslin wraps
• 2 pairs booties/socks
• 1 hat
• 2 pairs mittens
• small cot blanket
• 2 large packs baby wipes (unscented)
• baby comb/brush
• outfit for going home

For partner

• Night attire if staying overnight

For Administration

• Blood group card
• Health insurance details
• Medicare card
• Current medication
• Patient Pregnancy Record (from your obstetrician visits)

It is a good idea to have a separate “birthing suite bag” to bring to the birthing suite. This should contain clothes for the labour, basic toiletries and a set of clothes for the baby. The rest of your belongings can be collected from the car in less urgent circumstances.

If you are planning to bottle feed, please bring the formula of choice. Bottles and teats are available for your use in the hospital.

The following details the Ramsay Health Care policy on Support Persons in the Birth Suite is provided for your information.

Policy Statement

Ramsay Health Care respects the rights of clients giving birth at its facilities to have a support person/s of their choosing.

The role of the support person, including off duty hospital staff, are not, and will not be permitted to become involved in the clinical management or conduct of the labour/birth.

A midwife in private practice accompanying a woman in labour is deemed to be a support person and will not be permitted to become involved in the clinical management or conduct of the labour birth.

Outcome statement

Women giving birth at Ramsay Health Care facilities receive support which meets their emotional and psychological needs during labour and birth.

Procedure

Support person/s who fail to adhere to this policy will be asked to leave the birth suite and, if necessary, be removed from hospital premises.

If the duty person who is acting in a support role is requested by the management to commence paid duties following mutual agreement, the staff member will be required to comply with his/her contract of employment.

The numbers of support persons present in the birth suite will be at the discretion of the midwifery team and treating medical practitioner, taking into account the patient’s clinical condition, safety, privacy and choice.

Thank you for your attention to this information.

You may expect to be in hospital for 4 nights following an uncomplicated delivery and 5 nights following a caesarean section.

Our team of caring and experienced maternity staff pride themselves in offering you and your partner comprehensive care, parenting education and support following the birth of your baby.

Personalised information on feeding, parenting skills, taking baby home from hospital, sleep and settling can be provided. Links with available community resources and services can also be provided as required.

Baby Seat

For your baby's safety, please have your car fitted correctly with a car restraint before going home. This is a requirement by law.

Community Resources

You should expect a call from a maternal child health nurse shortly after discharge. This person will be a valuable resource for you as you come to grips with the challenges of parenthood.

A 24hr Maternal and Child Health line operates in Victoria.

Telephone 132 229 to access this service.

An outstanding support to assist with breast feeding issues and concerns is available through the Australian Breast Feeding Association.

Your local doctor should also be considered a resource and is a valuable support in the community.

Don’t hesitate to contact the midwives at Frances Perry House if you have any issues or concerns following your discharge from hospital. Telephone the maternity unit on (03) 9344 5100 24 hrs a day