Coming into hospital

Coming into hospital to have your baby

Coming to hospital to have your baby is an exciting time and we want to make sure everything runs smoothly. From admission to what to bring, here are a few things to know before you come in.

Admission process

Once you have been referred by your GP to an accredited Wesley obstetrician, it is essential that you confirm your booking with us by admitting yourself online.

To complete your online booking form, you will need:

• Obstetrician’s name.
• Expected due date.
• Medicare card.
• Private health fund details.

Midwives Preadmission Clinic

To ensure that you are booked in, and everything runs smoothly on your special day, The Wesley Hospital midwives preadmission team will contact you about four weeks prior to your due date. Our clinic operates on Tuesday (8.30am-3pm) and Thursday (12noon to 7.30pm). Appointments are primarily via telephone and run for 30 minutes. You can request a face-to-face appointment if you prefer.

This is a complementary service for all maternity patients, where we will give you key information you will need in the lead-up to your labour and birth. It is also an opportunity for you to provide feedback on your experience with us so far. You can also discuss any plans you might have that may affect your stay at Wesley Maternity. This chat enables us to welcome you straight to the maternity ward on the day, bypassing general admissions.

When to come into hospital

It is important to contact the birth suites on 07 3232 7221 before coming into hospital, so that we can prepare for your arrival.

You should contact birth suites if:

• You think you may be in labour.
• Your waters break.
• You experience any blood loss.
• You notice a significant decrease, lack of, or increase in your baby's movements.

The midwives will discuss your concerns and may ask you to attend the birth suite for assessment.

When you arrive at the hospital, please proceed to Wesley Maternity (Ward 1E), located on Level 1 of East Wing, and you will be taken to the birth suites. The midwife will carry out a full assessment of you and your baby, then notify your obstetrician.

If you have any concerns during your pregnancy, please feel free to contact the birth suites if your doctor is unavailable, as we have 24-hour contact with your obstetrician. Our Wesley midwives are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What to bring

We want to make your stay with us as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Upon your arrival, we will provide a gown for you to wear during labour or you can bring your own if you prefer.

To assist you with your new bundle of joy, we will also provide linen, clothing, wipes and nappies for your baby. Again, you may also bring your own items if you prefer.

We suggest you bring:

• Comfortable day wear.
• Night attire.
• Maternity bras.
• Toiletries (shampoo and soap).
• Maternity sanitary pads (two to three packets).
• Breast pads.
• Baby clothes and a wrap or blanket for the journey home (plus a spare just in case).
• Any medication that you are taking (including vitamins).
• Camera/phone.
• Details of your private health insurance.
• Medicare card.
• If your partner chooses to stay overnight, please include their night attire.