Mercy Health

Maternity Services
Werribee Mercy Hospital

Werribee Mercy Hospital is dedicated to providing the best care for women and babies and supporting families along their journey.

Our philosophy
Pregnancy and childbirth are a normal, healthy life event. Women and babies are at the centre of the care we provide to families throughout a womans pregnancy, during labour, when her baby is born and during the postnatal period. Different care options are available to women depending on their social, personal and cultural needs. We care for women:
l

Through their pregnancy

During labour With their newborn babies

Who provides your care?

Obstetricians You can see an obstetrician for all your antenatal visits in their rooms. If you choose this option you will need to make an appointment with a midwife in the pregnancy booking clinic. The midwife will record your details and your booking will be confirmed. You will receive information on services the hospital can offer you. Please bring your Medicare card and any test or blood results. Please call Maternity Services on 8754 3400 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday to make this appointment. Team Maternity Team Maternity is an opportunity for you to be cared for by a team of midwives and obstetricians throughout your pregnancy. The team midwives will see you for antenatal visits and care for you during labour and after the birth. If complications occur during your pregnancy, the team midwives can continue to provide care with increased visits to the obstetricians. Numbers are limited so early booking is recommended. Phone the bookings clerk on 9216 8856 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday to confirm your booking. Our midwives are available to help make your pregnancy and the birth of your baby an enjoyable experience and are happy to answer any questions. Tours of Maternity Services are conducted on Sunday afternoons at 2.30pm. Please call 8754 3400 to make a booking.

Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance you may wish to be admitted as a private patient for the birth of your baby. Please contact our Private Patient Liaison Officer on 9216 8966 to discuss the benefits of using your private health insurance at Werribee Mercy Hospital.

Interpreter services
If you need an interpreter please let us know at the time of booking so we can organise an interpreter free of charge.

Parent education classes

Antenatal classes are conducted by midwives to help prepare you for childbirth and parenting. The Preparation for Childbirth and Parenting classes start at around 30 weeks of pregnancy. These five classes are held in the evening from 7pm to 9pm. Alternatively, classes may be run over two consecutive weekends. These sessions are run on Saturday afternoons for four hours. There is a cost involved. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. Please call 8754 3400 to reserve a place.

Having your baby at Werribee Mercy Hospital

When to come in
If you have pain, your waters have broken, you are bleeding or have any concerns, please call Maternity Services on 8754 3400. Our midwives will advise you on when you should come to the hospital. When you arrive at the hospital, come straight to Maternity Services through our dedicated entrance at the back of the hospital. There is a cost for car parking.

What to bring to hospital

For yourself A loose nightgown or t-shirt for birthing Dressing gown and slippers Casual clothes to wear during the day if you choose Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tissues, etc Nursing bras and nursing pads Four packets of maternity sanitary pads Change for the telephone if required Pen or pencil Charger for your mobile phone Medicare card, other healthcare cards or private health insurance (if relevant) For your baby Nappies Baby clothing Baby wipes Baby bath solution Your partner or support person might consider bringing a camera, CDs (a CD player is available) and oil or lotion for massages. Your partner or support person will need to bring their own personal requirements and food.
Important It is helpful to have all these items packed in your suitcase about four weeks before your babys due date. Please do not bring valuables, items of sentimental value or large sums of money to the hospital.

Feeding your baby

We promote breastfeeding as the preferred choice for feeding your baby. The midwives will help you establish breastfeeding. If you choose to bottle feed your baby, please bring bottles, teats and infant formula of your choice.

During labour
During labour, we advocate active birthing and have various aids such as birth mats, beanbags, birthing balls and a birthing stool to use while you are in labour. Hot water is a good form of pain relief in labour and an ensuite shower can be used. Your support person may like to bring bathers and a towel so they can help you. While hot water is recommended for pain relief, hot packs cannot be used in hospital due to the risk of burn injuries. If you would like your children to be present at the birth, extra adult supervision is needed.

Your hospital stay

During your labour and birth, you will stay in one of our birthing suites. After birth or caesarean section you will be transferred to the postnatal ward. We encourage family centred care so partners are welcome to stay, although children staying overnight would not be appropriate.

After the birth

Our midwives will assist and support you to become confident in all aspects of baby care. We encourage you and your baby to stay together (rooming in) at all times. As your carers, we are committed to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. We will help you and your baby establish breastfeeding and to maintain your milk supply. Physiotherapy postnatal classes are held in the postnatal ward dayroom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Visiting hours
To enable women and babies to rest, and out of respect for others, please be aware that visiting hours in the postnatal ward are between 2pm and 8pm. Partners and children may visit between 8am and 8pm. Mothers may also request no visitors, which will be supported by our staff.

Going home
After you have had your baby the midwife will discuss your length of stay in hospital. The Midwifery in the Home midwife team provides follow up postnatal care, education and support for you and your baby during home visits. You will be visited within 48 hours of going home. The midwives will phone you in advance of your visit to organise an approximate time that they will visit.

Special Care Nursery

If your baby is born prematurely or has special needs requiring close observation, they will be cared for in the Special Care Nursery. You may visit or phone to find out about your baby at any time on 8754 3400. Please press 2 for the Special Care Nursery. Visiting hours are 2pm to 8pm. As part of babies developmental care, the Special Care Nursery has quiet time between 12pm and 2pm. Only parents can visit during this time.

Breastfeeding services
Lactation consultants are available six days a week (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays. Consultations can be arranged with the lactation consultant for breastfeeding education and support: During pregnancy In hospital, after your baby is born, if you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties beyond the scope of the midwives After discharge from hospital as an outpatient appointment For electric breast pump hire Appointments and enquiries can be made by calling 8754 3407.

Also available
Diabetes educator Dietician Interpreter Pastoral care Pathology Physiotherapy Radiology Social workers Ultrasound facilities Cafe Vending machine in the reception area Television and phone connections are available for hire through the main reception

Mercy Health

Werribee Mercy Hospital 300 Princes Highway Werribee Victoria 3030 Phone: (03) 8754 3400 Fax: (03) 9731 6860 mercyhealth.com.au