Your maternity admission
The latent phase is the longest and least intense part of your labour, however focusing too much energy on the early stages of labour can increase stress and stop you from enjoying your birth.
Watch this video to learn what to expect in this phase of labour and when to come to the hospital.
If you are concerned or think you are in labour
Please call the Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit (Ward 3D) on 6152 4301 and speak with a triage midwife if:
- you notice decreased activity from your baby
- you are experiencing vaginal bleeding
- you feel you are in labour
- your contractions are occurring at regular intervals
- you think your ‘waters’ have broken
- you have other concerns.
In addition to the standard items we ask you to bring when you are being admitted to hospital, we encourage you to bring the following items for you and your baby.
Please keep personal items to a minimum as your room will only have a small storage area.
You may want to bring the following for yourself:
- any preferred snacks and beverages
- comfort items such as pillows
- music and headphones
- other items for your birth plan
- any regular medication you take in its full packaging
- nightwear, dressing gown and closed in slippers
- loose and comfortable day clothing
- 2 maternity bras and underwear
- 3 packets of maternity sanitary pads
- toiletries, including facial tissues
- a pen and notepaper
- a camera.
You may want to bring the following for your baby:
- one large packet of cotton wool or baby wipes
- disposable nappies
- clothes
- an unopened tin of powdered formula*, if you are choosing to bottle feed
Please go to the main hospital reception where you will be directed to either the:
- Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit (3D) for antenatal assessment
- Birthing Suite for induction of labour admission
- Birthing Suite if you are in established labour
- Ward 3C for postnatal admission.
The maternity and neonatal services are located on level 3, which are accessed via the blue and orange lifts found on the ground floor – see the hospital map (PDF 1MB).
If you come to the hospital between 8:00pm and 6.30am, you will need to ring the intercom on the right-hand side of the main hospital entrance to enter the building.
When you are admitted you will be given a name band which you must wear throughout your stay.
Please check your details on the band as soon as you receive it and tell us immediately if any details are incorrect.
Immediately after your baby is born two identical name bands will be placed on your baby’s wrist. These are checked against your name band should you and your baby be separated. For safety reasons, your baby will be known by the mother’s surname during his or her hospital stay.
Hospital staff can be recognised by their identification badges, which are worn at all times and provide their name, position and photograph.
Closed circuit television cameras throughout the hospital are monitored 24 hours a day. We recommend, however, that you do not leave your baby unaccompanied at any time.
It is also important for your baby’s safety that you transport them in their cot when moving around the postnatal ward.
We strongly encourage your partner and/or another support person to stay with you during your labour.
A maximum of 2 support people, including your partner, are permitted in the birthing suite.
Please note:
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- There are no overnight facilities for your partner or support person once you have had your baby and moved to the ward.