Having your baby - Women`s and Children`s Hospital

Having your baby
at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital
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Creative Floral Designs Aust.
Multi Award Winning Designs
1800 686 458
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JANUARY 2003
Welcome
Welcome to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
(WCH). We are pleased that you have chosen our
hospital and we intend to do our best to ensure that
your comfort and needs are met throughout your
pregnancy and childbirth.
This booklet explains some important aspects of care
at the WCH, including what to expect during your
antenatal visits and while you are in hospital. We
encourage you to take part in making decisions about
your care. It is not possible to give you all the information you need in a small booklet, so we suggest
you attend our antenatal classes, talk with your doctor
and midwife, and read some of the recommended
books and pamphlets.
To ensure that we are able to provide the best possible care it is important that you are aware of your
rights and responsibilities while you are in our care.
Please be sure to read the section on your rights and
responsibilities, research, training and confidentiality
at the end of this booklet.
We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Cover photo courtesy The Advertiser.
Clothing this photo courtesy Maternity Matters.
Contents
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Welcome
Contents
Map
Useful telephone numbers
Before Your Baby is Born
Public or Private care
Non Medicare patients
Private Health Insurance - hospital cover
Types of care during your pregnancy and birth
Pregnancy care for public (hospital) patients
Midwives Clinic
Medical (traditional) antenatal care
Midwifery caseload practice
Shared antenatal care with a General
Practitioner
8 Pregnancy care for private patients
8
Private obstetrician
8
Independently practicing midwives
8 Your health care team
9
Social work
9
Aboriginal Liaison Service
9
Physiotherapy
9
Women's Assessment Service
9 Why is antenatal care important?
10 Antenatal visits
10 Antenatal screening tests and investigations
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Unexpected outcomes of pregnancy
General care and information
Hand washing
Medication
Alcohol
Smoking
Other drugs
Wearing seat belts
Activity
Diet
Constipation
Parent education and tours
Coming to Hospital
When to come to hospital
What to bring to hospital
Admission
Your Labour
Support people
Pain and pain relief in labour
After the Birth of Your Baby
Rooming in with your baby
Babies requiring extra care
Examination and tests for your baby
Circumcision
Hospital accommodation
Visitors
Postnatal care and information
Breastfeeding
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Physiotherapy
Immunisation
Documentation
Family planning
Baby photography service
Child and Youth Health Services
Baby safety capsules
Transferring to another hospital
Discharge from hospital
Domiciliary Midwifery Services
Postnatal checkup
Postnatal distress
General Hospital Information
Health Information Centre
Kidsafe
Creche facilities
Babycare facilities
Meals and snacks
Public toilets
Car parking
Other resources
Books
Videos
Websites
Other Important Information
Your rights and responsibilities
Privacy legislation and confidentiality
Positive feedback, suggestions or complaints
Research and training
Interpreter availability
Glossary
3
Hospital map
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
72 King William Rd, North Adelaide
South Australia 5006
Phone: (08) 8161 7000 Fax: (08) 8161 7459
www.wch.sa.gov.au
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CITY
4
Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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CITY
Useful telephone numbers
Aboriginal Liaison Worker
8161 7381
9 to 4.30 M-F
Accommodation – On site
8161 6291
9 to 4 M-F
Admissions Desk (Women’s & Babies Division)
8161 7508
8.30 to 4.30 M-F
Admissions Information Coordinator
8161 6753
9 to 5 M-F
Ambulance SA
000
24 hours
Antenatal Day Assessment Unit
8161 7719
8.30 to 4.30 M-F
Baby Capsule Hire (Australian Red Cross)
8443 9700
9 to 5 M-F
Birthing Centre (BC) Midwife
8161 7000 - ask for BC Midwife 24 hours
Breastfeeding Day Unit bookings (WCH)
8161 7958
24 hours
Child Minding Centre (Creche)
8161 6394
8 to 4 M-F
Delivery Suite Midwife
8161 7831
24 hours
Department of Anaesthesia
8161 7630
8 to 4 M-F
Dietitian
8161 7233
9 to 5 M-F
Domiciliary Midwife
8161 7958
8 to 4.30 7 days
Drug Information Service
8161 7222
8.30 to 6 M-F : 9 to 5 weekends
Family Planning Midwife
8161 7000 – ask to be paged
9 to 4 M-F
Freedom of Information
8161 6127
8 to 4 M-F
Health Information Centre
8161 6875
9.30 to 4 M-F
Immunisation Clinic
8161 6206
9 to 4 M-F
Kidsafe
8161 6318
9.30 to 4 M-F
Parent Education Classes - Bookings
8161 7591
8.30 to 4.30 M-F
Parent Education Coordinator
8161 7571
8.30 to 4.30 M-F
Parent Help Line (Child & Youth Health)
1300 364 100
24 hours
Physiotherapy Department – Class Bookings
8161 7579
9 to 5 M-F
QUIT LINE
131 848
24 hours
Shared Care Co-ordinator
8161 7000 pager 4259
Social Worker
8161 7580
8.45 to 5 M-F
TransAdelaide Passenger Transport InfoLine
8210 1000
7 to 8 M-F
Ultrasound Department - Bookings
8161 6055
8.30 - 5 M-F
Ultrasound Dept - Enquiries
8161 7750
8.30 - 5 M-F
Women’s and Children’s Hospital (Switchboard) 8161 7000
24 hours
Women’s Assessment Service (Midwife)
8161 7530 or 8161 7535
24 hours
Women’s Outpatients Department
8161 7592 or 8161 7593
8.30 to 4.30 M-F
5
Before your baby is born
Having a baby is one of the most important events of
your life and every birth is unique. The hospital offers
a number of choices for your pregnancy care and the
birth of your baby. These include attending the hospital
as a private or public patient, having your baby in the
Delivery Suite or Birthing Centre and deciding who
cares for you during
your pregnancy and
More Information: Pamphlet
• Having a Baby
childbirth. You may
• Options of Care for Pregnant
choose to return home Women (Women’s Outpatients
a few hours after the
Dept, Health Info Centre)
birth of your baby or to
transfer to the ward or another hospital.
In some instances one or more options may not be
available to you for medical or other reasons. We
will try to give you all the information you need to
help you make the best choice for you and your baby.
Regardless of which of the options you choose we will
do all we can to personalise your care and to meet your
specific needs. Please feel free to discuss any queries
you have with your midwife and/or doctor.
Public or Private care?
You may choose public or private care for you and your
baby regardless of whether you have private health
insurance, but if you choose private care and do not
have private health insurance you will need to pay all
costs incurred.
Both public and private patients have access to expert
care and up to date technology and services. Being a
private patient has certain benefits, including the choice
of the doctor or midwife you see during and after your
pregnancy and the birth of your baby. While we do
our best to meet your preference, we cannot guarantee
a single room for either private or public patients as
allocation of single rooms is based on medical need in
the first instance.
6
Photo courtesy The Advertiser.
If you choose private care your doctor or midwife will
charge you for his or her services. You will also be
charged for other hospital services and for the time you
spend in hospital. These fees may be claimable from
your private health insurance fund. It is recommended
that you check with your health fund to ensure that you
and your baby will be covered for any charges. For
information about hospital charges, please contact the
Admissions Information Coordinator.
If you decide to have your baby as a public patient you
will not be charged for medical or hospital services.
Please note that you cannot choose the doctor or
midwife who will care for you during your pregnancy or
birth if you are a public patient.
Non-Medicare patients
Visitors from countries with which Australia has no
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are not eligible for
Medicare benefits and are responsible for payment of
all fees, including charges for hospital accommodation,
for all medical services including diagnostic services,
and surgically implanted prostheses. Non-Medicare
patients can elect to be treated as Non-Medicare Public
(Hospital) or Non-Medicare Private patients.
Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Private Health Insurance –
hospital cover
Your insurance should cover the full cost of hospital
accommodation (bed charge) unless you are in an
excess or co-payment scheme, which is also applicable
in a public hospital. Ancillary or extras only insurance
will not cover hospital accommodation. Please check
your level of cover with your health fund.
Types of care during your
pregnancy and birth
During your pregnancy you will regularly visit either
a midwife or doctor. You have a number of options
regarding the type of pregnancy care you receive.
Regardless of the type of care you may decide to go
home a few hours after the birth of your baby, direct
from the Delivery Suite or Birthing Centre, or to transfer
to the ward or to another hospital. This decision may
be influenced by the well being of both you and your
baby and the availability of help and support once you
are at home.
Pregnancy care for public
(hospital) patients
Midwives Clinic
If you are a public patient you may decide to attend the
WCH Midwives Clinic. The same midwife will see you
at most visits, however you may ask to see a doctor at
any time during your pregnancy. A doctor will examine
you the first or second time you visit the hospital and
again later in your pregnancy, if needed. A different
team of experienced midwives and doctors will assist
during and after the birth of your baby. You will have
your baby in the Hospital Delivery Suite, where you will
be able to be supported by your partner and/or family
and special friends.
visit the Women’s Outpatients Department where you will
be cared for by a combination of doctors and midwives.
A different team of midwives and doctors will assist with
your labour and birth. If you are identified as being at
risk of complications, they may recommend that senior
obstetric and other specialist staff care for you. You will
have your baby in the Hospital Delivery Suite, where
you will be able to be supported by your partner and/or
family and special friends.
Midwifery caseload practice (MCP)
Midwifery Caseload Practice means you will be cared
for by the same three or four midwives throughout your
pregnancy, childbirth and after your baby is born.
This means you will have the chance to get to know the
people who will be
supporting during your More Information: Pamphlet
• Midwifery Caseload Practice
pregnancy and before (Women’s Outpatients Dept,
Health Info Centre)
and after the birth of
your baby.
If your pregnancy and birth are expected to be
straightforward you may choose to have your baby in
the Birthing Centre. You will give birth as naturally as
possible, supported by a midwife you know and people
who are important to you. If you are interested in
Birthing Centre care, please ask as early as possible as
places are limited.
If you have, or develop any risks or complications
during your pregnancy and/or birth it will be necessary
for your baby to be born in the Delivery Suite and
obstetric medical staff and other relevant specialists will
work closely with you and your team of midwives.
You still will be able to be
supported by family or friends
during the birth.
Medical (traditional) antenatal care
If you are a public patient you may prefer traditional
antenatal care. During your pregnancy you will regularly
7
Pregnancy care for public
(hospital) patients continued
Shared antenatal care with a
General Practitioner
It may be possible for you to visit your own General
Practitioner (GP) for most of your pregnancy and after
the birth of your baby, providing they are accredited by
the hospital. Shared Care may be of particular interest
if you have difficulty getting to the WCH on a regular
basis (for example if you live in a rural or remote area).
If you are interested in this option the Shared Care
midwife will explain the program to you the first time
you visit the hospital, and will be available to answer
any questions or concerns at any time during
your pregnancy.
The number of visits to your GP will depend on your
needs. You will need to visit the hospital at least once
before the 20th week of your pregnancy and again at 36
and 40 weeks. From 40 weeks all your visits will be at
the hospital. During your labour and after the birth of
your baby you will be cared for by hospital midwives
and doctors. We encourage you to see your GP two
weeks and again six weeks after the birth of your baby.
We will notify your GP when your baby is born.
Pregnancy care for private patients
If you decide to attend the hospital as a private patient
you may choose your obstetrician, GP or midwife
and a paediatrician to care for your baby. Health
professionals who provide care at the WCH must be
accredited by the hospital. A list of accredited health
professionals is available from the Admissions Desk,
Ground Floor, Queen Victoria Building.
Private obstetrician
As a private patient you will see your obstetrician in
their consulting rooms during your pregnancy. Your
8
obstetrician will attend the birth of your baby and
will involve other members of the WCH medical and
midwifery team. Hospital midwives in the ward provide
postnatal care. Alternatively you may choose to be
transferred to another hospital or be discharged soon
after you have given birth.
You may choose to have your baby in the Birthing
Centre. If you choose this style of care, your doctor
and the Midwifery Caseload Practice midwives will look
after you during your pregnancy, and during and after
the birth of your baby. You will need to discuss this
option with your obstetrician early in your pregnancy,
as availability is limited.
Independent practicing midwives
You may choose to be cared for by a private midwife
during your pregnancy and during and after the birth of
your baby. Your midwife will visit you at home before
your baby is born and will care for you throughout your
labour and birth. Your midwife will visit you at home
after your baby is born.
For information about hospital charges, please contact
the Admissions Information Coordinator.
While some of the information on the following
pages is written for women attending the WCH as
public patients, it is nevertheless relevant for all
women.
Your health care team
As well as doctors and midwives, your health care team
may include a number of other health professionals,
including social workers and physiotherapists. You
may contact these people during your clinic visit or at
other times by calling the numbers listed on page 5.
Sometimes a referral from the doctor or midwife will be
required and an appointment may need to be arranged.
Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Social work
More Information: Pamphlet
• Social Work; Women’s Health –
Pregnancy and
Services for Women and their
childbirth are times of Families (Social Work Dept,
great change affecting Health Info Centre)
emotional, physical,
financial and all other aspects of your life. Social
workers are available to help you manage the changes
that occur both during your pregnancy and in the
early weeks after your baby is born. They can provide
information about community resources and support
you through what may be a difficult and stressful
time. If you would like to speak to a social worker, you
can call in or telephone the Social Work Department,
located on the 1st floor of the Queen Victoria Building.
Aboriginal Liaison Service
Aboriginal liaison workers are available to provide
Aboriginal women with assistance and support. They
are located on the Ground Floor, Good Friday Building.
Physiotherapy
More Information: Pamphlet
• Your Guide to Exercise During
The women’s health
Pregnancy (Women’s Outpatients
physiotherapy team
Dept, Physio Dept, Health
can provide the
Info Centre)
following services
during your pregnancy and until your baby is three
months old:
• Antenatal physiotherapy education as part of the
hospital program
• Exercises classes – both land and hydrotherapy
(water) sessions
• Individual treatment for musculo-skeletal
problems both during your pregnancy and
after the birth of your baby. Referrals for these
treatments are made and accepted from doctors or
midwives at the hospital and Shared Care GPs
• Routine follow-up and advice after the birth of
your baby.
For further information call in or telephone the
Physiotherapy Department located on the 1st Floor,
Queen Victoria Building.
Women’s Assessment Service
The Women’s Assessment Service offers a 24-hour
assessment and treatment service for women with
problems associated with pregnancy, gynaecological
problems and for babies referred by the Domiciliary
or Neonatal Early Discharge Program midwives. No
appointment is necessary, however you may experience
a waiting period before being seen as people attending
the service are seen according to the urgency of their
medical problems.
The Women’s Assessment Service midwives also
provide a telephone counselling service on women’s
health issues. Your GP is also a good person to
provide additional support and information.
Why is antenatal care important?
Research has shown that good antenatal care
significantly improves the chances of women giving
birth to a healthy baby. Whilst pregnancy and birth is,
for most women, a relatively straightforward process,
some pregnancies have risks for the mother and/or her
unborn child. During your pregnancy we aim to identify
any risks and assist in managing them - we want you
to have a healthy baby. To help us do this, you will be
asked to provide information and undergo certain tests,
some of which are outlined in this booklet. Our staff
will be pleased to explain these and any other tests you
may require.
Antenatal visits
It is a good idea to allow two to three hours when you
come to your antenatal clinic appointments. While
waiting in the clinic area you may notice that women
are not always called in order of arrival. This is
because there are several different clinics being held
at the same time, with different waiting times. We do
all we can to keep you waiting as little time
as possible.
Some women are asked to come to the clinic more often
than others - the number of visits will depend on your
particular needs. Your appointments will be scheduled
for the same day of the week with the hope that you
will see the same person every time. If you are unable
to attend an appointment please call the Women’s
Outpatients Department to make another time.
We hope that your partner and/or a support person
is able to come to antenatal appointments and
discussion groups with you and be present for the
birth of your baby.
At the first visit
If you are in the early stages of your pregnancy it is
most likely that a midwife will see you the first time
you visit the hospital. If your pregnancy is further
advanced, or if you wish to participate in shared care
with your GP, you will also see a doctor.
Your first visit with the midwife
will involve:
•
•
•
Recording some personal details, your medical,
obstetric and family history
Receiving a Pregnancy Hand Held Record which
is the health record for your pregnancy
Calculation of the estimated date your baby will
be born
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Discussion about the choices you have for the
type of pregnancy care and birthing options
available to you
Discussion about Parent Education Classes and
physiotherapy services
Discussion about general health issues
Assessment of the need for referral to other
services
Discussion about screening tests during
pregnancy
Having initial screening tests
Making a time for your next appointment and
explaining the frequency of hospital visits
Answering any questions or concerns.
Your first visit with the doctor
will involve:
•
•
•
•
Reviewing your medical history and any other
important information
Having further discussion and making a decision
regarding the most appropriate option of care for you
Having a medical examination
Answering any questions or concerns.
At subsequent visits
It is important that you bring your Pregnancy Hand Held
Record to all visits.
At each visit your doctor or midwife will assess the
progress of your pregnancy, provide you with relevant
information, answer your questions and with your
permission, perform routine tests. Your midwife or
doctor will record information in your Pregnancy Hand
Held Record.
Antenatal screening tests and
investigations
It is usual to have a number of routine tests and
investigations during your pregnancy. The results of
these tests help in making decisions regarding the
10 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
management of your pregnancy and the birth of your
baby. There are advantages and disadvantages for all
tests offered by the hospital and we encourage you to
discuss these with your doctor or midwife.
At your first visit
With your permission, a single blood sample will
be taken:
• to detect anaemia and red cell antibodies
• to record your blood group
• to check your immunity to Rubella
(German Measles)
• to check whether you have been infected with
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis or HIV (AIDS)
• to screen for any other conditions as appropriate.
A midstream urine sample will be requested to check
for possible unrecognised infection.
Test results will be discussed with you at your next
visit. If there are any results which need follow-up
before your next appointment, you and your GP will
be notified as soon as possible either by telephone or
letter, so it is important to ensure we have up to date
contact details. To protect your privacy, results are
not given via telephone. Copies of all test results are
provided for your records.
Early
Screening
(1st trimester)
More Information: Pamphlet
• Information for Parents about
Maternal Serum Screening
(Women’s Outpatients Dept,
Health Info Centre)
Screening for various
conditions is available,
although in most cases screening is not necessary.
Please discuss this with your midwife or doctor.
You may choose to have screening for Down Syndrome
early in your pregnancy. This involves a blood test at
10 to 13 weeks followed by an ultrasound scan of the
back of the baby’s neck (nuchal translucency) at 111⁄2
to 131⁄2 weeks. The scan is currently only available at
the hospital if you are expecting twins, but your GP
can arrange for it to be done at a private radiology or
ultrasound practice, in which case you will be charged
a fee in addition to the Medicare rebate. Please talk to
your doctor or midwife if you require further information
about this test.
At 14- 20
weeks
More Information: Pamphlet
• Testing for Birth Defects in
Pregnancy (Women’s Outpatients
Dept, Health Info Centre)
You may choose to
have a single blood
sample taken to screen for the possibility of Spina
Bifida and/or Down Syndrome. You can go to your
GP for this test, or come to the Women’s Outpatients
Department Monday to Friday between 8.30am and
12.30pm. You will need to bring a completed request
form (signed by your doctor or midwife at your
previous visit). No appointment is necessary. Results
are available within a few days, but you will only be
contacted if further testing is required. Please make
sure you read the information pamphlet before you
make the decision to have the test.
At 18 - 20 weeks
You may choose to have an ultrasound scan.
This is a painless procedure that uses sound waves
(not x-rays) to form images of the baby. The scan
generally takes about 45 minutes and you will need
to have a full bladder for the uterus to be seen clearly.
This test is used to assess whether you are having more
than one baby, the amount of amniotic fluid around the
baby, how the baby is growing, to check the position of
the placenta and to exclude some, but not all types of
abnormality. It may be possible to determine the sex of
the baby from this test (if you wish to know) though
the test is not always correct. It is necessary to
bring a request form, completed by the hospital
staff or your GP.
11
At 18 - 20 weeks
continued
Usually we complete the scan before explaining some
of the images to you. Your doctor or midwife will
inform you of the results at your next visit. To protect
your privacy no information about the scan will be
given over the telephone.
You may bring up to three family members to view
the scan but please explain to them that the person
doing the scan, the sonographer, needs to be able to
concentrate to do the scan as well as possible. We
prefer that you leave pre-school children with friends
or at the hospital creche as they can become bored
and distressed quickly and this may decrease your
enjoyment of the scan.
It is usually possible to give you a souvenir ‘picture’ of
your baby at the time of the ultrasound. You can also
have a two to three minute videotape, at no cost, if you
bring a new blank VHS
More Information: Pamphlet
tape with you. Blank
• The 18-20 Week Ultrasound
Scan (Dept of Medical Imaging,
tapes may be bought
Health Info Centre, WCH website
from Vic’s Coffee
www.wch.sa.gov.au, or
Ph 8161 7750 office hours)
Shop in the hospital.
Please note we do not
videotape any other scans.
The Department of Medical Imaging is located on the
2nd Floor - enter via Queen Victoria Building.
At 28-30 weeks
With your permission, a blood sample is taken to
test for anaemia, red cell antibodies and diabetes of
pregnancy (high blood sugar levels). This involves
having a glucose drink one hour before the test.
You should eat normally prior to the test.
At 36 weeks
More Information: Pamphlet
• Group B Streptococcus –
You may choose to
Patient Information (Women’s
have a vaginal swab
Outpatients Dept, Health
Info Centre)
taken to identify if a
bacteria called Group
B streptococcus is present.
At birth
More Information: Pamphlet
With your permission • Your Blood Group
(Women’s Outpatients Dept,
after your baby is born Health Info Centre)
blood is taken from
the umbilical cord to
check your baby’s blood group and antibody status.
If your blood group is rhesus negative and your baby
is rhesus positive, you will be offered an injection
before leaving hospital to prevent the formation of
rhesus antibodies that may affect a later pregnancy.
It may be suggested that your baby have a number of
other tests. These will be discussed with you and will
only be carried out with your agreement.
Tissue or blood samples from the placenta and
umbilical cord may be collected for research purposes
12 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
unless you have previously indicated that you will not
give permission. These samples will not be identified
with a name or medical record number.
Unexpected outcomes of pregnancy
Unfortunately miscarriages and stillbirths sometimes
occur, and some babies are born with problems which
cannot be detected before birth, or for which a cause
cannot be identified.
If unexpected problems do occur, staff and services are
available to support you. Midwives, social workers,
medical and technical staff and chaplains are always
available to talk to you should you wish. We are also
able to call on resources in the community most suited
to your needs and the needs of your family. The chapel,
located on the 2nd Floor near the cafeteria, is accessible
at all hours.
Please speak to hospital staff or contact the Social
Work Department if you have any concerns about your
pregnancy and the health of your baby.
General care and information
Medication
It is important that you always check with your
doctor or midwife before you take any medicines or
drugs obtained from your local pharmacy (chemist),
supermarket, health food shop or from any other
source. The hospital pharmacy can dispense
prescriptions issued by the hospital for you. Advice
on the safe use of medication during your pregnancy
and while breastfeeding is available from the WCH
Pharmacy Drug Information Service.
Alcohol
We recommend that
you avoid alcoholic
drinks during your
pregnancy as alcohol
can harm your
developing baby.
More Information: Pamphlet
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Smoking
Smoking is harmful for you and your baby. Please tell
your doctor or midwife if you smoke, as they will be
happy to provide information to help you to give
up smoking.
Hand washing to prevent
infection spreading
A package to help you
More Information: Pamphlet
give up smoking can
• QUIT Pack (Women’s
Outpatients Dept, Health
Hand washing is the single most important way to
be obtained from the
Info Centre)
prevent the spread of infection. It is important that
Women’s Outpatients
you wash your hands before preparing food or eating,
Department. You may
after using the toilet, changing nappies, gardening,
also wish to speak to a social worker or contact the
doing household chores or having contact with animals QUIT Program (Cancer Council) telephone: 131 848.
or their waste. To wash correctly, wet hands under
Smoking is not permitted in the hospital or on
running water, wash well with soap, rubbing all surfaces hospital grounds.
of your hands taking at least 15 seconds, rinse under
running water then dry your hands thoroughly. Liquid
or bar soap may be used. Hands should be dried using
a clean hand towel, a paper towel or an electric hand
drier. If you allow your visitors to hold your baby,
please ask them to wash their hands first.
13
General care and information
continued
Other drugs
The use of recreational or street drugs is harmful for
you and your baby. If you are pregnant and take drugs
we strongly urge you to attend the clinic held at the
hospital in conjunction with the Drug and Alcohol
Service. Specialised staff familiar with your needs
will provide ongoing care and support throughout
your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.
Confidentiality will be maintained.
For information regarding the effects of medications/
drugs contact the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Drug Information Service.
Wearing seat belts
You are required by law to wear a properly adjusted
seat belt while
More Information: Pamphlet
travelling in a car, to
• Seatbelts and Pregnant
protect you and your Women Transport SA
(Health Info Centre)
baby in the event of
an accident.
Activity
It is healthy to have gentle to moderate exercise
during your pregnancy, but this is not the time to
start a vigorous exercise routine. It is advisable to
avoid contact sports after the 16th week of pregnancy.
The Physiotherapy Department conducts exercise
classes and advises on appropriate exercises for
pregnant women.
You may feel more tired than usual in the first few
weeks of your pregnancy and you may need more rest
than normal. Lying down during the day or going
to bed early may help. Try to lighten the load when
doing household chores, and try to sit down while
working wherever possible.
How long you should continue working depends
on your job, your health and the health of your
developing baby.
Diet
During pregnancy a healthy diet is vital as you need to
meet not only your nutritional needs but also those of
your baby. Each day, choose a variety of foods from
each of the five food groups:
• breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles
• vegetables and legumes
• fruit
• milk, yoghurt, cheese
• meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, legumes.
Folate is a vitamin needed by everyone for good health.
It is recommended that women take 0.5mg folate (folic
acid) daily, for one month before pregnancy and during
the first three months of pregnancy to help prevent
neural tube defects.
Extra calcium is needed during pregnancy to help your
baby build strong healthy bones and teeth as well as
keeping your bones strong. Low fat dairy foods are the
best source of calcium.
Extra iron is also needed and if your diet is low in iron you
may become anaemic. The best sources of iron are lean
red meat, chicken and fish. Absorption of iron may be
increased if you also eat plenty of food rich in Vitamin C.
Eating foods contaminated with bacteria may spread
some infections and pregnant women may be especially
susceptible to these.
More Information: Booklet
Soft cheeses, pate,
• Good Food for Pregnancy and
unpasteurised milk
Breastfeeding
products, pre-prepared • Folic Acid for Women
(Health Info Centre)
or processed meats
and salads and raw or
smoked seafood should be avoided. In addition, simple
rules to help avoid food poisoning should be followed.
14 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Hot food should be kept hot (steaming) until eaten and
cold food should be kept in the fridge until you are
ready to eat. Meat should be thoroughly cooked and
raw vegetables thoroughly washed. Raw meats should
be stored in the fridge separately from other foods.
Items used in the preparation of raw foods should be
thoroughly cleaned before being used again. Frozen
food should be thawed in the fridge or microwave and
not on the kitchen bench.
You are encouraged to read more about what to eat and
which foods to avoid during your pregnancy.
Please do not hesitate to ask your midwife or doctor
for a referral to see a dietician if you have any concerns
about your diet.
Detailed information
about class content
and times is outlined
in a separate
pamphlet.
More Information: Pamphlet
• Parent Education and Women’s
Physiotherapy Services at the
WCH (Health Info Centre)
Costs
All antenatal education provided by the WCH is free. If
you are a public patient you should receive information
about antenatal education the first time you visit the
hospital. Private patients should contact the Women’s
Outpatients Department for information.
Location
Please advise your midwife or the ward diet aide if you
need a special diet when you are in hospital after the
birth of your baby.
Most antenatal education sessions are held in the
Parent Education Room or Physiotherapy Group Room,
1st floor, Queen Victoria Building. When you book
to attend antenatal education please ask where the
sessions will be held.
Constipation
Enquiries and Bookings
Constipation can be an uncomfortable problem during
pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. Include
plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads
and cereals in your diet. Drink plenty of water and
exercise regularly. Take extra fibre if you need it.
Parent education classes can be booked by phoning
8161 7591. Further information can be obtained from
the Parent Education Coordinator. Physiotherapy
(exercise) classes can be booked by phoning
8161 7579 (Physiotherapy Department reception).
Parent education and tours
Classes fill quickly so please book early to avoid
disappointment.
We recommend that you attend our parent education
classes and take a tour of the hospital before the birth
of your baby.
The topics covered in our parent education program
include pregnancy care, exercise and yoga during
pregnancy, birth options, multiple births, caesarean
birth, pain management and breastfeeding. If this is
your first pregnancy, we recommend that you attend a
series of general topics as well as selecting additional
topics of particular interest. Classes are held during
the day, in the evenings or as whole day (Saturday)
workshops.
Tours
Tours of the maternity section of the hospital are held
at 9:00 am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
mornings. No bookings are required. Please meet
at the Women’s Outpatient Department,
1st floor, Queen Victoria Building.
Tours last about 30 minutes.
15
Coming to Hospital
When to come to hospital
If possible please telephone before
coming to the hospital:
• If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, speak to
the midwife in the Delivery Suite
• If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, speak with
the midwife in the Women’s Assessment Service
• If you are being cared for by Midwifery Caseload
Practice, please call the hospital switchboard
(telephone 8161 7000) and ask to have your
midwife paged.
You should contact the hospital if:
• your water breaks (even though you may not be
experiencing contractions)
• your contractions are regular
• you are experiencing increasing abdominal
discomfort
• you have any blood loss
• your baby’s movements reduce
• you are uncertain of what is happening
• you are concerned or anxious.
What to bring to hospital
For you:
• your Pregnancy Hand Held Record
• your birth plan (optional)
• things you choose to use in labour (this will be
discussed in antenatal classes)
• casual clothes to wear during the day if desired
• 2 night dresses (minimum)
• dressing gown and slippers
• 2 maternity bras
• plenty of comfortable underpants
• cordial if desired
• pen
• toiletries, eg soap, shampoo, toothbrush and
toothpaste
• 1 large box of tissues
• 1 box of nipple pads/washable nursing pads
• 4 packets sanitary pads
• your own pillow, if desired.
For your baby:
• 40 disposable nappies
or
• fasteners/nappy pins if you prefer to use cloth
nappies (cloth nappies are provided by the
hospital if you do not wish to use disposable
nappies)
• 6 pilchers (not plastic) if using cloth nappies
and
• baby care products for your baby whilst in
hospital, for example baby wipes and gentle
lotions or creams (optional)
• mittens (optional)
To take your baby home:
• 1 singlet
• 1 nightgown or outfit
• 1 baby jacket (optional)
• 1 shawl or blanket
• disposable or cloth nappies and two safety pins,
plastic clips or fasteners and pilchers
• mittens (optional)
• 1 baby capsule or baby restraint for transport
home. These can be hired from Australian
Red Cross.
Please note that there are no secure places for storing
valuables at the hospital. All your belongings remain
your responsibility. For safety and security reasons,
please do not bring personal electrical equipment,
including mobile phones.
Admission
On arrival, please come to the Admission Desk, Ground
Floor, Queen Victoria Building or use the Women’s
Assessment Service entrance (see map, page 4). If you
are in labour you will be taken to the Delivery Suite or
the Birthing Centre.
We encourage you to breastfeed but if you choose
not to, please bring one tin of infant feeding formula,
2 feeding bottles, screw caps and teats. Disinfecting
containers and anti-bacterial solution to sterilise bottles
are provided for use whilst in hospital.
17
Your Labour
The midwives and doctors in the Delivery Suite and
Birthing Centre are committed to meeting your needs
and the needs of your partner during the birth of your
baby. The midwife caring for you during your birth will
answer any of your questions and discuss your birth
plan and choices.
While it is our aim that your labour will begin
spontaneously, there are occasions when labour needs
to be induced for the wellbeing of mother or baby.
Your labour will not
More Information: Pamphlet
be induced without
• Induction of Labour (Women’s
your consent and your Outpatients Dept, Health
doctor or midwife will Info Centre)
discuss this with you
before any steps are taken. Information about induction
is available in antenatal classes.
Support people
Your partner, and/or support person are encouraged to
stay with you during your labour and the birth of your
baby. This is a very personal and special time for you
and your partner and the progress of your labour and
your comfort may be affected if you have too many
visitors. Please choose your support people carefully
to be sure they will assist rather than distract you.
Should you require a caesarean section only one
support person will be able to be with you in the
operating room.
Pain and pain relief in labour
The perception of pain experienced during childbirth
varies for different women and between births for the
same woman. There are a number of factors that can
affect the experience, including the length of the labour,
the size and position of the baby and pre-existing
problems such as back pain. The support of others
during labour is also important. Modern drugs for control
of pain in labour can help you deal with pain and enjoy
the birth experience, whilst retaining as much control as
possible. Knowing that not all labours are predictable,
almost all women will benefit from receiving information
about pain relief options. Your obstetrician, anaesthetist,
midwife and physiotherapist will be happy to discuss pain
relief options during your pregnancy and labour.
Photo courtesy The Advertiser.
Options for pain relief are as follows:
Non-Drug Methods
Many women are able to cope with pain and discomfort
without the use of drugs during childbirth. Your
support person can play a very important role in
helping you deal with pain. Physical methods of pain
relief can be very beneficial and may be all that you
require. These include walking, relaxation, massage,
breathing awareness, position changes and warm water.
These methods are discussed during
antenatal classes.
Drug Methods
There are several methods of administering
pain-relieving drugs. These include:
Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen
Breathing a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen (‘gas’)
may reduce the perception of pain. This is a safe,
simple method that you control and that provides good
relief from pain for many women. ‘Gas’ may also be
used in combination with other pain relief methods
such as epidurals.
Injections
common way of providing pain relief by this method
is with an epidural anaesthetic. Given through a fine
tube in the lower part of the back, the epidural provides
complete pain relief for most women. Women having
an epidural tend to have slightly longer labours.
An epidural may be particularly useful if assistance is
required with delivery such as the use of forceps or
for the birth of twins. An epidural may also be used to
provide anaesthesia for a caesarean section.
The most common form of anaesthetic for a caesarean
is a spinal block. Like an epidural this involves an
injection in the back but it generally works much faster
and is slightly more effective in its nerve blocking
action and there is no tube left in the back. Both spinal
and epidural blocks remove painful feelings but there
is always some perception left. For most women
these techniques are much safer than having a general
anaesthetic, should an operation be necessary.
Further information
The duty anaesthetist will discuss any queries
you have concerning pain relief and anaesthesia.
Please call the secretary, Department of Anaesthesia
during office hours telephone 8161 7630.
Pain relieving drugs can be given by an injection
directly into a muscle or through an intravenous drip.
The drugs commonly used are pethidine and fentanyl strong painkillers that are used in many other situations
where severe pain is involved. They may cause some
drowsiness or nausea, particularly when given in large
doses. Repeated doses may have similar effects on
your baby and for this reason the total amount that may
be given is limited. The timing of taking these drugs in
relation to the birth is also important in minimising the
possible effects on your baby.
Epidural or spinal anaesthesia
Drugs that provide a local anaesthetic effect may be
used to block the nerves that transmit pain. The most
19
After the birth of your baby
We encourage you to cuddle your baby immediately
following the birth and to breastfeed as soon as
you can.
As soon as possible after the birth, two identification
bands with your surname are applied to your baby’s
limbs. Please note that babies always have their
mother’s surname in hospital even if they are to be
registered with the Births Deaths and Marriages
Registration with a different surname.
More Information: Pamphlet
In most cases your
• Vitamin K for Newborn Babies
(Health Info Centre)
baby can be bathed
and weighed in the
delivery room. Vitamin K is strongly recommended for
all babies after birth to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Your permission will be sought for your baby to
receive this. If you are both well you will be transferred
to ward for continuing postnatal care.
A small number of women need to remain in Delivery
Suite for a time after the birth of their baby. If this
happens every effort will be made for you to feed and
spend as much time as possible with your baby. It may
be necessary for your baby to be taken to the Special
Care Baby Unit (SCBU) overnight or at intervals during
the day, depending on your or your baby’s condition.
Wherever possible your baby will be brought to you
to be fed. It is routine that your baby’s identification is
checked with you.
Rooming in with your baby
‘Rooming in’ means your baby remains by your bedside
during your stay in hospital. This allows you and
your family to get to know and enjoy your new baby.
Midwives will assist and support you with the practical
aspects of caring for and feeding your baby.
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20 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
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Babies requiring extra care
Hospital accommodation
Staff neonatologists (doctors who specialise in newborn
babies) are always available to attend any baby that
is in need of extra care. Should this be necessary
the neonatologist will discuss your baby’s condition
with you and explain the care required. Some babies
requiring neonatologist care need to be transferred
to the Special Care Baby Unit or Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit for ongoing treatment or monitoring. These
units have specialised equipment and staff to deal with
problems that might arise. Parents are encouraged to
spend as much time as possible with their baby in these
units and to participate in their baby’s care. If your baby
needs special care, breastfeeding is still encouraged.
The Hospital has single and shared rooms in the
ward areas. Every effort will be made to meet your
accommodation preference however for single rooms,
priority is given to people with the highest medical need.
Examination and tests for your baby
Your baby will be carefully examined by the doctor or
midwife soon after birth and again before you go home.
At least one of these examinations will be by a doctor
from the Special Care Baby Unit who will answer any
questions you have before you go home. About the
third day after birth a heel prick blood test, known as
the Neonatal Screening Test, is undertaken to screen for
some rare but significant conditions. Early recognition
of these is important.
If you would like
further information
More Information: Pamphlet
• Screening Tests for Your New
about these tests,
Baby (Health Info Centre)
please ask your
midwife or doctor.
Circumcision
Circumcision is not a routine procedure for baby
boys. Parents wishing their sons to be circumcised
may make an appointment with surgical outpatients.
A doctor’s referral is needed or, you may make private
arrangements after going home. The ward staff can
assist you with information.
All beds have a telephone available for use for a fee
(please refer to Queen Victoria Building Reception or
ward information folders for charges). Televisions
are available for hire. You may select from standard
broadcast channels, entertainment videos and a variety
of radio stations. Health education programs are
regularly provided at no charge.
In special circumstances arrangements can be made
through the midwifery staff for a folding-bed in your
room for your partner or another family member. We do
not have facilities for other people to stay at the hospital.
Please note there is no overnight accommodation
available for support people in the Delivery Suite and
only limited accommodation in the wards.
We can provide information about nearby
accommodation if you are from the country and need
to remain in Adelaide for some of your pregnancy or
to be near your baby in the nursery. There is limited
accommodation in the Samuel Way Building, located in
the hospital grounds. Some accommodation costs may
be covered through the Patient Assistance Transport
Scheme. The Social Work Department may be able to
assist if you have problems finding accommodation
close to the hospital or would like information about the
Patient Assistance Transport Scheme.
21
Visitors
Rest
Visitors with contagious diseases.
Getting enough rest is important after the birth of your
baby. Many friends and family members may be eager
to visit but your needs must come first and you may
wish to think about restricting the number of people
who come to see you. Visiting hours are between
2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm daily. A rest period is
encouraged between 1pm - 2pm daily and visitors will
not be admitted during this time. Other areas have
visiting hours by negotiation.
To help prevent the spread of infection it is very
important that people who have infectious illnesses
such as chicken pox, a cold sore, flu, parvovirus
(“slapped cheek”), a stomach upset or a bad cough or
cold do not visit the hospital. These infections can be
easily spread and some are particularly dangerous to
pregnant women and newborn babies. Unfortunately,
if the brothers and sisters of your newborn baby have
any of these infections they must not visit you while
you are in hospital.
Partners are able to visit outside these times but
consideration must be given to others when in a
shared room.
Postnatal Care and Information
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is best for you and your baby. Breast
milk provides protection against infection and allergies,
and is the ideal food for your baby. Breastfeeding helps
you to recover more quickly from birth and helps you
develop a bond with your baby.
Your midwife will help and support you with any
questions or concerns related to breastfeeding. A wide
range of breastfeeding information brochures, videos,
and a full list of support services and contact details are
available on the wards. A Breastfeeding Day Support
Service is available after you go home, for women who
experience breastfeeding difficulties.
If you have decided not to breastfeed your baby, please
bring a tin of infant feeding formula, some bottles and
teats when you come to hospital.
Physiotherapy
While you are in hospital a physiotherapist will visit
and advise you about postnatal exercise and back care.
You can discuss any questions regarding physical
discomforts and your return to normal activity and
exercise.
Immunisation
Hepatitis B vaccination, which is part of the National
Health and Medical Research Council recommended
schedule of immunisations, is offered for all babies
born at more than 32 weeks gestation and who are
well. The vaccine is given while you are in hospital,
between birth and day
More Information: Pamphlet
7, depending on when • Immunisation – What You
Should Know (Health Info Centre)
your baby was born
and their health. You
will be given information regarding this both during
your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.
Please refer to your baby’s Personal Health Record
Book (which will be given to you soon after the birth)
for information on all recommended vaccinations and
the immunisation schedule.
The WCH has an Immunisation Clinic and General
Practice located on the ground floor of the Rogerson
Building (next to Paediatric Emergency).
If antenatal testing has shown that you do not have
immunity to Rubella (German Measles) you will be
offered immunisation after the birth of your baby, prior
to going home.
Documentation
Before going home, a midwife will give you a Birth
Registration Form. It must be completed within 60
days of the birth of your baby and sent, in the envelope
provided, to the Principal Registrar of Births, Deaths
and Marriages.
You will be given a claim form, signed by your doctor
or midwife, for the Maternity Allowance and Maternity
Immunisation Allowance from Centrelink. You should
post the form or take it in person to your local Centrelink
Office. Addresses are listed under ‘Centrelink’ in the
White Pages. Telephone enquiries can be made to the
Centrelink Family Assistance Office phone 13 61 50.
You will also receive a Medicare Enrolment Form.
Please fill it in and return it to Medicare or hand the
completed form to staff at the Reception Desk, Ground
Floor, Queen Victoria Building. Additionally, you will
be given a WCH Notification of Newborn’s Surname
form to be completed and returned to the midwife or
ward clerk during your stay. If you have not decided on
your baby’s name before going home, please ask for a
reply paid envelope. Return of accurate details enables
hospital records to be updated so that if your child
returns for care all relevant medical information can be
easily found.
23
Postnatal Care and Information
continued
Family planning
A family planning nurse/midwife is available to provide
detailed advice on contraception and family planning if
you wish. Please ask your midwife to page them.
Baby photography service
A photographer visits the wards weekdays from 9:30
am. Various photograph styles are possible, so please
ask the photographer for ideas. Charges apply for
photographs purchased.
Child and Youth Health
Services (CYH)
Midwives on the postnatal ward assisted by CYH
volunteers will provide information on Child and Youth
Health Services. Your baby’s Personal Health Record
Book is designed to record your baby’s health and
progress and should be taken with you whenever you
visit a health professional with your child. You will
be given the telephone number for your nearest CYH
regional office and advised to contact them within a
week to make an appointment at your local centre. The
CYH nurse will provide information about new parent
groups, parenting and other relevant support services.
CYH also provide a 24 hour Parent Helpline. CYH
services are free of charge.
Transferring to another hospital
If you are from the country and would like to transfer to
a hospital closer to home after the birth of your baby or
if you wish to be transferred to a private hospital, this
may be arranged after discussion with your obstetrician,
paediatrician or midwife. Ambulance transport occurs
only if necessary for medical reasons. If you are
considering transferring to another hospital please
discuss this with your midwife as early as possible.
Discharge from hospital
It is usual to stay in hospital two to three days after the
birth of your baby. Some women choose to go home
soon after their baby is born, however you must stay in
hospital for at least four hours. Women who have had
a caesarean birth should expect a slightly longer stay.
Where possible, you should plan to leave your room by
11 am on the day you go home.
Baby safety capsules
You are legally required to have your child appropriately
restrained with an approved child restraint while
travelling in a motor vehicle. The Australian Red Cross
operates a Baby Capsule Hire Scheme. We suggest you
to learn how to use the baby capsule before
going home.
24 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Domiciliary Midwifery
Service (DMS)
Provided you and your baby are healthy and have become
well acquainted, home is best! The hospital provides a
midwifery home visiting service (DMS) to help shorten
your stay in hospital and assist you in the transition from
hospital to home. An experienced midwife will visit you
daily at home until five days after the birth of your baby
and additional visits are made if needed. The service is
provided for people who live within 20 km of the hospital
and meet the following criteria:
• your doctor/midwife is satisfied that both you and
your baby are progressing well enough to
go home
• there is a support person at home to provide
essential help, which will allow you to have
sufficient rest and time to care for your new baby
• you have access to a telephone.
Postnatal distress (PND)
Postnatal distress can affect up to one in seven
women following the birth of a child. Common
symptoms of PND include ongoing anxiety, fatigue,
sleep disturbances, inability to cope, withdrawal,
despondency and guilt. It is normal for new parents
to experience some of these feelings at some time,
however, if symptoms persist and are causing you
concern, people are available to help.
You may wish to contact your local doctor or the
hospital Social Work Department which provides
counselling and/or referrals for women suffering from
PND. For more information, please contact the Social
Work Department.
If you live more than 20 km from the hospital you may
wish to discuss with your doctor or midwife the need
to remain in hospital for an extra day to ensure that you
are comfortable about breastfeeding and you and your
baby are well enough to go home.
Postnatal checkup
Both you and your baby should have a medical checkup
when your baby is six weeks old. This checkup is
normally performed by your GP though in some
circumstances it may be done at the hospital. If there
is a need for you to have your six-week checkup at the
hospital an appointment will be made for you before
you go home.
Private patients will need to make an appointment with
their obstetrician or midwife and paediatrician.
If you have chosen shared antenatal care, you and your
baby should visit your GP two weeks and six weeks
after the birth.
25
General hospital information
Health Information Centre (HIC)
Meal Service times:
The Health Information Centre carries a range of
pamphlets, books and other resources and products
about women’s children’s and babies’ health. The
Centre also provides information about women’s and
children’s community services and support groups.
If information on a topic is not readily available the HIC
staff will seek it out for you.
Located on the second floor of the Gilbert Building, the
Café is a public restaurant for patients and visitors. It
is open 7.30 am to 7.30 pm every day. Free tea/coffee
is available in the Café during opening hours.
The Health Information Centre is located in the foyer of
the Kermode Street entrance.
KidSafe Child Accident Prevention
Foundation of Australia
KidSafe aims to make the world safer for children.
The KidSafe Centre is co-located with the Health
Information Centre in the main foyer, entered from
Kermode Street. Kidsafe provides displays,
information on infant and child safety, and has safety
products for sale.
Café
Breakfast
7.30 am – 10.30 am
Lunch
11.30 am - 2.15 pm
Dinner
5.00 pm - 7.15 pm
Rainbows Kiosk & Gift shop:
Monday - Friday
8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Saturdays
9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Vic’s Coffee & Gift shop:
Monday - Friday
9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays
& Public Holidays
9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Creche facilities
The hospital Creche is open on weekdays 8.00 am
to 4.00pm and the service is provided free of charge
for healthy infants/children of hospital patients. The
Creche is located on the ground floor, Gilbert Building.
Babycare facilities
Baby feeding rooms are located in the Queen Victoria
Building on the Ground Floor near the public toilets and
on the 1st Floor, near the clinic.
Meals and snacks
Snacks are available from Vic’s Coffee and Gift Shop,
Rainbows Kiosk and Gift Shop or from vending
machines around the hospital. The hospital Café also
serves a variety of tasty meals during the day.
Public toilets
Toilets are located on every floor near the lifts.
Car parking
There are two pay car parks adjacent to the hospital
entered from Kermode Street or Brougham Place. The
car parking area between the Women’s Assessment
Service and Paediatric Emergency is for ambulance use
and emergency drop off only.
Limited street parking is also available. We suggest
you adhere to the parking restrictions whilst in the
vicinity of the hospital, as breaches will incur fines.
26 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Other resources
Books
Many of the following books are readily available
from book shops/public libraries or the WCH Health
Information Centre.
There is a small library of videos and books which can
be borrowed through the Parent Educator (page via
WCH switchboard or ask your midwife)
Pregnancy and labour
Armstrong Z
Caesarean Birth: A Reassuring Guide for
Australian Parents.
Ringwood
Victoria:
Viking O’Neil
Balaskas J
Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving
Birth Naturally.
U.S.
The Harvard
1992
Common Press
Balaskas J
New Active Birth
UK
Harper Collins
Publishing
1992
Balaskas J
Preparing for Birth with Yoga
UK
Bennett A
Etherington W
Hewson D
Childbirth Choices
Australia
Penguin Books
1993
Donovan B
The Caesarean Birth Experience.
(Revised edition)
Boston
Beacon Press
1986
Fallows C
Having a Baby: The Essential Australian
Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
Australia
Doubleday
1997
Kitzinger S
The New Pregnancy And Childbirth
Australia
Doubleday
1997
Lamprell K (ed)
Birth Stories - The Great Adventure:
A Collection of Personal Experiences.
North Ryde
Angus and
Robertson
1991
Llewellyn-Jones D
Everywoman:
A Gynaecological Guide for Life
Penguin
1997
Nillson L
A Child is Born.
Doubleday
1996
Robertson A
Preparing for Birth –
Background notes for prenatal classes
ACE Graphics
1996
Robertson A
Preparing for Birth: Fathers
ACE Graphics
Robertson A
Preparing for Birth: Mothers
ACE Graphics
Royal Hospital for
Women (Sydney)
The Pregnancy Book
Australia
Angus and
Robertson
1993
Stoppard M
Conception Pregnancy and Birth.
Australia
Penguin
1993
London
1990
27
Books
continued
Breastfeeding
Cox Sue
Breastfeeding - I can do that.
Australia
Taslac
1997
La Leche League
International
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
(6th edition)
North
Ryde
Angus and Robertson
1999
Minchin M
Breastfeeding Matters: What We Need
to Know About Infant Feeding
(4th edition)
Victoria
George Allen and Unwin
1998
Phillips V
Successful Breast Feeding.
5th revision
Victoria
Nursing Mothers’
Association of Australia
1991
Renfrew M Fisher
C Arms S.
Best Feeding: Getting Breast Feeding
Right for You. (2nd edition)
Berkeley:Celestial Arts
2000
Tupling H
Breastfeeding: A New Mother’s
Handbook
Sydney
Watermark Press
1988
Kitzinger S
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Sydney
Doubleday
1989
Australian
Breastfeeding
Association (ABA)
Booklets on a range of topics
(Contact ABA or WCH
Health Information).
CYH
Understanding Wakeful Babies
Why Is My Baby Crying?
(Available through CYH
centres and WCH HIC)
Multiple pregnancy
Bryan E
Twins, Triplets and more
Clegs A
Twins from Conception to Five Years.
ABA
Booklets: Breastfeeding Twins,
Breastfeeding Higher Order Multiples
Gromada K and
Hurlburt M
Keys to Parenting Twins
New York
Penguin Books
1992
Balantine Books
1988
2002
Barron’s Educational
Series
1992
Simpson L and
More Than One
Australia
Simon and Schuster
Paviour A
Contact the Multiple Birth Coordinator for a more extensive reading list. Telephone: 8161 7520
2001
28 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Child care and parenting
Biddulph S
The Secret of Happy Children
Australia
Angus and Robertson
1996
Biddulph S
More Secrets of Happy Children.
Australia
Angus and Robertson
1996
CYH
Settling your Baby A survival guide for parents
Green C
A Parents’ Guide to Surviving
(and enjoying) Baby’s First Year
Simon and Shuster
1997
Green C
Toddler Taming: A Parents’ Guide to
Surviving the First Four Years.
Revised ed.
Sydney
Doubleday
1997
Jolly H
The Book of Child Care Complete Guide for Today’s Parents
London
Allen and Unwin.
Kitzinger S
Crying Baby
London
Viking
1989
Leach P
Baby and Child, From Birth to Age Five Middlesex,
England:
Penguin
1997
Kewlet J &
Lewis H (eds)
Fathers
McPhee Gribble
1993
Robertson A
Fathers
ACE Graphics
2000
Reed Books
1986
Fathers
Nutrition
Ash S
Nutrition and Pregnancy: A Guide
to Nutrition and Lifestyle During
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
Frenchs
Forest
Good Food for
Pregnancy and
Breastfeeding
2000 WCH Booklet
South
Australia
2001
Postnatal
Barnett B
Coping with Post Natal Depression
Phillips J
Mothers Matter Too
Price J
Motherhood: What it does to your
mind.
London
Lothian Books
1992
Collins
1990
Pandera Books
1990
29
Videos
Many subjects are available from local libraries or
support groups. There is a small library of videos which
can be borrowed through the Parent Educator
(page via WCH switchboard or ask your midwife)
Websites
Women’s And Children’s Hospital
www.wch.sa.gov.au
Pregnancy Information (Dept of Human Services)
www.dhs.sa.gov.au
Shine SA
www.shinesa.org.au
Child and Youth Health
www.cyh.com
Healthy SA
www.healthysa.sa.gov.au
Parenting SA
www.parenting.sa.gov.au
Private Patients’ Hospital Charter
www.health.gov.au/privaterhealth/consumer.html
Other important information
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a patient at the WCH, you have the right:
• To receive appropriate medical treatment
• To take part in making decisions about your
health and that of your child
• To be informed about your (or your child’s) health
and health care in a language you can understand
• To privacy, respect and confidentiality
• To have your opinion about your care taken
into account
• To a fair investigation of complaints
• To access information kept in your medical record
• To receive information about care options and
health promotion services.
As a patient at the WCH,
you have the responsibility:
• To provide enough information so that appropriate
care can be given
• To seek health care information
• To inform your doctor/midwife if you choose not
to follow prescribed treatment
• To accept the consequences of your decisions to
accept or reject advice
• To recognise the effects of lifestyle choices on
your health
• To treat staff with respect, and to avoid using
abusive and threatening behaviour.
More Information: Pamphlet
• Your Rights and Responsibilities
– Information for Patients, Clients
and Parents (Health Info Centre)
30 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Privacy Legislation and
Confidentiality
In the course of
More Information: Pamphlet
providing your care
Privacy and Your
it is necessary for the
Personal Information
Freedom of Information
Hospital to collect
Officer, Health Info Centre
information from
you and about you.
In accordance with
the Department of Human Services “Code of Fair
Information Practice” the Hospital will only provide
information about you to those people who need it to
treat and care for you, or who have responsibilities
related to your treatment and care in hospital.
Please advise your friends and family that we are
unable to provide any information to them regarding
you or your baby without your consent.
Positive feedback, suggestions
or complaints
We welcome feedback about your contact with the
hospital. If you have any concerns about your or your
baby’s care, please talk to your doctor, midwife or other
WCH health professional in the first instance.
Research and Training
Training
The WCH is a teaching hospital for students of
medicine, midwifery, nursing and other areas of health
care. Involvement with patients is an important part of
their training. Please let the staff know if you do not
feel comfortable with trainee health professionals being
involved in your care.
Research
We are committed to providing better health care.
There is much evidence to show that active involvement
in research can raise health care standards. During
your association with us, from early in your pregnancy
to the birth of your baby, a research worker may
approach you to provide information about a research
project and request your involvement. We would value
your support and participation, but you have a right to
decline involvement in any research project without it
affecting your or your baby’s care.
Further information is contained in pamphlet, “Privacy
and Your Personal Information”.
As part of our service improvement initiative, the WCH
has a staff recognition program. If you have been
particularly pleased with an aspect of your care from
an individual staff member or team you are invited to
complete a nomination form, which is available at most
reception desks.
Commendations, suggestions or complaints
may also be forwarded to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Women’s and Children’s Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide SA 5006
Telephone: (08) 8161 7000
31
Interpreter Service
If English is not your first language you may need
help in understanding what is happening to your
child. The Hospital uses the services of ABC
International. ABC International can provide face to
face interpreting for many languages.
If you require this service please ask a Hospital
staff member.
If you are hearing impaired you may require the
assistance of a deaf signing service. If you require
this service please ask a Hospital staff member.
32 Having your Baby at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Glossary
amniotic fluid
the fluid surrounding the baby in
the uterus
neonatologist
doctor specialising in the care of
newborn babies
anaemia
low level of haemoglobin in the blood
nitrous oxide
pain-relieving anaesthetic gas
anaesthetic
a drug or gas to create a loss of
feeling, and/or consciousness
Non-Medicare patient
patient not entitled to Medicare
benefits
antenatal
before birth
obstetrics
antibody
A substance produced by the body
in response to the action of a foreign
substance
field of medicine dealing with
pregnancy and childbirth
opioids
group of drugs with potent pain
killing effects which results
in sedation without loss of
consciousness
paediatrics
field of medicine relating to the
illnesses or care of children
caesarean section
birth of the baby through an incision
(cut) in the abdomen
Down syndrome
a genetically transmitted condition
causing a number of intellectual/
physical abnormalities
pethidine
epidural
pain killing injection administered
into the space outside the spinal cord
opioid drug often given in labour as
an intramuscular injection
placenta
fentanyl
an opioid drug often used for labour
pain, given intravenously or into the
epidural
the structure on the uterine wall to
which the foetus is attached and from
which it receives its nourishment.
Public (hospital) patient
gestation
the period of development of the
young (40 weeks in humans)
patient covered by Medicare (an
Australian resident)
private patient
haemoglobin
the pigment in red blood cells which
carries oxygen
patient with private health insurance
or self-funding
postnatal
after birth
hepatitis
inflammation of the tissues of the
liver, caused by viral infection or
toxic agents
red cell antibodies
state of `natural’ immunity, or
acquired through specific injection.
HIV
(Human Immuno-deficiency
Virus)
a virus transmitted by the exchange
of body fluids which severely affects
the body’s immune system
Rhesus Factor
A specific component in the blood
Rubella (German measles)
hormone
a chemical substance secreted by a
gland into the blood stream, which
brings about specific changes in
other cells/organs
infection caused by the Rubella virus
which may result in abnormalities of
a baby if contracted during pregnancy
spina bifida
hospital patient
public patient, covered by Medicare
abnormality in the development of
the spinal cord causing weakness
or paralysis below the physical
abnormality
intravenous
within a vein or veins
spinal
intravenous drip
a means of providing fluid to a
person through the veins
anaesthetic injection administered
into the fluid surrounding the spinal
cord
syphilis
midwife
a health professional with
qualifications and experience in care
during pregnancy, childbirth and the
postnatal period
an infectious sexually transmitted
disease.
trimester
a period of 3 months
umbilical cord
the cord-like structure connecting
the placenta with the umbilicus of
the baby
uterus (womb)
the hollow muscle organ in the
abdomen in which the baby develops.
narcotics
a group of drugs with potent
pain killing effects which results
in sedation without loss of
consciousness
33
CYH
Child and Youth Health
A tradition of excellence since 1909
There is a Child and Youth Health
service near you to offer helpful
advice on:
Life, family and health matters
Parenting
Baby settling techniques
Difficult behaviour
Toddler training
Teenage topics
Our experienced staff research and
provide information for people who want to
make healthy choices for themselves and
their families.
Plus you can get 24-hour access to Child
and Youth Health.
Child and Youth Health Parent Helpline is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for
information and support for parents.
Ph 1300 364 100
Child and Youth Health has a very
comprehensive Internet web site for information
about child and youth health and parenting
issues at
www.cyh.com
CYH Ambassador Mark Bickley and family visiting a CYH centre.
Books
The following books are available from Child and
Youth Health for $5.50 each (incl. GST) plus
postage. Phone (08) 8303 1551, ask your CYH
nurse for an order form or order via our web site.
Settling Your Baby
A survival guide for parents. Birth to 12 months.
A booklet offering practical hints for settling
problems or sleep difficulties.
The Feeding Book
For babies and young children. All the tips on
breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and starting other
foods.
Toddlers A to Z
An easy to read booklet to make parenting of
toddlers a little easier.
FOUR SEASONS
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This book has been compiled for The Women’s & Children’s Hospital by Associated Info Media Services.
Tel 0439 864 022 or 0438 605 226.
The material in this booklet is for general information only. Health information is not a substitute for medical or
midwifery advice and should not be used for treatment or diagnostic purposes. For such advice please consult your
doctor or an appropriate health professional. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) disclaims all liability as a
result of reliance on this publication. The WCH does not necessarily endorse any products advertised in this booklet.
The information contained in this booklet was correct at the time of publication.
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