Having a baby at Newcastle Private Hospital: Your top 10 questions answered
Welcoming a precious new baby into your family is one of the most exciting moments in life. It’s natural you’ll want to feel comfortable and confident with your choice of birthing centre.
To help you make that decision, we answer the top 10 questions expecting parents ask about birthing at Newcastle Private Hospital.
1. Do you offer a childbirth and parenting course?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive online childbirth and parenting course in partnership with Birth Beat to help you prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood. This midwife-led course provides you with practical, evidence-based information in the comfort of your own home.
With over 12 hours of video content, downloadable guides, checklists and live Q&A support from registered midwives, you’ll gain confidence and knowledge to navigate your pregnancy and birth journey. Topics covered include prenatal yoga, pain relief options, understanding the stages of labour, birth positions, breathing techniques, caesarean births and newborn care. You’ll also get helpful tips on breastfeeding, sleep, and settling, as well as bonus birth stories to inspire and support you.
We recommend starting the course at around 12 weeks pregnant, and you’ll have 12 months of access to revisit and review the content at your own pace. The course costs $397 (subject to change without notice), with rebates available through most Australian private health funds, and Afterpay is also offered.
2. What are the rooms like?
We take pride in offering you a wonderfully restful and welcoming environment where you can relish those first precious moments with your newborn.
Every effort is taken to provide you with a private room with ensuite and TV during your stay at Newcastle Private Hospital.
However, we also have a range of shared rooms with either two or four beds that also come with a TV and ensuite.
Your environment is a comfortable place for mums and families to enjoy those precious early days with baby. Newcastle Private Hospital recognises that your family requires support to learn and transition with your beautiful new addition. We encourage your partner or support person to be involved and they’re welcome to stay in your room in their own bed.
Your stay includes meals and snacks. We can cater for specific dietary requirements – just let us know.
We guarantee to do everything we can to make your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
3. Can my partner stay and do they get a bed?
At Newcastle Private, we know partners are an integral part of the birthing experience and we encourage their involvement – every step of the way. Partners are welcome to stay with you and bub.
Most suites come with a single bed, or one can be arranged, so your partner can stay with you overnight.
They can also join you in the parent lounge where you can bathe baby together for the first time.
4. What are the birthing suites like?
You’ll discover that your birthing suite is a clever blend of expert medical care and comfort, complete with ensuite bathroom.
There’s a range of active birth accessories to choose from, including birthing balls and support rails as well as wireless foetal monitoring equipment in the room and an adjustable birthing bed so you experience your optimum birthing experience.
5. Can I bring my doula?
For the safety of our parents, babies and staff, you can bring two nominated support people with you during labour and birth. This can include your doula.
6. Can I have a water birth?
While we don’t offer water births, all suites have a warm bath for pain relief and comfort during labour. We can also offer you a range of other pain relief options, both pharmaceutical and natural.
We want to support your choice in how you birth your baby.
7. What about Caesarean sections?
Our family-friendly caesarean section option allows your baby, partner and midwife to stay with you in recovery afterwards, assisting early skin-to-skin contact and bonding.
If you’ve elected to have a caesarean, you’ll receive a phone call or SMS the working day beforehand with information about fasting and admission time.
8. Do you have baby formula and what about clothes for me and baby?
We encourage breastfeeding because of the health benefits for both mother and baby. However, if you are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, we have baby formula available for you to use.
We know that baby’s arrival can sometimes be a surprise as well as a delight. We make things easier by providing a packet of nappies and wipes when you arrive in your private room.
We recommend bringing your own clothes and a selection of sizes and outfit choices for baby. We also provide linen for baby.
9. Do you have a Special Care Nursery?
Yes. Located on the postnatal ward, our highly trained team in the Special Care Nursery are experts at caring for sick and premature babies and those needing a little extra attention. We understand it’s hard to be away from your baby that’s why the team and paediatricians work together to ensure your baby is back with you as soon as they can be.
10. What if I don’t have private health insurance?
You can choose to self-fund your stay with us if you don't have private health insurance. We suggest you chat with your Newcastle Private Hospital Obstetrician to discuss.
Questions?
At Newcastle Private Hospital, we appreciate how important it is to find the right place to have your baby. If you have any questions about our Birth Suites and the Maternity Suites where you’ll stay after giving birth please get in touch. We can also provide you with an estimate of costs if you are self-funded. We welcome any questions you may have.
To find out more please email the maternity team on newcastlematernity@healthscope.com.au
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