Care, Every Baby Step of the Way
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.
Why the private experience?
We’re often asked about the benefits of private maternity. For most women, an important advantage is the continuity of care and length of stay.
Being able to choose your own obstetrician, having a specialist to be present for the birth and someone known who will guide your postnatal care, is comforting for many.
Our experienced obstetricians ensure that you receive a world class standard of care as you navigate your pregnancy, give birth and become a new parent. They are experienced in both straightforward and complicated pregnancies and births, including multiple and pre-term births. You can find a list of our obstetricians on our website.
You’ll discover in private that your birthing suite is a clever blend of expert medical care and comfort, complete with ensuite bathroom and privacy.
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.
After birth, your baby will be placed under the care of one of our experienced Paediatricians. In private maternity care, you will have at least one visit while in hospital with an expert paediatrician and follow up visits as required.
Your team of care in private is larger including access to a range of Allied Health Services such as Physiotherapists, as well as Lacation Consultants and Midwives for postnatal education programs.
At Newcastle Private Hospital, your environment is a comfortable and peaceful place for mums and families to enjoy those precious early days with baby while embracing your own unique needs. When you choose private, you can expect better.
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 your own private room with ensuite and TV during your stay at Newcastle Private Hospital. The rooms are filled with natural light, are spacious, and yours to make your own so feel free to bring your favourite pillow, music, oils, a TENS machine.
We also have a range of twin larger rooms that also come with a TV and shared ensuite.
Your stay includes all meals and snacks. We can cater for specific dietary requirements – just let us know.
Close by in our gardens is the Croudace Tea & Coffee House perfect for a sunlight morning tea or snack with family or friends.
Can my partner stay and do they get a bed?
YES! 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 pull-out 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.
Can I bring my doula for the birth?
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 with the consent of your obstetrician.
Can I have a water birth?
While we don’t offer water births, all birthing 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.
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. Often you can check into your private maternity suite prior to going to theatres.
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 and bottles 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.
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. Health issues that often affect newborns and require admission to a special care nursery include jaundice, low body weight, low blood sugar or temporary breathing problems.
We understand it’s hard to be away from your baby that’s why the team and expert paediatricians work together to ensure your baby is back with you as soon as they can be.
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 or make contact with us to help navigate your options.
Can I book a tour or speak to someone to receive more information?
Of course, our maternity team would love to talk to you!
Please email the maternity team on newcastlematernity@healthscope.com.au and include your name, contact daytime phone number and any questions.
At Newcastle Private Hospital, we appreciate how important it is to find the right place to have your baby. For 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 booking in tours on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
To find out more please email the maternity team on newcastlematernity@healthscope.com.au
Or call 02 4941 9266
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