The Geelong Hospital is a public hospital providing seven models of maternity care: Community Team Midwifery,  Midwife Clinic care, The Family Birthing Unit, Chemical Dependency Unit, Young Approach, Maternity Day Assesment Unit, the Pregnancy Care Clinic for specialist care and Shared care with your G.P. Women who have private health insurance may choose their own Obstetrician who will provide specialist care. Alternatively women may decide to attend a G.P for their care. There are currently no GP's providing care at the birth of your baby

The St. John of God Hospital is a private hospital providing maternity care for private patients with private health cover who visit their Obstetrician or shared G.P/Obstetric Care.
 
 

SHARED CARE
After an initial visit to the Booking-in Midwife and the Pregnancy Care Clinic, provision of maternity care is shared between a woman's own G.P and the hospital Doctors. Labour, birthing and postnatal care is provided by hospital Doctors and Midwives.

MIDWIVES CLINIC
Antenatal care is primarily provided by Midwives under the auspices of hospital Specialist Obstetricians. Midwives aim to provide continuity of care and to assist women to an optimal birthing experience in the birthing suite and postnatal ward.

THE FAMILY BIRTHING UNIT
 

The Birthing Unit provides.....  An approach to childbirth based on the belief that pregnancy, labour and birth are essentially healthy, life events Midwives, who are the appropriate carers for normal pregnancy and childbirth, aim to provide the highest standard of family centred care. Women, their families and support persons are encouraged to participate in decision making regarding their care. Privacy in a comfortable and familiar environment. A warm, friendly, supportive and homelike environment with minimal intervention in the birthing process. Flexible appointment times for any day, or time, of the week. A choice of public or private care. The opportunity for families to stay together for this important event in their lives. Preparation Women, their partners and support persons are encouraged to  attend birth preparation sessions, conducted by the Family  Birthing Unit midwives.These sessions provide information  relevant to labour, childbirth and parenting and are especially  beneficial to first time parents.

The Birthing Unit facilities include.... Two private, homelike birthrooms with ensuites. Each room has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with a double bed and  close access to a kitchenette and sitting room. Women become  familiar with these surroundings, as ante-natal visits are conducted in the rooms.

Today’s midwife Throughout the centuries midwives have assisted and advised women during pregnancy and childbirth. Today's midwife continues this tradition, by giving supervision, care and advice to women and their families, during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. The midwife enters into a partnership with the woman in her care and practises within recommendations of the World Health Organisation. Midwives in the Family Birthing Unit are highly skilled and  motivated health professionals, who all share the same philosophy. As midwives practice collaboratively with other health professionals, women attending the Family Birthing Unit can access medical care as required.      Postnatal Care  Generally families choose to stay in the F.B.U. for up to 24   hours before going home. Postnatal care continues in your   home with the Domiciliary midwife

SPECIALIST INFANT CARE
The Maternity  Service has a Level 2 Intensive Care Nursery with specialist medical and nursing staff employed to care for sick and premature infants. Visiting in the nursery may be restricted at times, at the discretion of parents and staff. Babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy will require transfer to a Neonatal Unit in Melbourne.

FEEDING YOUR BABY
The Maternity Service supports the "Baby Friendly" hospital initiative which aims to promote and encourage breastfeeding of newborn infants. As breastfeeding has many protective benefits for mother and baby it is important to learn about breastfeeding early in your pregnancy. Staff are available to discuss any issues regarding breastfeeding

LACTATION CONSULTANTS
Over 90% of the midwives in the Maternity Services Unit are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Their commitment is to support and advise women regarding all aspects of breastfeeding

BIRTH PLANS
Appointments can be made when booking in, to discuss your personal needs throughout labour and birth with a midwife fron the birthing suite. These appointments can be made at the Maternity Services Reception on 5226 7511

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