When a new baby arrives at St John of God Berwick Hospital, the maternity team like to mother the new mums.
With recovery, feeding, sleeping and bonding taking priority for the new parents, St John of God midwives go the extra mile to ensure all the other bits and pieces are taken care of.
Each private maternity room is comfortably fitted with ensuite, TV, phone, plug-in internet access and a bar fridge.
New parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their new baby in comfort and privacy.
Delicious and nutritious meals are delivered to each room and partners can also enjoy a hot meal for a small charge.
Each afternoon a special Happy Hour treat trolley visits each maternity patient, stocked with a scrumptious selection of cakes, pastries, fresh fruit, drinks and, most importantly, the not-recommended throughout pregnancy, soft cheese and crackers!
This opportunity for indulgence each afternoon is a quiet moment for the new parents to enjoy feeling pampered during this special time in their lives.
“There is so much to learn for the new parents.
“We like to take extra special care of them so they can use their time in hospital to get to know their new bub and so they can go home rested and educated for what lies ahead,” said Joyce Coyle, Maternity Unit Manager.
The rest of the family hasn’t been forgotten either!
Partners are very welcome to stay overnight and complementary accommodation is provided in the new mother’s room.
New grandparents have the opportunity to participate in the Grandparent Class (bookings required), giving them the chance to refresh their skills and be brought up to date with the latest techniques and trends in baby care.
Lisa Evans, Director of Nursing said: “Grandparents can be such a help to the new family when a baby is born.
“Our aim is to ensure they are on the same page as the new parents and can be involved in a supportive and positive way for everyone.”
Mum can relax while older children visit and enjoy a story in the Story-Time Pod, located in the Maternity Ward (a small cost applies).
For some families, receiving post natal care is more comfortable and convenient at home.
When it is deemed safe to do so, new mothers have the opportunity to head home soon after birth and receive a visit from the Midwives at Home program.
One of the highly qualified midwives will offer advice and guidance on sleeping, settling and feeding and general health and wellbeing for both mum and baby.
The family will also receive a pack containing vouchers for lunch for two people at 81 Bar and Restaurant and Gold Class cinema and a massage voucher for Berwick Pharmacy.
St John of God Berwick Hospital is flexible, if mums have specific needs all they need to do is ask.
Staff will always go above and beyond, ensuring new families are able to enjoy the precious arrival of a new baby.
They take care of the small things so that they can focus on what is most important – the new family.
For further information, phone the Maternity Care Ward on 9709 1400 or visit www.sjog.org.au/berwick.
