(Partners or support persons are encouraged to attend).
There are three antenatal education models:
- Evening classes - They encompass four sessions and the option of an evening ward orientation tour. Booking fee of $20. If unable to pay no charge is made.
- Saturday classes - the same information as above but delivered in one session. This weekend option makes it easier for partners to attend.
- Individualised education - for teenagers and Aboriginal women and their partners and Primary Midwifery Care Program clients.
Other information opportunities include a monthly breast feeding information session and a grandparent information night.
Birthing suite
Admission
Upon arrival at the Base Hospital in labour, women are admitted directly to the maternity unit and triaged by the delivery suite midwives to antenatal beds, family birthing suite or the birthing centre.
Birthing Suite
This model of birthing is available to all women and their partners or support persons.
It provides options of use such as positioning, spa bath, floor mats, beanbags and has all the technical equipment required for any obstetric emergency and the availability of specialist obstetric, paediatric and anaesthetic support.
There are three birthing rooms containing a traditional birthing bed and resuscitation equipment.
When required the hospital theatre suite and staff are available for elective and emergency caesarean sections.
Family Birthing Unit
The birthing unit offers women the option of childbirth in a homelike setting, partners or support persons are encouraged to be present and other children may attend as long as they have a separate carer.
There are two birthing rooms, each with a double bed, an ensuite and access to a small kitchen.
If complications occur in labour women are transferred easily to the labour ward.
Families using the birthing centre have the option of discharge home after 24 hours if mother and baby are well, with domiciliary midwifery support; or they may transfer to the postnatal ward.
Level 2 high dependency special care nursery
The Special care nursery is a level two high dependency nursery with the facilities to support premature babies from 32 weeks, and babies with complications post delivery.
The nursery contains a neonatal resuscitation unit with ventilator, seven incubation and five open cots.
Postnatal services
Postnatal Ward
The postnatal ward provides comfortable accommodation and hotel services with eight single rooms, 4 double rooms and 2 four bed rooms.
It is staffed by the maternity unit team and is closely linked with labour ward, special care nursery and domiciliary midwifery, which facilitates easy transition of mothers and babies between these areas.
Facilities available to women are:-
- 24 hour availability of qualified midwives and medical staff;
- educational videos shown regularly on a specific channel at each bedside television;
- a postnatal folder of information to reinforce the education given, and resources available;
- all midwives are trained to assist you with breast feeding, while a lactation consultant is available for referrals;
- twice weekly visits by a local photographer to take baby photos;
- availability of all hospital services where required, such as ultrasonography, x-ray, physiotherapy, dietician, and chaplain service.
Infant Massage
Education on infant massage to enhance bonding, communication and physical and mental growth is provided by a qualified Infant Massage Instructor.
This service is available to all women who deliver at BHS. There are five sessions of one hour over five weeks.
