Having your baby with us
Accommodation
All of our maternity rooms are private, modern and spacious.
Each room has:
- a private ensuite bathroom with a baby bath
- a television
- refrigerator
- dining table
- daybed
- telephone
- access to wireless internet
Most of our maternity rooms have double beds and partners are encouraged to stay in hospital for the opportunity to support, learn and help with your new baby.
We provide a private and supportive environment for you to bond with your baby during your transition to parenthood.
Catering
We have a great reputation for serving delicious, fresh food.
Our chefs work closely with our dietitian to create healthy, nutritious meals which are made fresh on-site daily.
We provide patients with a variety of specialty menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can order from our a-la-carte room service dining menu at any time. You can also order and purchase meals for your partner for a small fee.
Our maternity unit also has a gourmet, self-service pantry for mothers with food, snacks and refreshments available at any time. Our hospital café is located on the ground floor and is open during business hours for visitors.
Please advise us of any special dietary requirements you have at the time of booking.
Birthing suites
Our large, modern and private birthing suites are safe and relaxed environments for your baby’s birth.
Each suite has a private ensuite with full-sized bath and shower. For peace of mind, we have medical equipment on-hand and operating theatre facilities, anaesthetists and paediatricians available on-call.
Our midwives will discuss our facilities, the options available to you and will provide you with advice and support to help you make your own birthing choices.
Special care nursery
Your baby will stay with you from birth unless they require extra monitoring in our special care nursery
Our special care nursery cares for babies who are premature, unwell or have more complex care needs. Our nursery is a state-of-the-art medical facility providing the very best care for our littlest patients.
We have the latest technology and equipment available with 4 cots and an emergency treatment room. The nursery is located within the maternity unit, so you are close by if your baby requires care in the nursery during your stay.
Your stay
Your stay in hospital will normally be 4 nights. During your stay we offer you education and support with:
- feeding your baby
- parenting skills including nappy changing, bathing, swaddling and settling
- taking your baby home, and
- community resources available
What to bring to hospital
For mum
- Comfortable clothes
- Toiletries and personal items
- Maternity sanitary pads
- Favourite pillow
- Footwear such as slippers or thongs
For baby
- Baby skincare wipes (fragrance free)
- Clothing (appropriate to the season)
- A baby capsule for the trip home (please have it correctly fitted in your car – this is a legal requirement)
What the hospital provides
Everything you need to feed (by breast or bottle) and care for your baby during your stay, including nappies.
Leave at home
The Bays does not accept responsibility for valuables or property brought into the hospital. For your safety and security, we ask you not to bring large amounts of cash or jewellery.
Prenatal education and post-natal support
Our prenatal education program is conducted by our midwives at the hospital and is designed to help you and your partner prepare for your baby’s arrival. It covers labour, birth, breastfeeding and baby care once you take your baby home.
You will be given details about this program and class dates when you make your hospital booking.
Breastfeeding consultations and support
During your stay, our midwives and lactation consultants will provide support and assistance with feeding your baby. They are available for continued support after your hospital stay and within the first six weeks of having your baby.
24-hour support helpline
Our midwives are available to talk to you anytime 24 hours a day, simply call our maternity unit on 03 5976 5262.
Birth Beat online childbirth classes
We have partnered with Birth Beat to offer you access to online childbirth classes, at an additional cost. You can access Birth Beat classes at any time from the comfort of your own home. The classes are delivered by a registered midwife with over 15 years of experience.
Birth Beat takes you and your partner/ support person from feeling fearful and nervous to feeling confident and excited for birth and meeting your baby at The Bays.