Having your baby with us
To have your baby at The Bays Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP or obstetrician. This referral connects you with one of our obstetricians, who will care for you throughout your pregnancy and help you plan your birth and hospital stay with us.
Once you have your referral, you can book in to give birth at The Bays and begin your maternity journey with our team.
Your accommodation
When you stay with us, you will be in a private, modern and spacious maternity room designed for comfort, rest and recovery.
Your room includes:
- a private ensuite bathroom with a baby bath
- a television
- refrigerator
- dining table
- daybed
- telephone
- wireless internet access
Most rooms include a double bed, and your partner is encouraged to stay with you. This gives them the opportunity to support you, learn hands-on baby care, and be part of those early bonding moments.
You will be supported in a calm, private environment where you can focus on bonding with your baby and adjusting to parenthood.
Your meals and catering
You will enjoy fresh, nutritious meals prepared on-site by our chefs in consultation with our dietitian.
You can expect:
- freshly prepared meals every day
- a variety of menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- a-la-carte room service available whenever you need it
- the option to purchase meals for your partner for a small fee
You will also have access to a self-service maternity pantry stocked with snacks and refreshments available at all times. Visitors can also use the hospital café on the ground floor during business hours.
If you have any dietary requirements, let us know when you book so we can cater for your needs.
Your birthing suite
You will give birth in a large, private and modern birthing suite designed to help you feel safe and supported.
Each suite includes:
- a private ensuite with a full-sized bath and shower
- medical equipment on standby for your safety
You will also have immediate access to operating theatre facilities, anaesthetists and paediatricians if needed.
Your midwives will talk you through your options, support your birth preferences, and help you feel confident in your decisions throughout labour and birth.
Special care nursery for your baby
Your baby will stay with you after birth unless they need extra care.
If your baby requires additional monitoring, they may be cared for in our special care nursery. This is where babies who are premature, unwell, or need closer observation receive specialist care.
You will remain close to your baby throughout their stay, as the nursery is located within the maternity unit.
The nursery includes advanced medical technology, four cots, and an emergency treatment area.
Your hospital stay
You will usually stay with us for around four nights after your baby is born. During this time, you will receive education and support to help you feel confident caring for your baby including:
- feeding your baby
- parenting skills such as nappy changing, bathing, swaddling and settling
- preparing to go home
- understanding local community supports
What to bring with you
For you
- Comfortable clothes
- Toiletries and personal items
- Maternity sanitary pads
- A favourite pillow (if you wish)
- Comfortable footwear such as slippers or thongs
For your baby
- Fragrance-free baby wipes
- Clothing suitable for the season
- A correctly fitted baby capsule for the car (this is a legal requirement for discharge)
What we provide for you
Everything you need to care for and feed your baby during your stay is provided, including nappies and feeding supplies (breast or bottle feeding).
Please leave at home
We cannot take responsibility for valuables or personal property. Please avoid bringing large amounts of cash or jewellery.
Your education and support
Antenatal education
You will be invited to attend antenatal education classes run by our midwives. These sessions help you and your support person prepare for labour, birth, breastfeeding, and caring for your baby at home.
You will receive class details when you book your hospital stay.
Breastfeeding support
During your stay, you will receive support from midwives and lactation consultants to help you with feeding. If you need it, this support can continue for up to six weeks after birth.
24-hour support
If you need reassurance at any time, you can call our maternity unit 24 hours a day on 03 5976 5262 to speak with a midwife.
Birth Beat online childbirth education
You can also choose to access online childbirth education through our partnership with Birth Beat (additional cost).
These online classes can be completed at home at your own pace and are led by an experienced registered midwife.
They are designed to help you and your support person feel informed, confident and prepared for your birth experience at The Bays.