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Canberra Hospital - Postnatal Care
Services
- Postnatal Ward
Admission to the postnatal ward may be required for postnatal care following operative or complicated births, for feeding assistance, if you or your baby is unwell or when more complex care or discharge planning is required.
We have other team members including social workers, physiotherapists, chaplains, Aboriginal liaison officers and interpreters available to assist you with any specific needs. The postnatal ward offers a family friendly environment for mothers and/or babies who require admission to hospital following birth. The Postnatal Ward has primarily single rooms with ensuites. Mothers and babies are supported to room in together as our commitment to the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI).Opening Times:*
| Weekday: | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - open now as at 11:07 AM EST |
| Weekend: | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
Website: http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/women-youth-and-children/maternity-services
- Midcall
Midcall is a midwifery program offered to women in the first week following birth where midwives will visit you in your home.
Midcall will provide your postnatal care, feeding and parenting education, and 24-hour support from medical officers, obstetricians, neonatologists, or other specialists as required.
Midcall is available 7 days a week from 8:30am - 5:00pm for women who live in the ACT and Queanbeyan City area.
The Midcall midwife will provide you with postnatal care, feeding and parenting support and education in the comfort of your own home tailored to your individual needs, weigh your baby and perform any required blood tests for you or your baby.Opening Times:*
| Weekday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM - open now as at 11:07 AM EST |
| Weekend: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Website: http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/women-youth-and-children/maternity-services
- Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
The Canberra Hospital is a fully accredited Baby Friendly Hospital (BFHI) and supports all women's choice of feeding.
Breastfeeding is promoted with support to initiate and establish breastfeeding. Women and their partner or support person are encouraged to attend the pre-birth breastfeeding class held every Friday afternoon from 2:00pm - 3.30pm in the postnatal lounge.
If you are an inpatient on the antenatal ward, or if you missed this class due to a premature birth you are very welcome to come along. Please talk to your midwife to arrange this with the Lactation Consultant.
Canberra Hospital has a lactation consultant available Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. Referrals and consultations can be arranged through your midwife.Opening Times:*
| Weekday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM - open now as at 11:07 AM EST |
- Visiting Hours and Support People
Partners or a support person are encouraged to provide assistance and support to women after the birth of their baby. A partner or support person may be able to stay overnight in consultation with your midwife to assist you with the care of your baby.
Mothers and babies are encouraged to rest from 1:00pm to 3:00pm throughout the maternity unit, so visiting is restricted to partners or one support person only during this time.
We encourage visitors to consider the need of all mothers on the ward and at home to rest in the first few days following the birth of their babies.Opening Times:*
| Weekday: | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM - open now as at 11:07 AM EST |
| Weekend: | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
Website: http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/women-youth-and-children/maternity-services
- Early Transfer Home
When you have a normal birth and your baby is well, we recommend you go home within 24 hours unless you have had a caesarean or other medical complication.
Research indicates that you, your partner and your baby will bond more effectively, establish a new household routine more quickly and get more rest in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Studies also indicate that mothers, who leave hospital within 24 hours, breast-feed longer. At home, women usually find:
- Their partners & family are more involved in bonding with & caring for the baby.
- They sleep better.
- They rest more because there is no disruption & noise from other families/babies/visitors/cleaners.
- They can establish their own visiting times and routines.
If you are not ready to leave, a longer birth stay period would be recommended. You are ready to go home when you are medically fit, confident with feeding your baby and when you have adequate community supports in place.
For more information on early transfers home click the website link provided below.Opening Times:*
| Weekday: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - open now as at 11:07 AM EST |
Website: http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/women-youth-and-children/maternity-services
* These times are indicative only. Please call the service prior to your departure to confirm the availability. Please call ahead in after-hour periods or on public holidays. ACT Health attempts to provide accurate and up to date opening hours information for the public, however if you feel that this information is incorrect please contact the ACT Health Services Directory Administrator at HSD.Admin@act.gov.au to have this amended.
New Canberra Hospital visiting hours
Visiting hours at Canberra Hospital have changed to 0600 to 2100, except for Mental Health and the Alcohol & Drug Service.
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