Having a Baby at Echuca Regional Health
Rose Baker Wing
Telephone (03) 5485 5309
Introduction
Congratulations on your forthcoming arrival. We at Echuca Regional Health would like to welcome you to Rose Baker Wing, and hope that we can help to make this an enjoyable and pleasant time for you and your family. At Rose Baker Wing we offer a friendly environment, with caring and professional staff, to assist you with your birthing and early parenting experience. Our midwives aim to provide a personal approach to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. If you have any queries or problems, please feel free to discuss them with your local Doctor and/or a midwife.
Philosophy
The staff at Rose Baker Wing believe that midwifery is a family centred practice involving communication, education and the provision of a high standard of care. For the majority of women, pregnancy, labour and birth are natural events, which require minimal intervention or assistance. We believe that due to the provision of a relaxed environment, in the company of your chosen family/friends, our staff can enhance your birthing experience.
We would recommend that you participate in the antenatal classes offered by the hospital and familiarise yourself with Rose Baker Wing staff and environment.
Birthing Suite
This is a comfortable modern room, equipped with ensuite, spa bath, queen size bed and kitchenette. You may stay here for 24 hours after the birth of your baby
Labour Ward
There is one birthing room available, which is simply furnished. Once you have given birth, you are moved from the birthing room to the room where you will be staying. You will be able to have a shower and settle in.
Nursery
Echuca Regional Health is recognised as a Level 1 Nursery, which means we have basic facilities available. Babies who become sick during their stay are transferred to better-equipped Nurseries at either Bendigo, Shepparton or Melbourne if required.
Antenatal Care
Booking in to the Hospital
It is necessary to book in to the hospital to have your baby. This enables us to collate your details and file them for when you come into labour, and also to assist in arranging antenatal classes. Ideally we recommend that you book in between 16 - 20 weeks gestation. Contact Rose Baker Wing to make an appointment on 5485 5310.
Loaning Resources
Rose Baker Wing has a collection of useful and helpful information available on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting. Please feel free to ring the ward on 5485 5310 and ask about borrowing some of our many books and videos.
Antenatal Classes
In order to help you prepare for the birth and care of your baby, Echuca Regional Health offers childbirth and parenting classes. The classes are conducted by a Midwife and are held in the old Memorial Wing of the hospital (access from Francis Street).
Our programme is designed to give a simple and clear understanding of your pregnancy, labour, birth and after care. The intention of antenatal classes is to answer your questions and allay any anxieties, so that you gain knowledge and skills to make informed choices during this time.
Birth Plan
We encourage all women to complete a birth plan. This is a simple form which allows you to express your ideas and plans for your birth experience. You may choose to write your own birth plan. It is important to discuss your birth plan with your doctor and Midwife. When you are between 36 - 38 weeks pregnant, please telephone Rose Baker Wing to make a convenient time to discuss your birth plan.
Models of Antenatal Care Available
GP/Obstetrician Antenatal Care - chosen by the patient.
Shared Echuca Regional Health Midwife - GP Antenatal Care - experienced midwives employed by Echuca Regional Health will provide the majority of antenatal care in conjunction with the woman's chosen General Practitioner at designated weeks of pregnancy.
Shared Private Midwife Practitioner - GP Obstetrician - chosen by the patient. Private midwife practitioners are not credentialed to provide care within Echuca Regional Health however they may accompany a woman to hospital in a support role.
Midwife - GP Antenatal Care
This is an alternative model of antenatal care offered to pregnant women and their families in Echuca and surrounding areas. The service is free of charge and allows you to sit and talk about any problems or concerns with a midwife as well as having you and your baby's well being checked. The midwife antenatal clinic operates every Tuesday from 12.00 pm - 8.00 pm.
Should you wish to have midwife - GP antenatal care during your pregnancy, please discuss with the midwife when booking into ERH, your Doctor or you can ring Rose Baker Wing directly on 5485 5310. A Doctor's approval must be given for you to attend the midwife - GP antenatal care service. This will be based on your general health and prior birth record.
Medical Consultation
Women who choose to have shared midwife care throughout their pregnancy, will still need to consult their chosen GP at the designated times.
This also applies to pregnant women who elect to have care provided by a private midwife practitioner. ERH recommends a medical consultation be arranged during the pregnancy at these designated times:
- Early in the pregnancy;
- 28 weeks gestation;
- 36 weeks gestation;
- 40 weeks gestation;
- As deemed necessary after consultation between the private midwife practitioner and the GP/Obstetrician.
Weight
If your Body Mass Index is over 40, for your health and safety you will be referred to another higher facility hospital for your birth.
Your safety is our prime concern and this decision has been made at Echuca Regional Health in your best interest and for the safety of your baby. Complications can occur during childbirth very quickly and the risk of an emergency caesarean section is increased with a high BMI.
It is much safer if you need an emergency caesarean section for this to be done in a hospital with specialist anaesthetists trained to manage any complications that may arise. It is also safer to have your baby in a facility that has both adult and neonatal intensive care units to provide treatment if you or your baby have any complications. These facilities are not available at Echuca Regional Health.
For further information please contact Rose Baker Wing on 5485 5309.