Maternity: Your stay

Your stay

Nursing Care

Our care is aimed at meeting your physical, emotional and educational needs.  During the first days of your stay the amount of nursing staff time you require will be greater than that needed towards the end of your stay.  The reason for this is that as you become more confident and more independent with managing your baby your nursing requirements will naturally decrease.

What Can I Expect?

Your hospital stay can be a very busy time

New mothers experience a variety of physical and emotional changes after their delivery. Apart from the excitement and joy, you can also experience sleep deprivation and hormonal changes which can lead to feelings of extreme tiredness and teary episodes. This is normal.  Babies usually feed around 6 – 8 times every 24 hours and often more frequently in the first few days, so we strongly suggest that you take advantage of the rest period and advise your family and friends to visit in visiting hours.

Visiting Hours

Visitors are welcome in the Hospital between 11am and 1pm and between 4pm and 8pm. However, we recommend a rest period between 1pm - 4pm. Friends and relatives should be encouraged not to visit or telephone during this time.

Registration Of Birth Form

Parents must register the birth of their baby within 60 days of delivery. The maternity staff will give you the forms for Registration of Birth and the Family Allowance Claim after the birth of your baby.

Boarder Accommodation

Our philosophy embraces a belief in the benefits of both parents being involved in the “hands on” experience, right from birth, to give physical and emotional support to each other. 

Arrangements can be made for partners to stay overnight for a fee. For this fee a bed, linen and breakfast will be provided. (This fee may be refunded by your health fund). Other meals can be provided at an additional cost.

Extra meals can be ordered on the patient’s menu slip.  Please write + Partner on top of the menu.

Meals

Meals are prepared fresh daily by our trained chefs. You will receive a menu each morning on which to make your selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Complimentary Dinner

During your stay you and your partner are invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner for two. You may choose from our special dinner menu. A complimentary bottle of champagne and "T"Shirt is provided to each mother.

Feeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding is encouraged and we will be able to assist you if any difficulties arise. Our midwives will, however, assist you in whatever method of feeding you choose.

Post Natal Information

A folder containing educational information is provided for each mother to take home on discharge.  It includes important phone numbers.

Your baby’s Personal Health Record book also includes Emergency contacts (page 2).

Film Equipment In Birth Suite And The Operating Theatre

Ramsay Health Care recognises that unique and special moments arise in hospital that patients, families and friends may wish to capture on film.  Cairns Private Hospital needs to ensure that patient safety, clinical teamwork, the privacy of other patients, staff members and medical personnel are not compromised.  Devices that record both film and sound are not allowed in the operating suite, birth suites or special care nursery.

Single shot devices that do not record sound are permissible by the agreement of the care team members present at the time.

Film and sound may be recorded in the privacy of a patient’s own room, provided the privacy of other patients and staff members is not compromised.

Other Important Links

13 HEALTH (24 hour health hotline including child health)	13 43 25 84
Alcohol and Drug Information Service	07 3837 5989 1800 177 833
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register	1800 653 809
Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline	1800 686 2 686
Beyond Blue The National Depression Initiative	1300 224 636
Child Safety After Hours Service Centre	07 3235 9999 1800 177 135
Kidsafe	07 3854 1829
Parentline	1300 301 300
Poisons Information centre	13 11 26
Child and Youth Health factsheets