Caring for your baby
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Caring for your baby
We understand that having a baby is a major life event and feel privileged to be sharing this special time with you. The Mater has a long and proud tradition of providing a family-focussed approach to maternity care.
Experienced midwives
Your midwife is there to offer advice on feeding, caring for your newborn and postnatal care, and will support you and your individual needs.
Breastfeeding team
Our specially qualified lactation team is available during your hospital stay to offer professional advice and help you establish breastfeeding. There is no charge for this service.
Rooming In
We encourage you to have your baby with you in your room 24 hours a day. This helps you develop confidence in caring for your baby, knowing that our midwives are there to offer advice and assistance.
There are many advantages of rooming in:
- It facilitates unrestricted breastfeeding
- It promotes mother and baby bonding
- It helps prevent cross-infection
- It enables you and your baby to have closer contact with your partner and other family members
- You quickly learn about your new baby, his/her patterns of behaviour and feeding
If you choose to place your baby in the nursery at night, we will bring your baby to you for breastfeeds.
Paediatrician check
The paediatrician has a very important role to play in the safety of your baby and will provide routine examinations at the request of your obstetrician.
Whilst in the hospital your newborn baby will have access to a paediatrician 24 hours a day for any unforeseen emergencies or problems. The first few days for a newborn are not only an important time to adapt to life but it is also a time when your baby may require medical help.
24-hour maternity education channel
Our maternity education channel has a range of informative videos on a wide range of topics including:
- Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding twins
- Back in focus – taking care of your back
- Hello dad – infant communication
- Keeping baby safe
- Settling your baby
- You’re parents now
- Behind the mask — real stories of new parents who’ve experienced and overcome perinatal depression and anxiety, along with insights from experts and health professionals.
Full details are available in your room.
Hygiene is important
In the interests of hygiene and safety for your baby, hand washing prior to handling your baby is essential for both you and your visitors. Visitors should refrain from visiting if they are unwell. Children should not be brought to the maternity floor if they have contagious conditions such as chicken pox.
Postnatal education
Postnatal classes are conducted during your stay, including breastfeeding, transition from hospital to home, postnatal physiotherapy, baby massage as well as daily baby bathing demonstrations. Specific class details will be provided in your room.
Need more information?
Please feel free to contact our Mater Maternity team
Mater Hospital, North Sydney (02) 9900 7690