Maternity Services
Antenatal care, giving birth and postnatal care
Discovering you're expecting a baby can be both an exciting and emotional time.
We're honoured you've chosen to share the special journey of having a baby with the caring teams at South Gippsland Hospital (SGH) and Foster Medical Centre.
Services include antenatal care (during your pregnancy), birthing services and postnatal care (after your baby is born) which includes home care follow up and breastfeeding support.
Our services can be accessed by residents and visitors to the region, including Foster, Inlet Corner, Wilsons Promontory and surrounding areas.
Antenatal care
The midwives at South Gippsland Hospital and the General Practice (GP) Obstetricians at Foster Medical Centre work together to provide holistic, team-based care throughout your pregnancy. We use a shared care model that supports you throughout your pregnancy and early parenting journey. Most women begin their journey by booking a first appointment with a GP Obstetrician of their choice at Foster Medical Centre. To book an appointment with one of our GP Obstetricians, please contact Foster Medical Centre on 03 5682 2088 and let the receptionist know that you’re pregnant.
In addition to the care provided by the GP Obstetricians South Gippsland Hospital provides midwife based antenatal care at our Maternity Clinic. This operates every Tuesday and Friday. The midwives will undertake a holistic assessment of you and your baby and provide education as required. It is highly recommended that you make an appointment with the Maternity Clinic midwives from 12 weeks. The Maternity Clinic operates out of the hospital and appointments can be made with hospital reception on telephone 03 5683 9777.
A regular schedule of appointments is recommended as a basis for involvement in pregnancy and this is modified to suit each individual.
Extra care program
Some families may benefit from extra support during pregnancy and after birth. South Gippsland Hospital and Foster Medical Centre work closely with other local services to ensure you and your family receive the care and assistance you need before, during, and after your baby is born.
If you're receiving additional support, you may also be offered extra visits throughout your pregnancy and after your baby arrives.
Birthing and postnatal care
As a Level 3 Maternity Care Hospital, South Gippsland Hospital (SGH) provides birthing services for women with low-risk pregnancies. Your safest birthing options will be carefully discussed with you by your healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care, as close to home as possible.
If it’s recommended that your baby be born at another facility for safety reasons, you’ll still be warmly welcomed back to SGH for your postnatal care and support
Please feel free to ring at any stage of your pregnancy to check in and discuss any concerns, particularly in the latter weeks. The direct number for a midwife is telephone 03 5683 9777.
The maternity facilities at SGH consist of one birth suite with a large shower for use during labour and two postnatal rooms with facilities for the partner to stay and provide practical and emotional support during the postnatal stay.
Our caring team supports you and your baby every step of the way, from pregnancy through to early parenting.
Support people
Support people are encouraged to attend antenatal appointments and are warmly welcomed to stay at the hospital during the birth and postnatal period. Their presence helps support the new mother and provides a valuable opportunity to learn how to care for the new baby together.
Domiciliary (Home Care) follow up
All families are offered follow-up care after discharge, which usually includes a home visit and telephone support from one of the midwives at the maternity clinic.
Discharge planning at South Gippsland Hospital ensures that relevant services, such as Maternal and Child Health, are arranged to provide ongoing support for you and your family.
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding support is available as needed. If you would like assistance, please contact the hospital to speak with our Lactation Consultant
Who do I contact?
South Gippsland Hospital on telephone 03 5683 9777.
Other resources for families
Ambulance
Telephone 000
South Gippsland Hospital
Telephone 03 5683 9777
Foster Medical Centre
Telephone 03 5682 2088
Toora Medical Centre
Telephone 03 5686 2203
Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours)
Telephone 13 22 29
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)
A public health service to treat non-life-threatening emergencies via telehealth.
Visit the VVED website
Centrelink
Visit the contact page on the Centrelink website
Beyond Blue. Depression and Anxiety
Telephone 1300 224 636
Visit
the Beyond Blue website
Lifeline
Telephone 13 11 14
Visit
the Lifeline website
Mind Health Connect
Visit the Mind Health Connect website
Medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding Monash
Telephone 03 9594 2361
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Telephone 1800 686 268
Visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website
PANDA Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
Telephone 1300 726 306
Visit the PANDA website
