For those women and families, finding out that they are expecting a baby can be exciting and overwhelming. Thank you for choosing to share your pregnancy journey with the team at South Gippsland Hospital (SGH) and Foster Medical Centre (FMC).

SGH works in collaboration with the doctors from FMC to provide a shared model of care for your pregnancy and early parenting period.

Antenatal Care

Both the midwives at SGH and the GPO’s work together to provide holistic pregnancy care. Most women make their first appointment with the GPO of their choice at FMC. The current GPO’s are Dr. Owen Casson, Dr. Ruyu Yao and Dr. Alison Wilde

To make a booking with one of these doctors call the Foster Medical Centre on 03 5682 2088 and let the receptionist know that you are pregnant.

Please read our “Having a Baby at SGH Brochure” to learn more about the clinic hours and the recommended schedule of appointments.

In addition to the care provided by the GPO, SGH provides midwife based antenatal care at our Maternity Clinic. This operates every Tuesday, Friday and alternate Wednesdays. The midwives will undertake a holistic assessment of you and your baby and provide education and counselling as required. It is highly recommended that you make an appointment with the Maternity Clinic midwives as early as possible in your pregnancy. The Maternity Clinic operates out of the SGH Community Health Centre and appointments can be made with reception at the hospital on 56839777.

A regular schedule of appointments is recommended as a basis for involvement in pregnancy and this can be modified to suit each individual.

 

“Dear SGH Staff,

Thank you for your outstanding care in delivering Hugo.

We are so grateful for each and every one of you.

The food was delicious, every member of staff

was a breath of fresh air.

We were so happy with the care we received having our son Alfred, in 2020,

we just had come back to have Hugo.

There is no other team we could trust more with the birth of baby.

Thank you for all of your hard work”

Sarah, James, Alfred and Hugo

Education

We also offer an education program four times per year. This action-packed day considers topics including managing labour, sexuality, physical care and early parenting skills. The program is run by a senior midwife with guest speakers including the Well Women’s Clinic nurse and a physiotherapist.

Please request the Antenatal Education Brochure for further details or talk to your clinic midwife for further information.

Extra Care Program

Some families benefit from additional support during their antenatal and postnatal period.  SGH and FMC work with other agencies to ensure that families receive appropriate services before, during and after birthing.

Recipients of extra care may also receive additional visits.

Birthing and Postnatal Care

As a level 3 Maternity Care Hospital, SGH provides a birthing service for women with low risk pregnancies. Your safest birthing options will be determined, in consultation with you, by the entire healthcare team to ensure that you receive the safest care as close to home as possible. If, for some reason, it is deemed safest for your baby to be born elsewhere you are encouraged to return to SGH for postnatal care.

Please feel free to ring at any stage of pregnancy to check in and discuss any concerns, particularly in the latter weeks. The direct number for a midwife is 56839777

The maternity section at SGH consists 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.

 

“…my stay and level of care from everyone at the hospital and

affiliated with it has been exceptional. Everyone, and I

mean everyone including the chef and security guard,

to all nurses, midwives, doctors – everyone!

Has been so compassionate and attentive”.

EE 1/3/23

   

See also the Department of Health publication: Guide to tests and investigations for uncomplicated pregnancies.

New Dads

Information is also available for Dads during the postnatal period. Beyondblue have information on depression and anxiety to raise awareness on issues associated with parenthood for fathers during this period.

Domiciliary (Home Care) follow up
All families are offered a home visit and telephone support following discharge with one of the midwives from the maternity clinic.

Discharge planning from SGH will ensure relevant services (such as Maternal and Child Health) are in place to provide further support for the family.

Lactation Support is provided on an as needs basis. Please contact the hospital to speak to the Lactation consultant.

Other Resources for Families

Australian Breastfeeding Association – telephone 1800 MUM 2 MUM

Maternal and Child Health Nurse – 24 hour help line 132229