Mansfield District Hospital

Maternity

Having a baby is one of life's ‘monumental' experiences. Here is some information about our maternity services.

Can I choose to have my baby at Mansfield? How do I book in?

Yes, you can choose to have your baby here providing your doctor agrees. You book in by phoning the hospital during business hours to make an appointment with a midwife. This normally happens following your initial visit to your doctor. He/she will write a letter for the midwife outlining your due date and brief details of your medical history. The Hospital would prefer that bookings are made before 20 weeks gestation.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes you can choose your own doctor. We are fortunate to have four doctors in Mansfield who provide an obstetric service.

What happens if my labour doesn't go according to plan?

Unfortunately, not everyone's labour goes according to plan. The hospital is able to perform caesarean sections in an emergency situation and should you require specialist care for yourself or your baby, North East Health Wangaratta is our nearest referral centre.

Is my partner or support person allowed to stay with me?

Your partner or support person is encouraged to be present at all times, especially during the birth, however we do not have sleeping facilities available for partners. The Hospital also encourages your partner or support person to attend antenatal classes with you.

How long will I be in hospital following the birth?

This is decided between you, your midwife and doctor. Mothers who go home early are offered daily visits by the hospital midwives.

Are there any alternatives to birthing at the hospital?

Home births are an option and must be privately booked with a home birth midwife and backup doctor. At present there are no home birth midwives practising in the area.

The hospital can offer you the opportunity to deliver your baby in a warm and friendly environment with the option of going home within a few hours of birth (similar to a birth centre). Midwife support can be accessed any time over the phone and daily midwife visits can be arranged.

Enquires can be directed to the Nurse Unit Manager on (03) 5775 8800 during business hours.

Shared maternity care project

In June 2007 Mansfield District Hospital launched its now highly successful Shared Care model of Maternity Care.  This new model was an exciiting development for midwifery services ast Mansfield District Hospital.  It incorporates an increased role for midwives, better continuity of care for women, and supports the ongoing viabiity of maternity services at Mansfield District Hospital.

All women booked in to have their baby at Mansfield District Hospital participate in the Share Care model, thus all women have increased access to the team of midwives during their pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods.

Currently women have approximately half of the antenatal visits with a midwife and half with their GP.  Additionally, most couples expecting their first child choose to attend our Childbirth Education classes.  This enables women to "get to know" their midwives and communication is enhanced greatly with not only the women but also our wonderful team of GP's.

We currently have an application for additional funding to implement a Team Midwifery Model.  The model enables a team of midwives to care for a group of women (with Shared Antenatal Care with their GP's) and be on call to care for the women as required, rather that being rostered on a daily basis.  This will have the benefits of some midwives working only as midwives, increased continuity of care, midwives being available for midwifery patients at all times, and again further supporting ongoing viability of our midwifery service.