Childbirth

The last few weeks of your pregnancy journey can be filled with many different emotions, from anticipation to anxiousness, as you wait for your baby to be born.

As the big day draws closer we’re here to help you prepare; with information from our experienced team of doctors, midwives and nurses, offering valuable guidance, support and helpful advice designed to make the birth of your baby a rewarding and memorable experience.
 

What to pack in your hospital bag 

Are you unsure about what to pack for your hospital stay? We've created a super simple checklist for you and your baby, so you won't have to sweat the small stuff.

Hospital bag checklist


Our helpful resources below will cover some of your questions.

  • Am I in labour?
  • Supporting breastfeeding with skin to skin contact
  • The stages of labour
  • Pain management
  • Post-natal exercises

For information about caring for yourself after the birth of your baby, please read the After birth—care of the new mother brochure.

For information about caring for your new baby in preparation for going home from hospital, please read the After birth—care of your new baby brochure.

To learn how to best hold and handle your baby in ways that are helpful for their wellbeing and development, please read the Baby—handling your new baby brochure.
 

Is it time?

Is it time?

Preparing for labour

Preparing for labour

Pain relief during labour

Pain relief during labour

Movement during labour

Movement during labour

What happens if my baby is breech?

What happens if my baby is breech?

Warm water immersion

Warm water immersion

Maternity Homecare Program

Maternity Homecare Program

Perineal tearing

Perineal tearing

Vitamin K

Vitamin K

Donating Cord Blood

Donating Cord Blood

Benefits of skin to skin contact

Benefits of skin to skin contact

Your body: before and after child birth

Your body: before and after child birth

Postnatal recovery

Postnatal recovery

Professional photography guidelines

Professional photography guidelines

Top tips

When should I call the hospital?

You should call the hospital if your waters break; you have bright blood loss; your contractions are regular and five minutes apart or you are ready to come into hospital.

What is an epidural?

An epidural is an injection of local anaesthetic through a fine plastic tube which has been placed near the nerves in your spine that carry pain messages from the uterus and birth canal to the brain.

What is an assisted birth?

An assisted birth means that an obstetrician uses specially designed instruments, such as a vacuum extractor or forceps, to help your baby to be born.

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For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

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