Many parents choose to create a birth plan as a way to share their preferences, priorities and hopes for labour, birth and their hospital stay. A birth plan can help us understand what is important to you and how we can best support your birth experience.

We encourage you to discuss your birth plan with your obstetrician and the maternity team before your baby arrives. This gives you the opportunity to explore the options available to you, ask questions and ensure your preferences can be safely supported based on your individual needs and circumstances.

While birth plans can be a helpful guide, labour and birth can sometimes be unpredictable. Being open to changes along the way can help ensure the safest possible outcome for you and your baby should unexpected situations arise.

If any interventions or changes to your care become necessary, your obstetrician or midwife will explain the reasons, as well as the potential benefits and risks, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

If you have any questions about your birth plan or your maternity care, please speak with your obstetrician or contact our Maternity Unit. We are here to support you every step of the way.

For Mother

• Comfortable day and night wear for 4 to 5 day stay for yourself and support person
• casual clothes (optional)
• Non-slip footwear
• Maternity bras
• Breast pads (1pkt)
• Toiletries (including soap)
• Sanitary pads (3pkts of maternity and 2pkts of regular),
• Any personal effects which will make you more comfortable for example your favourite pillow.
• Computer/ipad (Wi-Fi is available)
• Bluetooth speaker
• Mobile phone and charger
• A refillable water bottle
• Medicare Card
• Blood Group card
• Health Insurance details/book/card
• Pen

For Baby

• Baby singlets x 6
• Grow suits or nighties (at least six)
• Mittens (optional)
• Socks or booties (optional)
• 3 packets of disposal nappies
• Baby wipes x 2 large packets
• Muslin cotton baby wraps/bunny rugs
• If you are choosing to formula fee your baby, you will need to bring eight bottles with caps and teats, a tin of formula of your choice.

For partner

• Night attire if staying overnight

For Administration

• Blood group card
• Health insurance details
• Medicare card
• Current medication
• Patient Pregnancy Record (from your obstetrician visits)

It is a good idea to have a separate “birthing suite bag” to bring to the birthing suite. This should contain clothes for the labour, basic toiletries and a set of clothes for the baby. The rest of your belongings can be collected from the car in less urgent circumstances.

If you are planning to bottle feed, please bring the formula of choice. Bottles and teats are available for your use in the hospital.

We recognise the important role that support people play during labour and birth and are committed to helping you feel supported, safe and comfortable throughout your experience. You are welcome to have a support person(s) of your choice with you during labour and birth to provide emotional encouragement and practical support.

To ensure you receive the safest and highest standard of care, all clinical decisions and care during labour and birth remain the responsibility of your obstetrician, midwife and healthcare team. Support people, including healthcare professionals attending in a personal capacity, are not able to participate in the clinical management of your labour or birth.

The number of support people who can be present in the Birth Suite may vary depending on your individual circumstances, the safety and privacy of all patients, and the clinical environment at the time. Your care team will work with you wherever possible to support your preferences.

We ask that all support people respect the guidance of our maternity team and help us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone. In rare circumstances, support people who are unable to follow hospital requirements may be asked to leave the Birth Suite.

Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed and cared for throughout your labour, birth and early parenting journey. If you have any questions about support people attending your birth, please speak with your obstetrician or a member of our maternity team.

You may expect to be in hospital for 4 nights following an uncomplicated delivery and 5 nights following a caesarean section.

Our team of caring and experienced maternity staff pride themselves in offering you and your partner comprehensive care, parenting education and support following the birth of your baby.

Personalised information on feeding, parenting skills, taking baby home from hospital, sleep and settling can be provided. Links with available community resources and services can also be provided as required.

Baby Seat

For your baby's safety, please have your car fitted correctly with a car restraint before going home. This is a requirement by law.

Community Resources

You should expect a call from a maternal child health nurse shortly after discharge. This person will be a valuable resource for you as you come to grips with the challenges of parenthood.

A 24hr Maternal and Child Health line operates in Victoria.

Telephone 132 229 to access this service.

An outstanding support to assist with breast feeding issues and concerns is available through the Australian Breast Feeding Association.

Your local doctor should also be considered a resource and is a valuable support in the community.

Don’t hesitate to contact the midwives at Peninsula Private if you have any issues or concerns following your discharge from hospital. Telephone the maternity unit on 9788 3468 24 hrs a day