Birthing Suite
Our Unit is located on the first floor of the Sunshine hospital.
It consists of 10 birthing rooms and a 4 bay assessment centre which has recently been refurbished to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Midwives care for the woman throughout labour and birth. If labour is progressing normally and there are no concerns about the mother or baby; along with your support person, a midwife will be the sole carer.
Should labour or birth become complicated, additional care will be provided by our highly qualified team of Obstetricians, medical staff and Paediatricians. This highly skilled medical team is available 24 hours.
The pain management team support women in their choice of pain relief and are responsible for epidurals and any anaesthetics required This service is also available 24 hours.
In addition, the unit is supported by a highly valued team of auxiliary staff and ward clerks.
Maternity Unit
The Maternity unit is located on the second floor of the Sunshine Hospital.
It consists of 34 beds comprising single and 2-bed rooms. It has recently been redesigned to support a woman centred model of care.
The unit provides opportunities for partners to stay overnight if in a single room.
Midwives will provide comprehensive care during your admission and also work in close partnership with our multidisciplinary team, comprising Obstetricians, Medical staff, Paediatricians, Social Workers, Physiotherapists and Dieticians.
After the birth of your baby, your expected stay in hospital is 48 hours following a vaginal birth or 72 hours following a Caesarean Section, but the actual length of your stay will depend on the health needs of you and your baby.
Following discharge from hospital to your home, a Midwife will visit within 24-48 hours . We will continue providing ongoing postnatal care to support you during this early transitional period of parenting. Links will be made following discharge of our care to the Maternal & Child Health Service within your local municipality.
Pregnancy Day Stay Unit (PDSU)
This unit is located on the 2nd floor of the Sunshine hospital.
It is a 6 bed pregnancy assessment unit staffed by midwives who work in collaboration with medical staff and monitor mother's and baby's health.
It operates Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm
Breast Feeding Support Services (BFSS)
Sunshine hospital is committed to promoting and protecting breastfeeding. The hospital has recently been re-assessed for Baby Friendly Healthy Initiative Accreditation and as such follows the World Health's 10 steps to successful breastfeeding. Additional support is provided to women experiencing difficulties in hospital and after discharge. A specific class is also facilitated for pregnant women who have the added complication of diabetes in pregnancy.
This service is provided to mothers who have given birth at Sunshine Hospital and is staffed by Lactation Consultants and experienced Midwives. It is operated primarily as an outreach service and referrals are facilitated into the community to Maternal & Child Health Services (who also provide breastfeeding support) and to the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Updaetd Septembe 2010