The Beginning the Middle and Beyond
The Beginning
Family Seminar - Next Seminar 20th February 2010 with Dr Peter Reynolds
Are you planning a family? Family Seminars are held every 6 months on the Maternity Unit. The seminars will cover planning for your family – diet, work, exercise and early screening. You will also be given a tour of the facilities.
The seminars are 2 hours and are held on a Saturday morning, to book into the next one phone or email Fiona on 03 6278 5588 or f.onslow@calvarytas.com.au.
The Middle
Calvary Antenatal Team Care (CATC)
This program is about comprehensive antenatal care with a collaborative approach which provides excellent outcomes. The Team Care approach will mean you interact more with your midwife, with alternative visits between your Obstetrician and the CATC midwife. All visits with the CATC will be free of charge.
To be involved in CATC please discuss with your Obstetrician and contact us at Calvary Maternity on 6278 5328.
Parent Education Program
For Expectant Parents
Our qualified staff coordinate a comprehensive program to help you and your partner prepare for childbirth and parenting. The program is free of charge and sessions are held either in the evenings or on Saturdays. Education sessions include:
- Fitness in pregnancy (conducted by our consultant physiotherapist)
- Anatomy relating to pregnancy and childbirth
- Stages of labour
- Strategies for coping with labour
- Pain relief during labour
- Feeding your baby
- Care of mother and baby
- Lifestyle, physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and following childbirth
- Medical intervention (Caesarean section, forceps)
- Information an epidurals and other pain management options
- In addition to the above, practical sessions include:
- Infant massage
- Relaxation techniques and positioning during labour
- Strategies for managing labour and the birth of your baby
- A visit to the Maternity Unit (including Birthing Suites)
For Expectant Fathers
Studies have shown that men's greatest concern following childbirth is their changing identity, the future of their relationships and developing an understanding of what is required in their new role as "father".
Confidence, understanding and the positive attitude to face this new direction in life can strengthen your capabilities as a parent, and provide the family unit a solid grounding for the future.
in response, Calvary has initiated an expectant fathers session, conducted by men, and specifically for men.
How to Book
For details and bookings please phone our Maternity and Women's Health Unit on 6278 5328. It is advisable to book for these programs well ahead of time.
And Beyond
Celebration Platter
To celebrate your family's new addition, our Food Services Staff will prepare a complimentary antipasto platter, including a bottle of champagne, for you and your partner.
Mothers Support Packages
If you want to go home early we can help make the transition a little easier. We offer a range of support options to support you if you go home early. To find out how you could be eligible and what options are available, ask your midwife.
Support when home
Going home is a new and exciting time, but it is also a time of new experiences
The Domiciliary Midwife Program provides for a Midwife to visit and care for you in your own home, if you are discharged prior to Day 5.
Advantages of Domiciliary Care
- less disruption to family life
- whole family can be involved
- more relaxed in your own home
Liaison with Support Networks
Through the program, we assist with coordinating your ongoing care and support with:
- Family and Child Health Nurse
- Calvary Breast Feeding Clinic
- Your Obstetrician and Paediatrician
- Your G.P.
Breastfeeding clinic
Feeding Your Baby
Our staff will be happy to assist you in establishing the feeding method of your choice.
Planning for pregnancy enhances what is sure to be one of the most joyous experiences in your lifetime. While pregnant, your focus is on your pregnancy and the birth of your baby, but finding out about breastfeeding before the birth can make life a lot easier in the busy days after your baby is born. Breastfeeding is a learned skill; both you and your baby need to learn. You'll learn by watching others, by experience and by practice. Our experienced midwives and lactation consultants are here to help, assist and reassure vou. The Breastfeeding Clinic at Calvary Health Care Tasmania is available to assist both before and after the birth of your baby. Please contact our Maternity and Women's Health Unit for an appointment.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Research has shown that breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. The breast milk that you produce is perfect for your baby.
- Breast milk prevents infection and protects your baby against illness (ear infection, diabetes, diarrhoea and sudden infant death).
- Breast milk reduces the risks of allergies.
- Breastfeeding helps your uterus return to normal size following the birth of your baby.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of osteoporosis, premenopausal breast and ovarian cancer.
It Helps to Know
- Most babies have a strong need to suck within an hour of delivery, so you can start to breastfeed straight away.
- Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system, so the more you feed your baby, the better your milk supply will be.
- Frequent feeds are acceptable, as breast milk is readily absorbed by the baby's digestive system.
- Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness, as well as to satisfy their hunger.
- As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to meet his/her needs.
Baby Friendly Policy
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has been developed by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and incorporates ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Calvary Health Care policy is based on these steps and is available for viewing by parents.
Lactation Consultant
A Lactation Consultant is available for any breastfeeding problems you may experience. We also have a Breast Feeding Clinic, which you may access both during your stay, and after you and your baby leave our hospital.
These services are free of charge.
Formula Feeding
If you decide to bottle feed, all the necessary equipment, formula and advice will be available to you. If you have a specific type of formula you would like to use, please ensure that our staff are aware of your preference prior to admission so that it is available. If you are unsure of what type of formula to use, our staff are also happy to discuss the different types available.
Infant Massage Sessions
Introductory infant massage sessions are available while you are in hospital. When your baby is 4 weeks old Calvary offers an infant massage program to further assist with additional massage techniques.
Cost is $100 ($25 per session) and includes a morning tea which will give you the opportunity to catch up with other parents and Midwives.
How to Contact Us
Telephone: 6278 5328
Fax: 6278 5541
Email: maternity@calvarytas.com.au
Modified 10 Feb 2010
