Welcoming a precious new baby into your family is one of the most exciting moments in life. It’s natural you’ll want to feel comfortable and confident with your choice of birthing centre.

To help you make that decision, we answer the top 10 questions expecting parents ask about Nepean Private Hospital’s birthing suites and maternity unit.

1. What are the rooms like?

We take pride in offering you a wonderfully restful and welcoming environment where you can relish those first precious moments with your newborn.

All mums get a private room. Your maternity suite comes equipped with all you’ll need for comfort and convenience, including an ensuite, TV and mini fridge. We also have free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected with loved ones at this special time.

A highlight of our postnatal care is the chef-designed menu. Our team of skilled caterers ensure you have nourishing, delicious meals and snacks throughout your stay. We can also cater for specific dietary requirements – just let us know. Delicious meals for partners can be arranged through reception at a nominal cost.

You’ll also have access to tea and coffee making facilities in the maternity unit, so you can make refreshments at your leisure.

We aim for hotel-quality cleanliness standards, and you’re welcome to let us know if you’d like additional cleaning or towels.

We guarantee to do everything we can to make your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

2. Can my partner stay and do they get a bed?

At Nepean, we know partners are an integral part of the birthing experience and we encourage their involvement – every step of the way. Partners are more than welcome to stay with you and bub.

Your suite comes complete with a comfy single bed and a fold out sofa bed so your partner can stay with you overnight.

They can also join you in the gorgeous Well Baby Area where you can bathe baby together for the first time.

3. Can I have a water birth?

While we don’t offer water births, you’re welcome to use the deep, warm bath for pain relief and comfort during labour. We can also offer you a range of other pain relief options, both pharmaceutical and natural.

Our spacious Birth Suites are designed to optimise your comfort and safety and when delivering your baby. Each suite has an adjustable birthing bed that allows you to labour in various positions, a private ensuite, and a K2 foetal monitoring system.

4. What resources are available to me during labour, can my doula be present?

Our birthing suites are also equipped with a range of accessories to ensure your labour experience is tailored to your needs and preferences. This includes a bath for water immersion, birth balls, mats and stools.

Yes. For the safety of our parents, babies and staff, we allow you to bring two nominated support people with you during labour and birth. This can include your doula.

5. What baby formula do you have?

We encourage breastfeeding because of the health benefits for both mother and baby. However, if you are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, Nepean has baby formula available for you to use.

6. Should I bring my own clothes for me and baby?

We know that baby’s arrival can sometimes be a surprise as well as a delight. We make things easier by providing a packet of nappies and wipes when you arrive in your private room.

For mum’s comfort, we recommend bringing your own clothes, so we don’t provide robes. For babies, we provide vests and linen. You’re also welcome to dress bub in clothes of your choice.

7. Do you have a night nursery?

Spending time with your baby helps build vital early bonds, so at Nepean we encourage rooming in. This also helps you develop confidence in caring for your newborn.

We’ll be there for you to offer advice, support and encouragement, and to teach you settling strategies. That way, when the time comes, you’ll feel prepared for taking baby home.

We also have a gathering room where you can relax, and connect with other mums in a lovely setting.

If your baby has additional care needs, our Special Care Nursery provides specialised care for premature and sick infants from 35 weeks’ gestation. If your bub needs a higher level of care, they will be immediately transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit.

8. Do you help us celebrate our baby’s arrival?

The arrival of your precious bundle is a time of great joy. We help you celebrate with a special high tea on day three, after you’ve had time to recover and rest. Our Celebration High Tea is loaded with delectable sweet and savoury treats, seasonal fresh fruit, finger sandwiches and fresh cakes for you and your partner to enjoy.

9. What about Caesarean sections?

Our family-friendly caesarean section option allows your baby, partner and midwife to stay with you in recovery afterwards, assisting early skin-to-skin contact and bonding.

If you’ve elected to have a caesarean, you’ll receive an SMS the working day beforehand with information about fasting and admission time.

If you’re thinking a Maternal Assist Caesarean might be right for you, talk to us. A number of our obstetricians offer this. In fact, Nepean Private Hospital is one of the only hospitals in the greater Kingswood area offering this incredible birthing option.

A Maternal Assisted Caesarean allows you to be actively involved in the caesarean birth of your baby. You’re able to reach down and help bring your beautiful baby into the world.

10. What if I don’t have private health insurance?

Self-funded or overseas health insured patients are welcome - at Nepean Private we provide maternity services for mums with, or without, private health insurance.

We’d love you to have your baby with us, even if you don’t have private health insurance cover. Doing so means you’ll enjoy the same private patient comfort and highest standard of care loved by so many other mums.

Get in touch and we can provide you with an estimate of costs.

Questions?

At Nepean Private Hospital, we appreciate how important it is to find the right place to have your baby. If you have any questions about our Birth Suites and the Maternity Suites where you’ll stay after giving birth please get in touch. We can also provide you with an estimate of costs if you are self-funded. We welcome any questions you may have.

To find out more please email the maternity team on nepeanmaternitybookings@healthscope.com.au