Labour/birthing

Our large fully equipped naturally lit birth suites cater for women who have low and high risk labours and births. We encourage active labour and birth and have a range of resources available to make your labour experience a positive one. We can provide hot packs, birth balls, birthing mats, oil diffusers and a small Wi-Fi speaker, to play your own music. You are encouraged to bring in small personal items to ensure you feel comfortable.

Each birthing rooms has its own ensuite - three of which include baths for use in labour. Specific guidelines are in place for the safe use of the baths, which your care provider will be able to discuss with you during your antenatal appointments.

A primary support person is welcome to stay throughout your time in hospital and bedding will be provided.

What to bring to hospital

For Mum:

• Personal toiletries (soap, creams needed, lip balm, deodorant, hairbrush, tooth brush and paste)
• Maternity pads
• Comfortable clothes
• Underwear (undies – several pairs needed after the birth)
• Thongs or slippers
• Snacks
• Bag for laundry

For baby:

• Natural fibres / woolen bunny rug
• Hat
• Cardigan
• Singlets x4
• Jumpsuit x4
• Container: cotton buds and cotton wool balls
• Baby wipes
• Newborn nappies. One packet will be supplied by the hospital.
• For formula fed babies a tin of your preferred formula
• Appropriate bath solution or soap

Birth preference form

The Birth Preference form is designed to be used as a discussion tool with your midwife or medical practitioner. Please fill it out and bring it with you to your 34 week medical appointment at Bendigo Health.

Click here to download the form.

Length of stay in hospital

Our routine length of stay is individualised. Some women who have had had a vaginal birth may feel comfortable being discharged after four hours while others may wish to stay overnight. For caesarean section births a stay of 2- 3 days is usual but all families will be supported in making plans for discharge.

Bendigo Health have created a virtual tour of our Maternity Ward to make navigating the hospital during your pregnancy that little bit easier. Bendigo Health will no longer run the Saturday tour. If you have any questions please contact us and our staff will speak to you.