Bass Coast Health (BCH) has experienced a record number of babies born in a single month, with 25 babies born in May this year.
Maternity Nurse Unit Manager Melanie Shields said while the Midwifery team at BCH had been swept off their feet, they’ve been proud to have shared in the joy of so many families.
“It’s great to be so busy. We are delighted,” Ms Shields said.
“Some of our families come from as far as Pakenham and Lang Lang, although most are from the Bass Coast and South Gippsland.”
The record bookings were in addition to supporting Gippsland Southern Health Service at Leongatha and South Gippsland Hospital at Foster, who directed their maternity services to Wonthaggi Hospital due to staff shortages and new equipment installation.
“We are delighted that we could support families from those hospitals here at BCH and we hope they had a great experience,” Ms Shields said.
BCH offers a fee-free birthing service to families, including all ante natal visits, blood tests, monitoring the baby’s health and education for parents. These visits are provided in the consulting suites at Wonthaggi Hospital.
“Our Midwives go above and beyond for our women and they work as a team. What is also special about our service is that we get to know our expecting mothers so by the time they come in for labour, they know us really well,” Ms Shields said.
“Post birth, families receive visits at home from Midwives and often the same Midwife will see the woman and her family before birth, during labour and also at home. This is key to allowing us to provide continuity of care.”
The Maternity unit is serviced by two specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – Dr Jess Holden and our new Clinical Director of Women’s Services Dr Carmen Brown – our midwives and two ward clerks.
Midwife Eden Roney added, “We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive service for our women and their families.”
Wonthaggi Hospital offers three modern birthing suites, all private rooms for women and their families.
Women who are expecting who believe they will have a high-risk birth are invited to contact BCH to discuss their needs.
Kate and Jack Malzinskas had their first child Bonnie at Wonthaggi Hospital recently.
Kate said, “Everyone has been so helpful and I feel so cared for. To have our own room has been really lovely.”
Jack added, “Our neighbours had their baby here and they raved about how good it was. I felt the birth was guided by Kate and the staff helped her and gave her some motivation. For me to be able to stay here was helpful as well.”
Claire Atherton is due to have her child at Wonthaggi Hospital. Living locally, she appreciates the convenience of the location.
“The biggest thing is that I was born here so it’s a sense of coming home,” she said.
“I feel comfortable with the care and the reputation. All the Midwives have been friendly and helpful.”
If you would like to discuss our fee-free and bulk billed Maternity Services close to home, please contact our team on (03) 5671 3201.