To make sure that you are adequately covered for treatment in a private hospital, we suggest you:

• Check your policy statement from your health insurer and make sure that you understand any restrictions or exclusions that apply to your policy.
• Regularly review your policy to ensure it is relevant to your current circumstances. A policy that you took out some time ago may not be appropriate for your needs now.
• Contact your health insurer with any questions you many have and review or upgrade your policy if you think it necessary.
• Discuss with your doctor if you are unsure which services you may need cover for.
• The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman recommends considering taking a higher level of excess, rather than a restrictions of exclusion, to save money on premiums.

For more information about private health insurance visit www.privatehealth.gov.au.

A specific medical service may be covered only after a certain waiting time known as a 'benefit limitation period.' Once this waiting period is over, you are covered for that service.

Insurers generally impose the following waiting periods for a policy to be a complying health insurance policy:

• 12 months for all pre-existing conditions (except psychiatric care, rehabilitation or palliative care (whether or not for a pre-existing condition)
• 12 months for obstetric treatment
• 2 months for psychiatric care, rehabilitation or palliative care (whether or not for a pre-existing condition)
• 2 months for any benefit for treatment provided in a hospital.

If you are unsure about waiting times contact your insurer

The Ramsay Hospital Group has contracts with all major health funds, minimising out of pocket expenses for members.

There are many and varied health fund products; therefore we recommend you contact your health fund prior to your admission to ensure that you and your baby are covered for admission to Cairns Private Hospital.

NOTE: If you only have singles or couples health insurance cover at the time of your delivery, it is most likely that your baby will not be covered by your health fund if an admission to the Special Care Nursery is required.

Admission of a baby can be very expensive and we therefore highly recommend that you upgrade to family cover early in your pregnancy. Some health funds require that you upgrade 3 months prior to your expected date of delivery.

Please note that if you are having a multiple birth (e.g. twins or triplets) there will be a charge for any number of babies delivered greater than one, as these babies are required to be a qualified admission.

All patients will receive a letter prior to their admission to confirm their admission and any out of pocket expenses to expect.

If you have any concerns prior to your admission, please do not hesitate to contact the hospital on (07) 4052 5232.

It is important that you book into Hospital when you are around 14-15 weeks pregnant. This can be done using our online admission process.

Yes

The Know My Midwife program is Medicare Bulk billed. Please provide us with your medicare details on booking in. There is NO out of pocket cost. Read more >>

Maternity tours are conducted. Please contact (07) 4052 5232 to check available dates and to book a tour

For baby:

• Bring baby Clothes - we suggest 6 outfits suitable for frequent nappy changes
• An approved baby restraint already fitted to your vehicle prior to and ready for discharge
• If intending to have your capsule professionally fitted, or hiring a baby capsule, remember to allow 3 – 4 weeks booking time.

For you:

• Sleepwear and light weight dressing gown
• Comfortable casual clothing for day wear
• Comfortable foot wear
• Own toiletries and box of tissues
• Sanitary pads (maternity)
• Maternity bras and one box of nursing pads
• Health fund card, Medicare card
• Pen
• Any current medication
• Consent forms (if you have not already returned these to your Obstetrician)

It is important to come to hospital immediately if the following occurs:

Ruptured members or continuous leaking of fluid and or/regular contractions. Please contact the Cairns Midwives on ph 4052 5232 before presenting to the hospital for admission.

It is very important you contact the Maternity Unit immediately (day or night) if any of the following occur:

• Bright red bleeding
• Premature labour i.e. prior to 37 weeks
• Unusual or severe abdominal pain
• Any concerns about baby’s movements

The anticipated length of stay following the birth of your baby is:

After a vaginal birth without complications – most mothers and babies are discharged after the third night.

After a caesarean section birth without complications – most mothers and babies are discharged after the fourth night.

If you have elected and booked to have a Caesarean delivery; on the day of your operation, you need to arrive at the Hospital Main Reception Desk for admission 1½ hours prior to your booked theatre time.

Yes, some conditions apply. Call us 4052 5232

Cairns encourages a new mother to keep her baby in her room. This promotes bonding between the mother (and partner) and baby; helps new mothers establish lactation; and gives new parents the opportunity to learn practical parenting skills thus increasing their confidence. Rooming in also decreases risk of cross infection. Our maternity midwives will support you as you develop skills and learn to care for your newborn.

Partners are welcome to stay overnight

Yes if your partner chooses to stay with you, they can order meals from the hospital menu selection. Partner’s meals can be ordered and paid for at the main reception desk on the ground floor.

In choosing to stay overnight, partners agree to be bound to the following:

• Their presence during the hospital stay must not impede the care of your partner or the care of another patient
• Nursing and housekeeping routines will not be delayed, e.g. to allow partners to sleep in.
• Sleeping unclothed is unacceptable
• Once out of bed a dressing gown or equivalent attire is to be worn
• Appropriate day wear is to be worn outside the room

So as to continue to support you after discharge from hospital, you are welcome to attend weekly or fortnightly visits at our:

• Postnatal Drop In Clinic (up to 6 weeks post-delivery) with an experienced Registered Midwife / Lactation Consultant for feeding, settling and baby care advice and checks. Please bring your Medicare Card. Bulk billed appointments
• Lactation Consultant Clinic with an experienced Registered Midwife / Lactation Consultant for Pregnancy education and breastfeeding support. Please bring your Medicare Card. There is a charge for these appointments. Some Health Funds cover the cost. Appointments can be made with the Maternity Receptionist on 4052 5232
• Know My Midwife offers scheduled appointments for women on the KMM program during Pregnancy and following birth up to 6 weeks. Please bring your Medicare Card. Bulk billed appointments

Location: KMM Clinic Rooms and Meeting Area, 195 Abbott street, Cairns (Cairns Private Hospital)

It is also recommended you attend your local Child Health Clinic after this time, on a regular basis for monitoring the growth and development of your baby. After you have given birth you will be encouraged to make your first appointment with your nearest clinic. To find your local child health clinic please visit www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/community-health-services/child-health-service/. It is advisable to make this appointment as soon as possible in order to obtain the earliest available time.

You will also need to make appointments with your Paediatrician and Obstetrician for six-week checks up for both you and your baby.

Will my baby be born with diabetes?

No, your baby will not be born with diabetes. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What happens after my baby is born?

After your baby is born, gestational diabetes usually disappears. A special blood glucose test (an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is performed six weeks after delivery to ensure that blood glucose levels are back to normal.

It is recommended that you check for diabetes:

• At least every 2 to 3 years
• Before planning a pregnancy
• If you’re feeling unwell

Your baby’s blood sugar will usually be monitored in the first few hours of life to ensure they are able to maintain their own blood sugar themselves. Occasionally these babies may be admitted to the Special Care Nursery for closer monitoring and may even require intravenous fluid for a short period to help with this initial blood sugar stabilisation.

Can I breastfeed if I have gestational diabetes?

Breastfeeding is recommended for all women, including women with gestational diabetes. Breastfeeding provides the best start for your baby and can help you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Please call the RACQ on 131 905 to find your nearest RTA authorised fitting station

Delivering a baby can be exhausting. Bring into the mix, changing hormones, sleep habits and anxiety over being a new parent - it is no wonder new mothers often complain about being tired.

Tips on managing fatigue:

• It’s completely natural to be tired – do not be upset with yourself about it.
• Try to take a nap when the baby sleeps.
• Do not try to do too much – give yourself time to adjust to the changing life style
• Try to sleep at least 1 and 1/2 or 2 hours during the day for the first few weeks. Ask your partner, a friend, or relative to take care of the baby during this time.

It took you 9 months of pregnancy to gain weight, and it will take time to get your body back into shape.

Tips to regain your appearance:

• Start exercising as soon as your healthcare provider gives the OK. Walk with your baby around your house, yard, or the neighbourhood as often as you can. Being more physically active will help you lost weight, and walking can also help calm a fussy baby.
• Breastfeeding helps new mothers burn stored body fat – therefore breastfeeding is helpful in regaining your prebaby body.

Recuperating after a Caesarean birth requires more rest and recuperation.

Hints for recovering from a caesarean birth:

• Use the time in the hospital to rest – maybe limit the number of phone calls and visitors you receive.
• Make sure you have help, for at least the first 2 weeks, when you come home. The more rest you get during that time, the faster you will heal.
• Until your incision heals, make sure you lift your baby slowly, keeping your arms close to your body, so that you put minimal strain on your stomach muscles.

An episiotomy is an incision often made during birth to give more room for the baby to pass through the birth canal. It usually heals within 7 to 10 days and with no complications.

Hints for recovering from an episiotomy:

• Tightening your buttocks before you sit down can help prevent some of the pain.
• Avoid straining when you have a bowel movement.

After childbirth, many mothers feel more emotional. The hormones your body produced when you were pregnant, a lack of sleep, pain from childbirth, disrupted eating habits and change in appearance can all lead to the baby blues. You may feel sad, afraid, or angry. For most women these baby blues are mild and go away within a week. Postpartum depression lasts longer and is more severe.

If you feel unable or unwilling to care for your baby, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, get help immediately. Do not try to overcome postpartum depression by yourself. It can be successfully treated with either therapy or antidepressant medicine or both.

Hints for dealing with post partum depression:

• Seek help – talk to your GP or find someone to trust to talk about how you are feeling.
• Take some time to focus on yourself - get someone to watch the baby and do something to pamper you. Get a massage, get a pedicure or just take a long nap.
• Try to return to some of the things you enjoyed doing before the baby was born. It's important to know that even though you're a mom now, you still have your own interests.
• Try infant massage. Spending quiet time with your baby not only can relax your baby but can relax you as well.
• Don't try to be supermom. Give yourself time to adjust to being a mother. Listen to your body and enjoy your new baby.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

The birth of a baby is one of life’s most treasured experiences and it is good to be prepared. We advise you to pack your bag in readiness for the birth by 34 weeks.

For you

• Antenatal record
• Any current medication
• Camera
• Favourite music (iPod docking stations are available in our Birthing Suites)
• Laptop if desired (WiFi is available on request)
• Lip balm
• Magazine/book
• Oil/lotion for massage
• Preferred snacks
• Sarong or old t-shirt
• Spray bottle (non-aerosol) for cooling
• Sweets/ lollies
• Warm socks / comfortable foot wear
• Breast pads and maternity bra
• Comfortable clothing for daytime
• Extra underwear
• List of people to telephone
• Maternity pads (three packets are recommended)
• Nightwear/dressing gown - light weight
• Reading/writing material
• Slippers
• Toiletries
• Enough money for incidentals
• Health fund card / Medicare card
• Wrist watch or clock
• Any clothes you may wish to dress your baby in
• Baby wrap and clothes for going home
• Infant car restraint for day of discharge

For baby

• Baby clothes - we suggest 6 singlets and 6 outfits suitable for frequent nappy changes
• 6 lightweight wraps
• An approved baby restraint already fitted to your vehicle prior to discharge
• If intending to have your capsule professionally fitted, or hiring a baby capsule, remember to allow 3-4 weeks booking time
• If your informed choice is to bottle feed your baby, we ask that you bring your own formula and bottles. The maternity staff will then provide you with individual instruction on how to feed your baby while you are in hospital.

NB: Baby nappies and wipes will be provided during your stay

For Partner

• Night wear
• Slippers
• Toiletries
• Phone charger
• Pens & note pad