Labour and Birth
GV Health’s Birthing Suite is located on level one of the Fairley Wing.
The birthing suite offers four newly upgraded birthing rooms, each featuring a private ensuite with shower, and appropriate equipment to accommodate both high and low risk births
At GV Health, we understand that the birth of your baby can be a very personal and vulnerable time. We therefore welcome a primary support person to stay with you during your labour and birth and encourage you to make the birthing room a place within which you feel safe and supported. Each birthing room is large enough and well equipped with a range of resources to allow and promote the use of active labour. We also encourage you to discuss any birth preferences or pain relief options with your care provider. The maternity team are here to support you and hope to make your labour and birthing experience a positive one.
When to come to hospital?
Research tells us that the best place to be during early labour is at home where you have the freedom to move around, rest and eat at your pace in your own surroundings. Please know that you’re welcome to contact the birthing suite at any time, should you have questions or concerns.
You should call or present to hospital if:
- You do not feel your baby moving or movements are reduced from normal
- You experience severe or persistent headache
- You experience constant itching
- Your waters break
- You have vaginal bleeding that is not mixed with mucous – Bleeding that is mixed with mucous is known as a show, a sign that your labour is progressing normally. If you are unsure, we encourage you to contact Birth Suite for a midwife to advise you appropriately.
- Your contractions are regular, lasting more than 30 seconds and are closer than 5 minutes apart
- You need pain relief
- You’re frightened, unsure of what is happening or no longer happy to stay at home
- You think labour has started and you are less than 37 weeks pregnant
What to bring to hospital?
For mother, during labour:
- Loose comfortable clothing
- Underwear (several pairs are needed after birth and it may be more comfortable to go a larger size than normal)
- Small comfort items such as a pillow or blanket
- Items to create your ideal birthing environment such as battery candles, music, birth affirmations and essential oils
- Change of clothes for support person
- Snacks (eg. lollies, muesli bars, barley sugar)
- Hair ties, headband or clips to keep your hair out of your face
- Phone Charger
- Drink bottle
For mother, post birth:
- Nursing bras or wire free bras
- Nightwear (if choosing to breastfeed, it is recommended to choose something with buttons)
- Thongs or slippers
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medications (it is important to let your care provider know if you’ve brought these in)
- Maternity pads or underwear (several packets or pairs, as you will change these regularly)
- Nursing/breast pads
- Bag for laundry
- Nipple Cream if breastfeeding eg. Lansinoh
For baby:
- Newborn nappies
- Disposable wipes/cotton balls
- Singlets
- Long sleeved onesies
- Socks
- Beanie
- Muslin wraps
- Baby blanket
- Formula and bottles if you’re choosing not to breastfeed
As your length of stay can be unpredictable, we recommend you pack slightly more than you anticipate you might need. Please keep any money, jewellery or other valuables at home.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Health
Graham Street
Shepparton, 3630
- CONTACT
Emergency: 000
Phone: (03) 5832 2322
Nurse on call: 1300 60 60 24
for non life threatening injury/illness