Women’s Health Clinic would like to advise pregnant women (and their family support) receiving pregnancy care in the South area (Royal Hobart Hospital) of recent changes to our antenatal education.

Pregnant woman (plus one) can now book to attend face to face group antenatal classes and K Block Maternity Unit group Tours.

Please consult with your midwife or doctor at your next antenatal appointment.

Once you have decided which antenatal class or maternity tour date suits, please book at reception when booking your next antenatal appointment. If unsure please ask our lovely reception staff what times and days are available. Classes and Tours can be booked by phoning Women’s Health Clinic 6166 0000 during business hours Monday to Friday.

Breastfeeding classes are also available (limited number of classes). Please book at reception desk or by phone Women’s Health Clinic 6166 0000 during business hours, Monday to Friday.

Please remember  to be aware of Covid -19  safety so we can maintain social distancing.

Hand sanitizer will be available outside and inside the education room for antenatal group classes.

Please bring your own food and drink to antenatal and Breastfeeding classes.

Allow time for Covid- 19 screening questions, this can be done via a phone app.

Please be aware breastfeeding classes, antenatal classes and maternity tours  availability is  subject to change based on incoming information regarding Covid.

Pregnancy

For some women pregnancy feels like a ‘breeze’ when experiencing changes to their body. Sometimes pregnancy isn’t so easy, and some women can experience a range of sensations, emotions and physical changes.

• Pregnancy Birth & Beyond is an Australian based website that has well-resources for information on pregnancy, birth and parenting.
• The Royal Women's Hospital, VIC -Fact Sheets about pregnancy including breastfeeding, healthy eating & foods to avoid in pregnancy, iron & pregnancy (some in other languages
• The Raising Children Network - 'The complete Australian resource for parenting newborns to teens'. Videos available on the site include: Relationships in pregnancy and early parenting’, “Dads guide to Pregnancy” and newborn behaviour videos.
• Mind the Bump – is a free Mindfulness Meditation App to help individuals and couples support their mental and emotional wellbeing in preparation for having a baby and becoming a new parent
• Red Nose - provides safe sleeping advice
• Twin Pregnancy Local resources on Multiple pregnancy, birth and beyond http://www.tasmba.org.au/tmba/ or https://www.amba.org.au/

Labour and Birth

RNSH – Visual Guide to supporting women in labour and birth

Acknowledging the video was developed by Royal North Shore Hospital to encourage optimal utilisation of the birth spaces and maternity facilities.

The new RHH Maternity Unit K Block East level 7 (Campbell Street) birthing spaces have a similar layout.

BRAN

It can be helpful to consider information using the B.R.A.N tool when making decisions and understanding your maternity choices:

B – What are my Benefits

R- What are my Risks

A- What are the Alternatives

N- What if we do Nothing (thinking time)

(adapted from ‘What’s Right for Me? Making decisions in pregnancy and childbirth’ by Sara Wickham, 2018)

Other Resources

• Fact sheets in English and other languages
• Short and easy videos to watch
  https://raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy/pregnancy-birth-videos
  https://raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy/labour-birth
• ABC podcasts: (ABC app)
• Raising Children Network -  clearly explains the terminology that might be used when discussing Induction of Labour.
• Planned Caesarean Births Information to help you prepare for a caesarean birth from discussing feelings through to going home after a caesarean birth
• RANZCOG – Information on caesarean birth- what to consider
• Next Birth After Caesarean
• Birth Talk - is an organisation based in Brisbane, Australia. Birth Talk offers support and provides access to evidence-based information about birth or visit The Raising Children Network
• Mother shares her Next Birth After Caesarean story
• RANZCOG – (Obstetrician based information)Provides the benefits and risk when planning your birth

Informed decision-making when deciding your labour and birth options

The Women’s (the royal women’s hospital) Informed Decision Making & Medical Pain Management

Health and wellbeing after your birth

• What to (realistically) expect from your body after birth
• Birth Talk Website has great resources when exploring your emotions and thoughts after the birth of your baby
• PANDA- Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia.
• Beyond Blue
• Information for new and expectant parents, covering everything from bonding with your baby to spotting the signs of anxiety and depression
• COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence great resources for ‘becoming a Parent’ and ‘Support’

Breastfeeding

Great websites are:

ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Association) - the most relevant pages are in the early days section (but there is heaps more to access on the site):

• Attachment to the breast
• feeding cues
• how breastmilk is made &
• is my baby getting enough?

Raising Children Network - this site has lots covering from pregnancy through to older children, under the 'newborns' tab, find more on breastfeeding as well (DVDs and more)

Books – Breastfeeding Naturally – from ABA website / or library

For further information, contact:  your midwife or Childbirth and Parenting 6166 7525;   Lactation Consultancy Service 6166 7929

Breastfeeding video was developed by The Women’s (the royal women’s hospital). This video discusses the World Health Organisation (WHO) Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding this reflects our breastfeeding education at the Royal Hobart Hospital for Maternity Care.

Parenting

Welcome to parenting.  This can be an exciting new time with lots of questions. Remember there is no one right way.  Here are some parenting resources to support you along your new path of parenting.

Provides wide range of information for parents. Australian based website.

• https://possumsonline.com/
• Easy to watch short videos on understanding Newborn Behaviour
  • https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/videos
  • https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding
• Understanding your baby’s changing behaviours. (USA website)
• This is a new resource developed in early 2020
  • https://www.thebasicstasmania.com/
  • https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/tho/child_health
  • https://playgrouptas.org.au/
• ABC Podcasts (ABC app) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/babytalk/ or https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/parental-as-anything-with-maggie-dent/

Child and Parenting Health (CHAPS)

• https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/tho/child_health
• https://playgrouptas.org.au/
• ABC Podcasts (ABC app) https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/babytalk/ or https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/parental-as-anything-with-maggie-dent/

Women’s Health Physiotherapy

• Bladder & bowel care Discussion with Professor Pauline Chiarelli: 1 in 3 women who ever had a baby wet themselves:  Pauline Chiarelli discusses this common condition (incontinence) experienced by women who have had a baby. Pauline also provides tips about prevention and where to get help. Remember, if left untreated incontinence may get worse, but it's never too late to seek help. (2 min YouTube clip).
• How to strengthen your pelvic floor: Speaker Julienne Moore at Continence Foundation of Australia event (11min YouTube clip):
• Pregnancy Pelvic Floor Plan app
• Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA) website  has useful tips to help manage bladder and bowel control. Some fact sheets are available in different languages.
• Watch 2-minute clip “The pelvic floor in 3D”  Visualize the pelvic floor and see exactly what it is, where it's located and why it is important to train this hidden group of muscles. These 3D videos show you how the pelvic floor muscle moves and supports bladder and bowel control.

Exercise and looking after your body in pregnancy and beyond:

Pregnancy is physically demanding! Regular exercise is an essential way of helping your body cope with the increased demands on your joints, muscles, heart and lungs. For a useful guide

• Access the Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA) pregnancy guide:
• Your Changing Body -  Developed by Mater Hospital Brisbane. This video provides information and skills, through demonstration and clear guidelines, basic techniques for moving, stretching and finding comfortable working and resting positions during and after pregnancy:
• The Royal Women's Hospital offers a variety of fact sheets on women's health topics. Some fact sheets are available in different languages:
• Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain is pain in the pelvic joints that may develop during or after pregnancy. See tips to reduce pelvic girdle pain:
• Constipation - Pregnancy hormones can slow down the muscles in the bowel causing constipation in some women:
• Pregnancy-related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause pins and needles, numbness and stiff painful hands:
• Returning to sport or exercise after birth.  Participating in sport, running or other high-impact activities early after childbirth may reduce pelvic floor muscle strength and cause long-term bladder and bowel problems or pelvic organ prolapse. You can minimise the risk of these developing with some careful precautions:
• Pelvic Floor First is a free app to enable people at risk of or living with pelvic floor dysfunction to continue exercising without putting additional pressure on their pelvic floor. You may find this a useful resource from 6 weeks postpartum. http://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-first-app.html or http://app.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/

For further information and to book in for phone consultation please phone the Physiotherapy Department at the Royal Hobart Hospital on 6166 8634

This service is to see a Psychiatrist and is a part of your complete care, you will still be allocated into a model of care for your antenatal checks. It is a referral based service for women  booked to attend the RHH for their pregnancy care who have a history of mental illness or concerns re the possibility of mental illness. Once  referred for any ongoing requirements  please call the numbers provided in the front of this booklet. Alternatively you can email the service at perinatal.psychiatry@ths.tas.gov.au

The Mental Health Service Hotline is also available 24hours  a day freecall 1800 332 338.

You need to contact the Maternity Services on 6166 8352 for any of the following:

• If your baby stops moving or there is an obvious change in your baby’s pattern of movements.
• Trauma to abdomen, assault, serious fall, or car accident
• Sharp pains in your abdomen with or without bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding at any time
• Recurring and persistent headaches;
• Persistent itchy skin, especially of hands and feet
• Sudden onset of swelling to face, hands or feet
• Blurred vision or spots before your eyes
• Pain or burning when you pass urine
• Labour has started and you feel it may be time to come to hospital
• You are at home labouring and require advice or reassurance from a Midwife
• If you are less than 36 weeks and are experiencing contractions or leaking amniotic fluid (from around the baby)
• Rupture of membranes (leaking fluid from around the baby) and you are concerned about the colour/odour, or labour does not commence
• You have been told your baby is NOT head down and start to labour or rupture your membranes
• Booked for a Caesarean birth and labour starts
• If you identify any other pregnancy related concerns that you need advice for prior to your next antenatal appointment

You can contact the Maternity Service by telephone 61668352 at anytime if you have any pregnancy related concerns.  You will be able to talk to a midwife and if needed have a follow up visit to Maternity Unit.

If required, you will be asked to present to the Maternity Unit K Block, Level 7 East on Campbell Street.

When you come to the Maternity Unit, the midwives and doctors (if required)  will assess the well-being of you and your baby. After this assessment you will either go home or be admitted to the Maternity Unit.

If you go home, it is important that you follow the advice given and attend any follow up appointments.

Please do not hesitate to ring the Maternity Service 61668352 if you have any further concerns.

A dedicated area is utilised for pregnancy assessment and the limited space within this area results in lack of privacy for intimate procedures. Please consider who you bring into this space and you will be strongly encouraged to only have 1 support person whilst you are being seen.

Care before being booked in

If you are pregnant but not yet booked in to access care at the THS and experience pain or bleeding you will need to visit the Emergency Department of your closest THS hospital.

Provides patients with social and emotional  support, practical information related to pregnancy and assist with discharge planning. The services are free and available to patients and their families. Social Workers assist people to make decisions about things that are important to them.  Social Workers encourage people to be involved in their own care and to explore all available choices. If you would like to speak to a social worker,  please ask the staff or contact the Social Work Department on (03) 6166 8354

All women should expect to receive the ‘right care in the right place at the right time, by the right person’

Birthing Spaces

The birthing spaces and assessment area are all located in K Block, Level 7 East on Campbell Street.

The most appropriate birthing environment is a factor that should be considered for all women birthing at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

What we know is that for majority of women, a birthing suite is the most appropriate space to improve birth outcomes for many reasons.

Please note we appreciate the importance of ensuring families have an opportunity to bond after a baby is born. To make this happen, you can stay in the birthing suite space for about 24 hours. However, if you need to stay beyond this time, you will be moved to a ward bed.

There are four birthing/delivery rooms for women who require specialised care in labour and birth  . Along with additional rooms designed for assessment and close observation for women with significant pregnancy related concerns to ensure timely and appropriate women centred care.

Remember your length of stay will depend on your model of care.

There is no guarantee that you will have one of these rooms, as it depends on bed occupancy at the time.

Only one support person can stay, and need to bring in their own food, toiletries and nightwear.

You may also be cared for in a delivery suite if the birthing suites are all in use or if you have been admitted to the Maternity Unit antenatally.

Maternity Inpatients

The Maternity Unit is in D Block on  Level 3.

Majority of the rooms are shared and there are four single room’s that are used for women with clinical needs.

Partners are still welcome and encouraged to be present if you are moved to a ward bed, this is an opportunity for you and your partner to develop early parenting skills. During your stay on the ward, partners will not be able to stay over-night.

You will be cared for on the Maternity Unit if you are admitted antenatally.

Rooming In

The Maternity Unit has a rooming in policy, which means, your baby is with you 24 hours a day. During your stay in the Maternity Unit you are responsible for the care, supervision and safety of your baby. It is your responsibility not to leave your baby unattended.

Tell staff if you intend to leave the ward for any reason. If you leave your room/ward during visiting hours ask a family member to watch your baby.

Please note we do not have a nursery for well babies. Having your baby room in with you ensures you start to recognise their needs for feeding and comfort from birth and is part of the ‘Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative’ in all THS hospitals.

Patients requiring admission to the Maternity Unit between 7am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday should go to the Pre-operative admissions,  located on the 4th Floor of the C Block, RHH. On weekends please present to reception desk of the Maternity Unit.

If you are in labour please proceed  straight to the Maternity Unit K-Block, Level 7 East on Campbell Street.

Telephone contact for women in labour  is (03) 6166 8352 or through the RHH switchboard (03) 6166 8308.

The Maternity Unit security doors will be closed at all times. Only visitors with valid entry reasons will be permitted access to the Maternity Unit.

Visiting Hours:

Monday to Friday is 12pm - 9pm.
Saturday to Sunday is 9am - 9pm.

Partners will have unrestricted visiting access during daytime hours.

Argyle Street Car Park

Open everyday from 7am to 10pm.

Market  Place Car Park

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Vodafone Central (on Argyle Street)

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

This information was correct at time of publication. For updated information please refer to www.hobartcity.com.au or www.sultanparking.com.au

Street parking

Metered parking spaces are available outside the RHH.

Short term parking

Short term parking for people with disabilities, and/or for patient drop off/pick up is available in the forecourt  of the RHH in Liverpool Street and outside the RHH in Argyle Street.

Please note: The Liverpool Street entrance to the RHH  is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  Additionally, access is Argyle Street entrance and Campbell Street entrance during business hours.

All THS hospitals are teaching hospitals of the University of Tasmania, and have the responsibility for teaching a wide range of students in the health care professions.

We ask for your  permission  to involve students in your care, this will help to educate the students who will be the health care professionals of the future.

The THS provides interpreters as required, to interpret medical information for patients of non English speaking background.

This service is provided  to ensure the best clinical outcomes  for the patient are achieved.

Interpreters are provided for women free of charge.  This is regardless of Medicare eligibility or private health care.

The Hospital does not use family members or friends to interpret medical information, other  than in the case of emergencies. Please discuss any interpreter needs with your doctor of midwife.

An Aboriginal Health Liaison Offcer (AHLO)  is employed  by the hospital to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people  access, understand  and enhance their hospital care. The AHLO is here to offer you and your family support. You can ask the staff to arrange this for you. The AHLO Service is available to both patients and their families.

Telephone: (03) 6166 8264

Mobile: 0409 523 131

South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC)

Parenting and Family Support

New Directions - antenatal, post-natal and maternal child health services (Birth to 5 Years).

Women's Health Clinics

Services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who live South of Kingston
Contact: (03) 6295 1125 
Email: health@setac.org,au 
Address: 7393 Channel Highway, Cygnet, Tasmania, 7112

The Refugee/Migrant Liaison Offcer  is employed by the Hospital to assist patients and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to fully access and benefit from the hospital and support  services.  Staff can arrange a referral for you too if needed.

Telephone: (03) 6166 8126

Mobile: 0448 902 042

All THS hospitals are smoke free environments for patients and visitors. This includes the hospital grounds. Smoking is not allowed within the yellow lines on the footpaths.

Channel 911 is our free educational station which  covers topics such as breastfeeding tips, and caring for your newborn baby.

Overhead televisions (free to air channels) are available for hire. Please enquire about details upon admission.

Royal Hobart Hospital main kiosk hours are

8.00am to 7.00pm weekdays and 11.00am to 7.00pm weekends.

Approximate times are: Breakfast 8.00am, Lunch 12 midday, and Dinner 5.00pm. Snack items are available in the pantry on the ward (for mothers only).

Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.  For example if you are diabetic or vegetarian, and we will advise catering services. All food and drink placed in the pantry fridge must be

labelled with your name and a date (labels provided,  just ask the midwife caring for you).

For safety reasons patients are discouraged from bringing small electrical items (ie, computers, electronic tablets etc) into THS hospitals. However, if you do bring small electrical appliances into hospital you must comply with THS policy. Further details on the policy can be obtained from ward/unit staff.

Prior to bringing small electrical appliances into hospital they must be tested and tagged to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards (at your expense). The THS does not accept any responsibility/ liability for damage or theft of appliances.

The Ultrasound Department

The Ultrasound Department  is located in the Medical Imaging Department on the ground foor of the H Block RHH (Argyle Street). Please note  you cannot book  an ultrasound over the telephone.

You must take the request form to the department yourself.

Pathology Tests and Bookings

The diabetes in pregnancy (POGTT) blood test requires you to book an appointment  and present to the pathology department  having fasted. We recommend you book an early appointment, you will need to allow 2-3 hours.  We also suggest if possible you use Pathology South as all results are uploaded directly onto you hospital digital medical records.

Pathology South all bookings phone (03) 6166 0150.

Location

RHH Wellington Clinics, level 2,
42 Argyle Street, Hobart

Clarence Integrated Care Centre,
16 Bayfeld Street , Rosny Park