Post Natal Ward

The WCH Post Natal Ward has single and shared rooms for women and their babies.  In allocating single rooms, priority is given to people with the highest medical need. The ward is staffed by midwives who will support  you with feeding and caring for your new baby.

When you go home from hospital we have a home visiting support service (Domiciliary Midwifery Service) for mothers and babies living within a set boundary from the WCH. An experienced midwife will visit after the birth of your baby, after which Child and Family Health (CFH) services are available.  Most women will generally require 1-3 visits.

Our Breastfeeding Unit is staffed by lactation consultants experienced  in breastfeeding management. You can come into the unit for support and advice about breastfeeding and access information about other community services including the Australian Breastfeeding Association. 

Consultation in the Breastfeeding Unit is strictly by appointment, Monday to Friday. Please phone 81617971 to book an appointment. The service is closed on public holidays.

Information for Families

Women who have a vaginal birth  and are low risk and well, are usually discharged by 24 hours after the birth, and receive ongoing postnatal support in the home from our domiciliary home visiting midwives.  Women who have had a caesarean birth should expect a slightly longer stay (up to 4 days)

We would like you to feel at home in the Post Natal Ward.  When you arrive, the midwife caring for you will show you the kitchen and living areas.  Kitchen/pantry facilities are available for use by patients only.

All beds have a telephone (charges apply) and televisions are available for hire. 

Unfortunately, the Post Natal Ward does not provide overnight accommodation for partners or family members.  

We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing. A list of what to bring to hospital is detailed in 'Having Your Baby at WCH' which you can download or please contact the Hospital for a copy.

Visiting Hours

Our visiting hours are strictly from 1.00pm - 8.00pm

Partners and siblings of the new baby may visit from 8.30am - 9.00pm. Siblings must be under adult supervision at all times.

We ask that you notify your family and friends of the visiting hours.

Research Activity

The WCH has an ongoing commitment to research and evidence based practice. Many research activities are conducted on the ward with support from Post Natal staff.

Hours

We provide a 24 hour service.

Contact Details

Clinical Service Coordinator - Belinda Biddle

Location

4th Floor - Queen Victoria Building

Mailing Address

Post Natal Ward
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Phone: (08) 8161 7955

Fax:     (08) 8161 5957

Email:  belinda.biddle@health.sa.gov.au

Back to Women's and Babies Division

last modified: 08 Jul 2014

print-friendly