News

Spring baby boom at Mildura Private Hospital

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:01:00

Spring has brought a baby boom at the Mildura Health Private Hospital, with the Post Natal Unit welcoming record numbers of mothers and new babies.

While the Private Hospital does not have a birthing suite, its Post Natal Unit opened in January last year, accepting women and their babies after birth, including caesarian sections, from other hospitals.
The Hospital Operations/Director of Nursing Manager Karen Woolfe said spring had already been an extremely busy time in the unit.
“We reached a total of 26 admissions in September making it well and truly the busiest month since we opened,” Mrs Woolfe said.
“In September last year we had 16 babies for the month – during one week this September we had eight mothers and babies, all in the hospital at the one time.
“Those numbers clearly show that parents are welcoming having the choice to come here – and their feedback about the care they have received is overwhelmingly positive.”
Mrs Woolfe said the Post Natal Unit was a relaxed environment where mothers could rest, recuperate and get almost one-on-one attention to help them with all aspects of parenting including developing their breastfeeding skills. 
“But at the same time, fathers are welcome to stay overnight, so we think it is the best possible environment for parents to get to know their baby and have all the support they need,” she said.
“Families often comment that they really appreciate feeling un-hurried during their time here and the peace and quiet, along with the benefits of a longer stay makes them feel more confident – particularly first-time parents.”
Mildura Health Private Hospital’s midwives, lactation consultants and maternal and child health nurses provide the daily hands-on care, while two new obstetricians, Dr Nicole Edge and Dr Lilach Leibenson, have joined Dr Kimberly Sleeman in helping provide improved access for families to the private hospital. 
“The word is getting out about the wonderful experience mothers, fathers and babies are having here,” Mrs Woolfe said.