Birthing services in Central Australia

At Alice Springs Hospital, there are 4 birthing rooms and 16 beds for women who are either waiting to give birth or have already birthed.

Contact the maternity ward

If you're worried about your pregnancy, you can visit the maternity ward at Alice Springs Hospital or you can contact the ward by calling 08 8951 7620.

Support person

When you come to the hospital to give birth, you're encouraged to have someone with you, someone you feel comfortable with, who can help you with emotional and physical support.

This person can be with you in the room where you give birth or in the operation room if you're having a C-section.

After giving birth

After giving birth at the hospital, there is an option to:

• go home 4 hours after birth
• move to the maternity unit where you can be given midwifery support for 3 - 5 days.

This will depend on you and your baby's health and your preferences.

If you stay in hospital, the midwives and doctors will check on you every day and help you take care of your new baby.

Visitors

Partners are welcomed anytime but are encouraged to allow a rest period for the mothers between 12pm and 2pm.

If you would like other visitors, including children and family, check the rules for visiting Alice Springs Hospital.

Meals

Meals are served at:

• breakfast at 8am
• lunch at 12pm
• dinner at 5.30pm.

Returning home

If you're returning to a remote area, the maternity unit will organise accommodation and travel before you leave the hospital. Your care will continue at the health clinic closest to your home.

If you live locally read more about the midwife services.

The hospital will send a letter to you, your GP and your nearest community care clinic.

The letter includes information about your:

• pregnancy
• labour
• birth
• after birth.

It is recommended that you and your baby have a 6 week post-birth check up. Your general practitioner, community care centre or Congress Alukura can assist you.