Birthing services in the Top End

Introduction

Are you pregnant or planning?

This section has information about pregnancy and birthing services in the Top End.

Areas covered include Katherine, Nhulunbuy (Gove), Darwin and surrounding regions.

You will find information on:

  • your General Practitioner (GP)
  • early pregnancy care and your first antenatal care visit
  • pregnancy and birthing services in the Top End
  • remote areas, hospital information and support and education.

If you are in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek or the Barkly region, read about birthing services in Central Australia.

Top End Health Service

You are encouraged to be as involved in your pregnancy journey as much as possible.

Every pregnancy is different for women and their families.

You should read about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and attend education classes.

You should include your support person and family. You should also identify any support networks within the community.

Most women have normal risk pregnancies.

A normal risk pregnancy means you are well and there is little chance you will develop any health problems related to your pregnancy.

Some women have complicated or high risk pregnancies. There is a higher chance that your health may be affected by pregnancy or birth.

Your midwife, GP or obstetrician can provide care for normal and high risk pregnancies.

If you have a high risk pregnancy, the midwives and doctors will work to keep you and your baby healthy.

Your local General Practitioner (GP)

Go to your GP if you are pregnant or have a positive test.

Your GP will do a health and pregnancy checkup and discuss your options.

You may go to your local hospital for specialist care if required.

Your GP will provide your early pregnancy care and support. This may involve blood tests and early ultrasounds.

You will need a referral to the hospital.

As part of your referral your GP will ask questions about your health and social situation.

For a copy of the antenatal referral form go to the Department of Health website.

Your GP will send the referral to the hospital.

Early pregnancy care

If you have pregnancy complications before 12 weeks, this team will care for you.

You will need a referral from your GP or doctors at the emergency department.


Pregnancy and birthing services in Darwin

Darwin has a wide range of services for women during pregnancy, birth and after baby/babies are born:

  • pregnancy care
  • shared care with general practitioners
  • team midwifery care
  • midwifery care with the midwifery group practice.

Pregnancy care

If you have a normal risk pregnancy, you will have most of your pregnancy care with a midwife.

If you have a high risk pregnancy, you will see both midwives and doctors.

For more information on pregnancy care, call the antenatal clinic on 08 8922 6707.

Shared care with general practitioners

You can choose to have shared care.

If your pregnancy is normal, you can choose to have most of your care with your general practitioner (GP).

If you choose shared care, you will have 3 appointments with midwives and doctors:

  • first visit at 14 to 17 weeks
  • second visit at 36 weeks
  • third visit at 40 weeks and 3 days.

Team midwifery care

If your pregnancy is normal risk, you can be cared for by the midwifery team.

They will provide your care during pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.

Your midwife may refer you to a doctor if you develop any complications or risks.

Team midwifery have clinics at:

  • Palmerston
  • Wanguri
  • Darwin Birth Centre.

For more information on team midwifery care, call the antenatal clinic on 08 8922 6707.

Midwifery group practice

The midwifery group practice (MGP) is a group of midwives who provide care for women:

  • with high risk pregnancies
  • from remote Aboriginal communities travelling to Darwin to birth
  • with normal risk pregnancies planning to have a homebirth in the Darwin and Palmerston area.

In the MGP, you will have most of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal care provided by a small team of midwives.

Women with high risk pregnancies will also have care provided by doctors.

For more information on the MGP, call the antenatal clinic on 08 8922 6707.

Charles Darwin University – midwifery students

As part of their midwifery studies, you can share your pregnancy, birth and early parenting journey with a midwifery student.

They can provide you with more support and care as they follow you through your experience, while overseen by a registered midwife or doctor.

For more information:


First antenatal care visit

Your GP will send your referral letter to the hospital.

The hospital will send you an appointment time and date.

Your first visit is a chance for you to meet the midwives and doctors and to talk about your pregnancy needs.

Your midwives and doctors will ask questions about your health and social situation. This information helps the midwives and doctors find the right type of care for you.

You need to bring the following to your first appointment:

  • Medicare card - or your passport if you don't have a Medicare card
  • health care card
  • letter of appointment
  • a copy of any test results for this pregnancy
  • general practitioner (GP) contact details and your referral letter
  • private health insurance card.

A first visit appointment can take up to an hour to complete depending on your personal health needs.

Your midwife and doctor will discuss the following with you:

  • your medical, surgical and social history
  • your general wellbeing
  • tests needed
  • visits scheduled throughout your pregnancy
  • pregnancy health record
  • who will care for you during pregnancy
  • childbirth education classes
  • how you will feed your baby
  • birth choices.

For more information about the antenatal clinic call (08) 8922 6707.


Royal Darwin Hospital facility information

There are several pregnancy care options for you if you live in the Top End.

Antenatal clinic

You will find the antenatal clinic on the eighth floor of the Royal Darwin Hospital.

You will need to check in at reception when you arrive.

Clinic hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

For more information on the antenatal clinic call (08) 8922 6707. Read about the antenatal clinic.

Day pregnancy assessment service (DPAS)

If you develop any complications during your pregnancy, you may need extra monitoring and care.

Your doctor from the antenatal clinic may refer you here.

You can find DPAS in the delivery suite on the sixth floor of Royal Darwin Hospital.

For more information on the day pregnancy assessment service call (08) 8922 8643.

Delivering your baby

You will need to attend the delivery suite when in labour.

Your health and pregnancy will be assessed before being admitted.

You can deliver your baby in one of the following locations.

Delivery suite

You will find the delivery suite on the sixth floor of the Royal Darwin Hospital. It has six birth rooms, showers, toilets and two baths.

All women with high risk pregnancies and labours will have their baby here.

If you have a normal risk pregnancy, you can use the bath for pain relief or birth.

Darwin birth centre

You will find the Darwin birth centre on the ground floor of the Royal Darwin Hospital. It has two birth rooms, each with a bath and toilet.

All women with normal risk pregnancies and labours can use the birth centre.

You can use water in the bath during labour as a pain relief option.

You can choose to have a waterbirth if agreed with your doctor and midwife.

After delivering your baby

If you have a normal risk pregnancy and birth you can choose to:

  • go home four hours after birth with follow up care from the postnatal home visiting midwives
  • or you can stay on the maternity ward (6A) for up to 48 hours.

If you have a high risk pregnancy and birth you will need to stay in the maternity ward for 3 to 5 days.

For more information on the delivery suite/birth centre call (08) 8922 8688.

Concerns during your pregnancy

You can call the delivery suite at any time day or night after 20 weeks of pregnancy and talk to a midwife about:

  • your baby not moving normally
  • bleeding from your vagina
  • fluid leaking from your vagina
  • vaginal loss that is different from your normal loss
  • stomach pain
  • bad headache or changes to your vision
  • you are very concerned about your health or pregnancy.

Maternity ward (6A)

If you are admitted to hospital after you have given birth, you will stay in the maternity ward on the sixth floor.

You and your baby will have health checks by doctors, midwives and nurses. They will talk to you about:

  • breastfeeding
  • caring for your new baby
  • post-birth contraception.

Your length of your stay will depend on the type of birth and personal circumstances.

You will be discharged soon after the birth.

You can arrange for a midwife to visit your home.

Your midwife will help you adjust to mothering your baby at home.

Visiting hours

You are only allowed two visitors at a time.

You are not allowed to have partners or family members stay overnight.

Your rest is important.

Visiting hours are:

  • 10am to 1pm
  • 1pm to 3pm - partners only
  • 3pm to 8pm.

Discharge

You and your baby will have a complete health check before discharge.

Your midwife will discuss any follow up appointments needed with you.

Your doctors and midwives will discuss contraception options before you leave.

For more information on the maternity ward call (08) 8922 8666.

Postnatal home visiting service

After you and your baby are discharged a midwife will visit you at home.

Your midwife will provide breastfeeding support and postnatal care to you.

Postnatal home visiting midwives work seven days a week.

How often the midwives visit you will depend on you and your baby's needs.

Live remote?

Your midwife can visit you at your accommodation before you travel home.

Your midwife will discuss your continuing care when you are back at home.

You can access follow up care from midwives and child health nurses at your community clinic.

You and your baby must have a six week post-birth check-up.

To arrange an appointment contact your general practitioner (GP) or community care centre.

For more information on the postnatal home visiting service in Darwin call (08) 8922 6141.


Support and education services in Darwin

Breastfeeding support

The Royal Darwin Hospital is a breastfeeding friendly health initiative service.

We promote breastfeeding as the normal way to feed a baby.

If you have problems with breastfeeding, you can see a lactation consultant.

A lactation consultant is a midwife who supports women with breastfeeding.

For more information, call 08 8922 7602.

Australian Breastfeeding Association

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is Australia’s largest breastfeeding information and support service.

You can call the 24-hour breastfeeding helpline, attend classes and join local support groups.

For more information, go to the Australian Breastfeeding Association website.

Childbirth and vaginal birth after caesarean education

Childbirth education sessions are run by midwives who share information on:

  • pregnancy
  • childbirth
  • early parenting
  • breastfeeding.

These are for pregnant women and their one support person.

The sessions are free for clients with a Medicare card. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you will be charged a fee.

They also run information sessions on vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) for women who have had a previous caesarean. These can help them decide how they would like to birth their babies and prepare for birth.

For more information, contact patient accounts by emailing them at patientaccountsRDH.DOH@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8922 7680.

Days and times

Sessions for childbirth education are held on:

  • Saturdays from 9.30am to 3pm as part of a one-day workshop
  • Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm as part of a two-week program

VBAC information sessions are held every 6 to 8 weeks for a 2-hour session.

During COVID-19 outbreaks, classes may be run online via ZOOM.

How to book

If you would like to attend, email ChildbirthEd.THS@nt.gov.au with your:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • due date
  • preferred session.

You will receive a response with your booked session. They aim to book you in for a class when you’re 30 to 34 weeks pregnant.

For more information on childbirth education or VBAC information sessions, call 08 8922 6934.

Childbirth Education Association

Childbirth Education Association Darwin is a not for profit organisation.

They provide information and support for women and their families.

The association offers:

  • birth preparation courses
  • active birth workshop
  • pregnancy yoga
  • regular morning teas
  • library and general resources
  • referral to private doula practitioners (birth support attendants).

For more information, go to the Childbirth Education Australia Darwin website. You can also call them on 08 8948 3043 or email them at info@ceadarwin.asn.au.


Postnatal home visits

Women who receive public maternity care have access to home visits by domiciliary midwives from 24 hours after the baby is born.

The midwives provide support for breastfeeding and care for you and your baby after you have been discharged.

Domiciliary midwives work seven days a week. How often the midwives visit you will depend on you and your baby's needs.

Once you have been discharged by the domiciliary midwives, you can access follow up care from midwives and child health nurses at your nearest community clinic.

If you live in a remote or rural area and stay at a hostel or other accommodation within Darwin, you receive domiciliary midwife visits before travelling home up to 10 days after giving birth. When you go home the midwives will discuss other options for your continued support.

You and your baby should have a six week post-birth check-up with your general practitioner (GP) or your nearest community care centre.

Call the Domiciliary Midwifery Service Darwin on (08) 8922 6141.

Call the Domiciliary Midwifery Service Alice Springs on (08) 8951 7620 or (08) 8951 7621.


Pregnancy and birthing services in Katherine

If you are from a remote community you can stay in self-care accommodation in Katherine.

Katherine Hospital offers private, shared or midwifery care.

The maternity ward has:

  • eight inpatient beds
  • three birthing rooms, including one with a birthing pool.

Midwifery care at Katherine Hospital is for normal risk pregnancies and normal births.

You can self-refer to the maternity ward from 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Find out about what to bring and what you can expect at your first antenatal care appointment. You must be around 38 weeks of pregnancy to access this service.

For further information on the maternity ward call (08) 8973 9257.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours for the maternity ward are 10am to 8pm.

You should check with a midwife before visiting a mother and her baby.

Midwives clinic

The midwives clinic is held every Wednesday at the community health centre located in the Government Centre Building, 7 First Street, Katherine.

To make an appointment with the midwives clinic call (08) 8973 9389.

Referral to Royal Darwin Hospital

If you and your baby need specialist obstetric care you may be referred to the obstetric clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital.

You may need to be referred to Darwin if you have a higher risk pregnancy, for example:

  • you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater
  • you have a premature labour (labour starting before 36 weeks of pregnancy).

Childbirth education classes

If you are 30 weeks of pregnancy and over, you can attend the childbirth education classes

There are six sessions of five weekly classes held each calendar year.

For more information and to book call (08) 8973 9389.


Pregnancy and birthing in remote areas

If you are pregnant and living in a remote communities in the Northern Territory (NT), the below information may be useful.

Before 37 weeks pregnant

You will receive pregnancy care at your nearest community care centre until you are 37 weeks pregnant.

Your pregnancy care is provided by:

  • midwives
  • nurses
  • doctors
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers.

You may need to travel to a hospital at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy for an ultrasound or for other tests. 

Your community care centre will arrange your travel and accommodation before you leave. 

They will send your pregnancy records to the hospital.

After 37 weeks pregnant

Once you are 37 weeks pregnant you need to travel to a hospital to await the birth of your baby.

You will give birth at one of the following hospitals, depending on where you live:

Your community care centre will arrange your travel and accommodation before you leave. 

They will send your pregnancy records to the hospital.

After your baby is born

You can go home once you and your baby are well. 

The hospital will arrange travel and accommodation before you leave.

The hospital will also notify your nearest community care centre. You will continued to be cared for by the community nurse and midwife. 

Strong women, strong babies, strong culture program

If you are an Aboriginal woman and live in Canteen Creek, Utopia or Yuendumu, you can access the strong women, strong babies, strong culture program.

The program respects and supports the traditional way of teaching women about healthy choices in pregnancy and early parenting. 

Program workers can:

  • go to health centre pregnancy visits with you
  • help you learn about good food and good health for mother and baby.

For more information about the program call (08) 8955 6106.


Pregnancy and birthing services in Nhulunbuy

This page has information about birthing services for women in the Gove region.

The Gove District Hospital's (GDH) maternity ward has 10 inpatient beds with 2 birthing rooms.

There is a birth room with a bath that can be used for pain relief or a water birth.

You can contact the GDH maternity ward on 08 8987 0219.

Read more about GDH and visiting hours.

Antenatal clinic

The antenatal clinic provides ongoing care and support throughout your pregnancy.

A referral letter is needed from your GP, the letter should contain early pregnancy information, such as dating scans and blood tests.

At your first appointment you will be shown around the maternity ward and will discuss your pregnancy care options.

If you are from a remote community you will travel to the antenatal clinic at about 38 weeks of pregnancy.

You should bring the following to your appointment:

  • Medicare card - if you don't have a Medicare care you must bring your passport
  • health care card
  • letter of appointment
  • a copy of any test results for this pregnancy
  • your doctor's contact details
  • private health insurance details.

You can book an appointment with the midwives and doctors by calling 08 8987 0219.

If you need an interpreter you should ask the receptionist when booking your appointment.

Pregnancy care and education classes

You have several pregnancy care options in Gove.

Childbirth education classes are run according to need, usually every 2 months.

Your class will have similar information as Darwin childbirth education.

For more information on childbirth education classes call the Gove maternity ward on 08 8987 0219.

Midwifery care

During your pregnancy, your midwife will conduct routine check-ups and talk about care and support for during and after pregnancy.

You will be asked questions about your medical, surgical, social history and how you're doing overall.

Your first visit may take up to an hour.

You can contact the Gove midwives clinic on 08 8987 0219.

Obstetrician clinic

The maternity ward has GPs with advanced obstetric skills.

If you need to see a specialist obstetric doctor you may need to be referred to the obstetric clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Community shared pregnancy care

Aboriginal women in the Gove region may choose to have pregnancy care with the Miwatj Health Clinic and the GDH.

You will be given a pregnancy health record, is important to bring this record to all your appointments.

Women from remote communities will have a ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, at either:

  • the Gove hospital or
  • your home community (if available).

You will travel to Gove at around 38 weeks of pregnancy.

You will stay in self-care accommodation and give birth on the maternity ward at GDH.

Higher risk pregnancy

You may need to be referred to Darwin if you have a higher risk pregnancy, for example:

  • you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater
  • you have a premature labour (labour starting before 36 weeks of pregnancy).

After giving birth

Your length of stay at the maternity ward will depend on your needs.

If you and your baby are healthy, early discharged is supported.

After discharged from the ward a midwife will organise home visits with you.

You should have a 6 week post-birth check-up with your general practitioner (GP) or at your nearest community care centre.