The birth of a child is a huge event in any parent’s life and choosing the right place to give birth is a big decision. It’s important to find an environment that is calm and relaxing to ensure the birth is as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both mum and bub.
The holistic approach
New mums today who have private health cover can look forward to giving birth in a private room with the best maternity care that modern practice can offer. Gone are the days when birthing was done in shared wards with a curtain around your bed providing the only privacy. The best maternity wards offer a complete holistic experience, blending modern maternity care with traditional practices. Here are some of the things to look for in a modern birthing suite.
A private space
There’s no rule book when it comes to giving birth, and new mothers are encouraged, as far as medical guidelines permit, to have the birth of their choice. The modern birthing unit will provide a private room with space to move about freely during labour, and where partners are welcome to stay overnight during those precious bonding moments.
Comfort
The birth of a child is a special time and having comfortable and relaxing surroundings makes it a more enjoyable time with bub. Modern private birthing units strive to provide the comfort of a well-appointed hotel room, with easy chairs for visitors, soft furnishings, and refreshment facilities.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement and arrangement of space to bring happiness, success and harmony. The philosophy of Feng Shui in hospital room design helps to ensure patients feel safe and nurtured. Whilst Feng Shui respects the Chinese culture, its goal is to bring a balance of energies and a sense of calm throughout the birthing experience and during the bonding afterwards.
Personal care
Being a new mum is exhausting, so any assistance with personal care is always welcome. Private maternity wards may offer a variety of complimentary services to ease those first few days of motherhood, including toiletries and cosmetics to help you feel your best for the newborn photographs, a range of in-room snacks for when the breastfeeding munchies hit, and soothing massages.
Amid the whirlwind of the first few days of a baby’s life, having a foot and hand massage helps to relax new mums and is a great de-stressing way to enjoy some “me” time. A soothing foot massage can also encourage sleep and improves blood circulation.
Education
First-time mums can be overwhelmed by the changes, expectations and responsibilities of motherhood. Choosing the right maternity unit will provide access to a wealth of educational resources and classes to help new parents prepare for their new roles, and to learn essential skills such as infant CPR and first aid.
After care
Modern maternity care doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. In-home visits, postnatal exercise and baby care classes, and mental health support are all available to help new parents off to the best start for the continued health and well-being of the new family.
This article was provided by the maternity unit of Sunnybank Private Hospital, who provide these services and more. Click the link to see the full range of services, comfort and modern amenity offered.
This article featured in Issue 33 of our printed magazine, published April 2019.
