Welcoming a new baby into the world is an amazing time for all parents, whether it is their first baby or another addition to a growing family.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals are putting in place extra precautions to help keep you, your baby and your family safe and well. Find out what to expect when you come to hospital to give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout your pregnancy and during your stay with us, we will help and support you with the early days of parenthood, including breastfeeding support, as well as providing additional care for you or your newborn as needed.
We are also on hand to answer any of your COVID-19 related pregnancy and breastfeeding questions.
Leaving hospital
When you are ready to leave hospital with your newborn, you may feel anxious about how you can keep you and your family safe.
If you have older children in your household then they will be the first to meet their new sibling when you go home.
You may also need or want the support of grandparents and other extended family members.
We recommend you err on the side of caution. Limit your exposure to unvaccinated adults and the number of visitors you have while following the advice from the Department of Health where you live. Check the advice below for the most up-to-date information:
Get support
We recognise that this is an incredibly challenging time for families welcoming newborns, and the physical and emotional support normally available via your wider family network is greatly reduced.
Before you leave hospital, ask your midwives any questions that have been burning at the back of your mind.
They will let you know when you can expect a visit from a child health nurse, and what additional support is available where you live, including home visiting midwives (if you live in Perth, our St John of God Healthcare at Home midwives provide support) and mothers groups that are available online or via telephone.
Our St John of God Raphael Services can provide free video and telephone consultations if you need some extra support for your emotional wellbeing as a new parents. All you need is a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (plan not required in NSW) from your GP. Call 1800 292 292.
All of our caregivers, including those that may visit you in your home, are fully vaccinated as per Department of Health mandates in NSW, Victoria and WA and follow the right precautions before, during and after coming into your home.
Stay connected
The one thing we can all be thankful for is that new technology is helping us stay more connected during this time as well, so you might be able to use a video chat instead of face-to-face visits with family and friends too.
St John of God Health Care COVID-19 information
St John of God Health Care is committed to providing safe and compassionate care to all our patients and clients, and to keeping our communities safe.
For more information about COVID-19 in your state, including current restrictions, please check these links for the latest updates:
