Your 
new arrival 
at Burnside

We understand that preparing for the arrival of your baby can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve provided a comprehensive checklist to prepare you for your stay with us.

It’s advisable to have your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks of pregnancy, in case your baby arrives earlier than expected. 

What to bring for you

• Medicare card and any other health care cards (including pension cards)
• Private Health Fund card
• Appropriate method of payment for Health Fund excess and/or co-payment fees Sleepwear, including comfortable nightwear, dressing gown, slippers
• Comfortable daywear
• Maternity bras
• Non-slip footwear
• Toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner and personal care items
• Sanitary pads for post-delivery use
• Clothes for baby to wear home (we will provide a singlet and wrap during your hospital stay)
• Current medications (in their original containers)
• Reading materials and/or entertainment devices
• Personal devices and chargers
• Small amount of cash for purchases 

Please note:

• Kitchen appliances such as coffee machines, rice cookers, and similar items are NOT permitted.
• A small lockable cupboard is provided in each room for your personal use. Burnside Hospital does not accept liability for any lost or damaged personal items or valuables. We recommend clearly labeling your personal belongings.
• On-site laundry services are not available so please bring enough clothing to last your stay.
• Parking is available for your convenience, but we advise reviewing the hospital's parking information in advance.

What to bring for baby

Burnside Hospital will provide a starter pack of newborn nappies to help you get started on your first day after delivery. For the remainder of your stay, please bring a supply of nappies.

While the hospital provides a limited range of clothing for newborns, we encourage you to bring your baby’s own clothes for added comfort, including:

• Baby booties
• Cotton mittens
• Soft baby clothes eg onesies, socks, and hats

For the trip home, please ensure your baby’s car seat is properly fitted as this is a hospital requirement before you can leave.

Please Note:

• If your baby requires additional supplies or clothing during your stay, there are nearby stores located on The Parade, Norwood and at Burnside Village.
• Your baby will receive a singlet and wrap while in the hospital, but having your baby’s own items can help provide a sense of comfort and personal care.

Additional Information:

• We aim to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for both you and your baby, so if you have any special requests or need assistance during your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
• We also recommend reviewing your birth plan with your healthcare team during your antenatal visits to help us meet your preferences and needs.

If you have any questions please contact us or speak with one of our maternity team members during your next visit.

Burnside Hospital is committed to providing you with the most supportive, professional and personalised care during your labour and delivery.

In collaboration with your obstetrician, our experienced and dedicated midwives work to assist you in achieving the birth experience you desire, wherever possible. We take the time to discuss your options, offering advice and guidance so you feel informed and confident.

We encourage your partner or a support person to be actively involved throughout the process, with our staff providing continuous guidance and care.

Our birthing suites offer a serene and calming environment equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure your comfort and safety.

After delivery, mothers and babies typically stay in the birthing suites for a few hours before being transferred to a room. Your baby will remain with you at all times unless there is a need for transfer to our Special Care Nursery.

Caesarean sections at Burnside Hospital are performed in the Perioperative Suite on Level 1. Our top priority is ensuring the best clinical care for both mother and baby, and we aim to provide a supportive and safe environment throughout the procedure.

Please note: the presence of a support person during a caesarean is at the discretion of your obstetrician and the Clinical Manager of the Perioperative Service.

Support persons must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Obtain prior agreement from the responsible clinician and Clinical Manager, with written documentation in the patient’s medical record
• Only one support person may be designated, and they must follow instructions from the Senior Scrub Nurse

In emergency situations one support person is permitted, with prior approval from the obstetrician. For elective caesareans under general anaesthesia, the support person may enter the operating room once the anaesthetic has been administered and approved by both the obstetrician and anaesthetist.

For your convenience and comfort, our maternity service offers a wireless monitoring device, which allows you to move freely around the ward, hospital grounds, or even the beautiful, heritage-listed Attunga Gardens during the early stages of labour.

This innovative system ensures that you can remain mobile while still receiving continuous monitoring.

Our fully equipped operating suite on Level 1 is available 24/7, ensuring that immediate medical intervention can be provided if necessary. For added reassurance, our High Dependency Unit provides specialised care for mothers who may require extra monitoring or medical support during or after birth. Should your baby need additional care,  our accredited Special Care Nursery is equipped to meet the needs of babies requiring specialised care.

We offer a range of pain relief methods during labour to help with your comfort and wellbeing,  including breathing techniques, analgesia, and epidurals.

We recommend discussing your preferred pain relief options with your midwife, obstetrician, and anaesthetist beforehand, to ensure that the methods chosen align with your needs and birth plan.

We ask that all patients and their support persons follow the instructions of the attending medical staff when it comes to using cameras during labour and delivery.

While still photography is welcome, video recording devices are not allowed in the labour or perioperative suites due to safety considerations. Support persons must adhere to the guidelines provided by hospital staff, the obstetrician, or surgeon when using any type of photographic device.

Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly affect your body, including your pelvic floor muscles, abdominal muscles, posture, and body awareness. We offer an ‘in-room’ physiotherapy service to support you through the physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

You may be referred to our physiotherapist by your treating obstetrician or the Clinical Manager of the Maternity Service. The physiotherapist will conduct a postnatal review to assess your recovery and provide exercises and advice to help with your physical recovery following delivery.

We’re dedicated to supporting your physical well-being throughout your pregnancy journey and beyond. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here to provide the care you need for a smooth and healthy recovery.

We understand how important the support of family and friends can be during your maternity journey. At Burnside Hospital, the safety and wellbeing of mothers and babies is our first priority, and we ask all visitors to respect this at all times.

Our maternity service offers unrestricted visiting hours for immediate family, allowing you to be surrounded by loved ones as you begin this exciting new chapter. Visitors can provide comfort and support and play an important role in bonding with your baby.

Please note:

• There may be occasions where visitors other than partners are not permitted to ensure the safety and comfort of all patients.
• Any inappropriate behaviour from visitors will not be tolerated. Staff will address issues promptly and may ask visitors to leave if necessary.
• Mothers/parents are encouraged to take advantage of a daily rest period between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm.

To support your privacy during your stay, please advise at admission if you do not wish callers or visitors to be informed that you are in hospital. We take confidentiality seriously, and further details can be found in our Privacy Statement.

Children are welcome when supervised by a responsible adult in the maternity unit, courtyards, Café Otto, and Attunga Gardens. For safety reasons, children are not permitted to stay overnight in the maternity unit.

The Burnside Hospital catering team takes pride in providing a diverse and well-balanced menu designed to offer our patients variety, nutrition and choice each day.

Our meals are carefully crafted to cater to all dietary needs including allergies and specific requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy nutritious meals during their stay.

Our experienced and qualified catering staff serve fresh, wholesome meals that focus on healthy cooking techniques to preserve the nutritional value of ingredients.

Our menu is developed in consultation with a dietitian to align with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which are designed to:

• Promote overall health and wellbeing
• Reduce the risk of diet-related conditions
• Help prevent chronic diseases

We are committed to accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements, including nut or other allergies, gluten sensitivities, special diets, and religious dietary specifications.

To ensure we meet your needs, please indicate any dietary requirements or allergies on your eAdmissions form or speak with our Pre-Admissions team.