Mater Mother's (Public)

[Calluna]

What does the Mater Public provide, ie nappies, wraps, etc? Are they supposed to have already given me this information?
When do we do a tour of the mat ward? etc? I looked at their website but couldn't find any useful information.

[Just Me]

Are you doing an antenatal class or any appointments with midwives at the hospital before your baby is born? Usually, they will tell you what you need to know about birthing in that particular hospital as well as a tour in antenatal classes or an appointment with hospital staff.

At the Townsville Hospital, I was given a whole booklet of info at my appointment with the midwife. None of that info was on the website.

If you are worried, call them and find out or ask your GP.

[Calluna]

I'm not doing any antenatal classes with them, cant afford it. When would they do it? Last midwife appointment I had was at 24 weeks.

[tellytubby]

Hey Heva, i had my DD public. When i went for the first appointment they gave me a little book FULL of useful info. What to bring, what they supply, what i have to supply. Ask the hospital, perhaps they forgot to give you one?

[Serenitylee]

I am going public where I am and the service has been fantastic. I have been provided with my own Pregnancy Journal and it has everything in it i need to know! It goes through each week of the pregnancy and tells me what is happening with the baby and my body and I also have a schedule of what appts i will during the pregnancy and when i will have them (e.g. routine check up at 28 weeks, then 30 weeks etc), I also have a pamphlet on breastfeeding, their parenting and birthing classes (which tells me what is in the class and who is holding it) and i also have a pamphlet of a number to call if i have any concerns. Gosh there is heaps more but I don't want to sit here writing it all out. Also everything is free, even my P&B classes and BF classes oh and one last thing, in my pregnancy booklet it tells me what to bring to the hospital when I come in for the birth. Its great!

[Calluna]

Hey Heva, i had my DD public. When i went for the first appointment they gave me a little book FULL of useful info. What to bring, what they supply, what i have to supply. Ask the hospital, perhaps they forgot to give you one?

ill go through the stuff they gave me again, but i don't remember seeing it. what does it look like?

ETA: Does it look kind of like a magazine?

[BekZ]

Heva -I am 27 weeks and I am going public. Are you using the midwife program or share care with your doctor? If you are doing the midwife program then they should have been advised you on your apt scedule, plus given you information regarding antenatal classes (mine are free), breast feeding classes (free) and hospital tours.

If you are going through your GP then you'll go to them for your regular apts. Plus you'll probably go to the hospital for a 28wk, 36wk and 40wk apt.

Personally I would call the hospital and ask them to give you all these details. Some times you have to chase them and keep asking questions.