Maternity Unit

Where you and your baby come first

At St George's we know that every Mother's requirements and wishes are unique. We provide a caring environment and we endeavour to provide choices to make your stay pleasurable and memorable.

Please contact us if the information you require is not listed on this page:
E-mail margaret.mcgowan@stgeorges.org.nz
Phone 03 355 9102

Maternity Unit Tours

These are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm. To book a tour of the Maternity Unit please phone 03 355 9102.

Visiting Hours

Please observe the following visiting
hours when planning a patient visit:

3.00 pm - 7.30 pm (these hours are strictly adhered to)
No visiting allowed outside these hours

We believe that women recovering from childbirth need time to rest while getting to know and care for their baby. As their time in Hospital is short it is important that visiting hours are adhered to. Please do not ask, as we do not like to offend.

Facilities and Services

Facilities
St George's offers a specially designed Birthing Unit that reflects the informal, peaceful atmosphere of the Maternity Unit. We offer a relaxed home-like environment to help you feel as rested as possible, when you go home with your baby. Your room is equipped with your own telephone and television.

Services
We have friendly, highly skilled staff to assist, advise and support you.  Our community midwife is available to provide postnatal follow up care when you go home. Our midwives will also provide support for LMC midwives using our facility.

Maternity Services

Maternity Services - Postnatal Care

This is a free service at St George's Hospital funded by the Canterbury District Health Board. The service includes all postnatal care, until you are clinically fit for discharge. This is approximately 48 hours after delivery.

We accept transfers from other hospitals - within 12 hours - you are entitled to free maternity care until you are clinically fit for discharge.

If wish you can choose to stay on for further rest and support. Please enquire about the cost to stay longer.

While you are in Hospital

Lactation Consultant

Visits Monday - Friday to assist women having difficulty with breastfeeding.

Education Sessions for Women and Parents

Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes

Experienced Lactation Consultants (Sandra Wilson & Carol Bartle) conduct classes to assist women in preparing to successfully breastfeed. You are invited to attend a class held at St George's Hospital Maternity Unit.

To register for these classes please phone 0-3-356 0900 and book for the 10.00 am - 12.00 noon session.

Class dates for 2012 are:

03 April 17 April 01 May 15 May 29 May June - NO CLASSES 03 July 17 July 07 August 21 August

04 September 18 September 02 October 16 October 06 November 20 November 04 December 18 December

Midwifery Education Programmes

Midwifery Education Programmes Application Form

St George's Maternity Unit is an approved education provider authorised by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand 2005.
The following courses will be offered to midwives who are participating in the re-certification programme as directed by the Midwifery Council Further information regarding the compulsory and elective components of the programme can be assessed from the Midwifery Council, or view on their website www.midwiferycouncil.org.nz.

For enquiries contact:

Margaret McGowan - Obstetric Manager

Phone 03 355 9102
Email margaret.mcgowan@stgeorges.org.nz

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Technical Skills Workshop - Compulsory Education

This course is run in conjunction with Women's Health Division, Christchurch Women's Hospital.

A two-day programme that covers the components outlined by Midwifery Council for the re-certification programme for registered midwives. This course can be completed as two single one-day sessions, or concurrently over a two-day period. It is required that each midwife undertakes this course once during a three-year period.

Experienced midwives will facilitate this course.

Enjoy a small group setting with opportunity for discussion, reflection and practical training.

Dates - 2012
Next Two-day Sessions

Saturday 09 June - Day One
Sunday 10 June - Day Two

Saturday 11 August - Day One
Sunday 12 August - Day Two

Saturday 27 October - Day One
Sunday 28 October - Day Two

Cost: $300 two-day course or $150 per day.

Breastfeeding Workshop - Compulsory Education

A one-day programme, approved by the Midwifery Concil to update on evidence-based guidelines of breastfeeding management.

Dates - 2012

13 April                       14 September

18 May                        12 October

Cost: $50

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Adult CPR (Level 4) Compulsory Education

Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation based on the level 4 New Zealand Resuscitation Council Guidelines.

Session time:	2 hours
Class size:	8
Instructor ratio:	1 - 4 participants
Instructor's Qualifications:	NZRC Level 6 instructor St George's Hospital NZRC Level 6 certified staff member
Cost: $20

Classes conducted twice monthly, please phone Maternity Unit for dates and times 0-3-355 9102.

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Breastfeeding Workshop Elective Education

Dates - 2012

to be confirmed

Cost: $50 per day for LMC midwives- Booking essential

To register for these courses, please complete the Application Form and forward to St George's Maternity Department.

We regret that we are unable to accept registrations from midwives wishing to bring their infants/children to courses. There are space constraints and no creche facilities available.

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