Welcome to Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s
Congratulations on your pregnancy! We look forward to caring for you throughout your journey.
The attached information is designed to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your pregnancy. The Growing a Health Baby Booklet attached is a fantastic resource to outline the steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of stillbirth. This resource is also available in 25 different languages. Please access this link to find the booklet in your preferred language.
Should you have any questions that require clarification, please make a list of these and bring them with you to your next appointment.
What is the Eve app?
Eve is a FREE pregnancy app for patients booked at Western Health. You will receive an SMS invitation to download the app the day after your first appointment. See flyer for more info.
What if I need to contact the hospital?
If you have concerns regarding your health or the pregnancy, please call our Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) on 9055 2300 - this is a 24 hour service.
If you need to change an appointment, or have a non-urgent question, please call 8345 1727 during business hours or use this link
Breastfeeding Supports
Western Health is a breastfeeding friendly hospital, this means we promote breastfeeding for all birthing people. Please watch this video Breastfeeding Basics - video | Australian Breastfeeding Association to learn about the breastfeeding basics. You can read more about the Breastfeeding Health Initiative here
What does the hospital look like?
You can use this link to watch a video about each area of the hospital and how it looks.
Mental Health during pregnancy
You can sign up to 'Ready to Cope' - based on your due date or baby’s birth date, e-mails are sent out with insights and strategies to support your emotional wellbeing through pregnancy and up to 1 year after birth.
You can also use https://directory.cope.org.au/#/ to find a support service near you.
Childbirth Education Classes
Western Health offers childbirth education classes at Sunshine Hospital, for more information please email [email protected] or speak with your midwife/doctor for more information and consent form.
Breastfeeding Supports
Western Health is a breastfeeding friendly hospital, this means we promote breastfeeding for all birthing people. Please watch this video Breastfeeding Basics - video | Australian Breastfeeding Association to learn about the breastfeeding basics. You can read more about the Breastfeeding Health Initiative here. You can also have a read of this booklet for more information.
Antenatal Information
Antenatal checklist
Please click here for an important checklist of things to be aware of during each stage of your pregnancy from beginning to end. If you have any questions, please ask your midwife/doctor at your next appointment.
Side sleeping during pregnancy
Sleeping on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy halves your risk of stillbirth compared to sleeping on your back. Please read this brochure for more important information about sleeping on your side.
Your baby’s movements
Your baby’s movements matter. Being aware of, and understanding your baby’s movements is important to help keep your baby safe and healthy. Please read this info sheet for more information.
Pregnancy Booklet
For a compressive guide to your pregnancy journey at Western Health, as well as more information and resources for your pregnancy, please read through this booklet.
