Making informed decisions about your maternity care is important.
Our Frequently Asked Questions section provides clear, in-depth answers about our model of care and how we work with hospitals and other healthcare providers. Whether you’re wondering about private health insurance rebates, the role of your Midwife and Obstetrician, or how we support birth preferences, you’ll find the answers you need here.
General
What do I need to do to book in to The Nest?
After discovering you are pregnant, you will need to see your GP to having initial pregnancy blood tests performed and a dating scan if necessary or desired. After your GP sends a referral to [email protected], our delightful admin staff will call you to schedule your first appointment.
When will my first appointment be?
We recommend initially seeing clients between 8 and 10 weeks for the first visit. At this Obstetric only visit, we check on early pregnancy symptoms you may need help with, explain the model of care and perform a bedside ultrasound if desired. We will also discuss with you your options for first trimester screening for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia and provide request forms for your preferred screening.
What is the usual appointment schedule?
At around 13 weeks we will schedule you for your ‘booking in’ visit. This is a comprehensive appointment with your midwife that takes around an hour where we get to know you and your history.
You will also see Dr Emily for a consultation where your first trimester screening results will be discussed as well as a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.
We then generally see you every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, 2 weeks until 36 weeks and weekly until birth.
At 36 weeks we offer a longer midwifery appointment where we help you create a birth plan/preferences document.
This schedule of care can be altered to suit your needs and preferences.
More Detail
Where can I give birth?
Depending on your insurance status, risk factors and personal preferences you can choose to birth at Newcastle Private Hospital or John Hunter Hospital.
How do I book in to the hospital I plan to give birth at?
To book in to have your baby at Newcastle Private Hospital please submit an e-admission here: Book in with us: Newcastle Private Hospital.
To book in to John Hunter Hospital, please attend the admissions counter (opposite ED) in person.
Who will attend the birth of my child?
Dr Emily aims to attend as many births as possible. When she is not available, an experienced trusted Private Obstetrician colleague will attend your birth. They will have access to your pregnancy records as well as your birth preferences information.
You will be cared for by hospital midwives, not The Nest midwives while in hospital.
Does The Nest support VBAC / Twin vaginal birth / Maternal assisted caesarean / other birth preferences?
Yes, we are here to support you in your informed choices and help you have a physically and psychologically safe birth.
Is there any point attending the ‘Birth & Early Parenting Preparation’ class if I’m planning a caesarean ?
Yes! There is so much benefit to be gained from these classes, no matter what your birth plans are. Throughout each year we will have some classes catered especially to people planning a caesarean section so the information is relevant to you. There are so many ways we can make a caesarean section a satisfying experience for you and still many choices and preferences to consider.
Can I birth at Newcastle Private Hospital (NPH) if I don’t have private health insurance that covers Obstetrics?
Yes you can, please contact NPH for a comprehensive cost estimate on 02 4941 9266
Can I birth at John Hunter Hospital (JHH) with a private Obstetrician if I don’t have private health insurance that covers Obstetrics?
Yes this arrangement if called ‘Private for a Day.’ This means you are admitted as a public patient in all respects except access to your Private Obstetrician, meaning you do not receive bills for all other aspects of care from the hospital.
Who should I call if I have a pregnancy concern after booking in to The Nest?
If you have an urgent pregnancy concern (bleeding, pain etc) at less than 15 weeks of pregnancy, please attend your local Emergency Department for care. They will then contact Dr Emily for advice.
If you are greater than 15 weeks and have an urgent pregnancy concern, please call the birth suite at Newcastle Private Hospital (4941 9267) or the Emergency Maternity Service at John Hunter (4921 4350) depending where you are booked in.
If you have a non-urgent concern or question you can phone Brightwell Health and request a phone appointment with Dr Emily or your midwife on Mondays and Fridays.
If you have any urgent concerns about your pregnancy or baby, please do not attend Brightwell Health as we are off site from the hospital where emergencies need to be managed.
