Maternity ward and inpatient services
The hospital's maternity ward is on the first floor. Visit through the main entrance, take the lift to the first floor and follow the signs.
When to come to the hospital?
Contact the hospital on 9391 2947 to speak with a midwife if you are pregnant and experience any of the following:
- Severe persistent headache
- Visual disturbances
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Burning with urination
- Fever
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- Reduced baby movements
- Anything which makes you worried.
Expectant mothers
We have a six-bed Antenatal Assessment Unit where women can be seen for pregnancy-related concerns, foetal heart rate monitoring, maternity assessment and induction of labour.
Labour pains?
If you think you are in labour, phone the hospital on 9391 2947 to speak with a midwife before coming to hospital.
When you arrive, report to the ward clerk on the first floor. A midwife will then conduct an initial assessment and will discuss a plan of care with you.
If you are in active labour from 35 weeks of pregnancy, you will be admitted into one of our birthing suites. If you are in labour before 35 weeks, you may be transferred to another specialist hospital.
If you arrive at the hospital between 9pm and 5am, please enter the hospital via the Emergency Department and staff will direct you to the maternity ward.
In the birthing suite, you will be advised of pain relief options as per your birth plan. You may also use a birthing pool for labour or birth if you meet certain criteria.
For more information, visit the Women and Newborn Health Service (external site).
Reaching due date
Our maternity ward, located on the first floor, has six birthing suites, including one with a birthing pool. A maximum of two support persons may be present at any one time. They are permitted to swap, subject to discussion with the midwife and labour ward coordinator.
If you require a caesarean birth, this will occur in one of our operating theatres. For planned caesarean births, make your way to the Same Day Unit according to your arranged admission time. Here you will meet with your midwife, be reviewed by an anaesthetist and get ready for your caesarean. You can have one support person accompanying you into the operating theatre.Caesarean births
Length of stay
Once your baby is born, we have 22 hospital beds and cribs for mothers and newborns to be admitted post-birth and we encourage women to "room in" with their babies in hospital.
Women who have a vaginal birth can expect to be discharged from hospital as early as six hours post-birth, up to 24 hours. Women who have a caesarean section are normally discharged between 48 to 72 hours after the birth of their baby.
Visiting hours
To ensure the safety of you and your baby, the maternity ward is a secure unit. This means visiting is restricted.
We encourage immediate family only to visit between the hours of 8am to 1pm, with other visitors welcome to attend between 3pm and 8pm. Visitors are not permitted between 1pm and 3pm.
When you arrive at the ward, press the intercom at the front entrance of the unit to gain access. You will be asked the name of the patient and may be asked to wait until other visitors have left. Visitors may be asked to leave at certain times due to the patient's condition, treatment, or if the patient prefers not to have visitors.
For the comfort and wellbeing of all patients, visitors are permitted up to two at a time.
Choice of doctor
You will be unable to choose to see a female doctor or midwife. However you can have a friend or relative or female hospital employee present at all times.
We know that many women may wish to see a female doctor or midwife during pregnancy. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a doctor and/or midwife of a specific gender at request..
Armadale Health Service has a highly trained and skilled team who will provide you with respectful care and understanding, regardless of their gender.
Our doctors and midwives are also required to keep your personal information confidential.
When you arrive, the doctor or midwife you initially see may not be your ongoing doctor or midwife. You will be assigned to a doctor and midwife based on current resourcing.
Many women will not need a vaginal examination during their pregnancy, especially for check-ups. However, if you require a vaginal examination, you can have another person with you while the doctor or midwife performs the examination. This may be a friend, a relative or a female hospital employee.
If you have any concerns about your care, call the Consumer Liaison Office on (08) 9391 1153 or email AKG_consumerliaison@health.wa.gov.au.
Caring for your newborn
Our experienced team of midwives will assist you with your baby’s feeding during your hospital stay.
If you have previously experienced challenges breastfeeding, you may be referred to a lactation consultant while pregnant.
If you and your baby are well, you will remain together 24 hours-a-day to help you learn about your baby’s feeding and behaviour patterns.
For more information, ask your midwife for a copy of the Infant Feeding and Breast Care booklet whilst in hospital.
Before you leave hospital
Your baby will receive a medical check by a GP Obstetrician or a Consultant Paediatrician before discharge from hospital.
Taking your newborn home
You are required by law to have an approved child restraint (baby seat) fitted to your car before your baby is discharged from hospital.
When you go home, you can contact a Child Health Nurse for ongoing care and support.
Visiting Midwife Service
The Visiting Midwife Service is available for women who are well and confident enough to go home as soon as six hours post birth.
This service is available to all women living within a 30-minute travelling time of the hospital.
An experienced midwife will come to your home to check on you and your baby. For more information, contact the Visiting Midwife Service on 9391 2169.