St Andrew's-Ipswich Private Hospital

16/11/2025

🌸 Today we recognise World Prematurity Day – a time to raise awareness of the 1 in 10 babies born prematurely worldwide, and to acknowledge the strength of these tiny fighters and their families.

At Ramsay Health Care, our maternity teams work closely with highly skilled neonatologists, neonatal nurses, paediatricians and midwives to provide specialised care for babies who need a little extra support at the start of life.

To all the parents navigating the journey of premature birth – we see your strength, resilience and love. 💜

13/11/2025

Babies feed for many reasons: hunger, comfort, growth. It’s common for newborns to feed 8 to 12 times per 24 hours.

✅ Feeding cues may include stirring, rooting, hands to mouth. Don’t wait for crying

🕰 Some feeds are quick. Some are long. Some are close together.

Following your baby’s cues (instead of the clock) helps establish a healthy milk supply and supports responsive feeding.

12/11/2025

We recently invested in new technology allowing us to offer advanced brain surgery right here in Ipswich. Neurosurgeon's like Dr Sarah Olson, featured in The Chronicle this week, are using this new system to give regional patients life-changing care closer to their family and community. For 33-year-old father of four Corey Jackwitz, it meant he could have a complex brain tumour removed safely in Ipswich, remaining close to his loved ones who visited each day.

A splitting headache, a shock diagnosis, and a baby on the way. For the first time, complex brain surgery is being performed west of Brisbane – easing one regional father’s daunting health journey. STORY 👉 https://bit.ly/47FyyPO

11/11/2025

This Remembrance Day, we take a moment to honour and remember the courage, service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served our country.

Lest we forget.

10/11/2025

CMV is a common virus that’s usually harmless but if it’s caught during pregnancy, it may affect your baby’s hearing or development. Simple hygiene steps can help keep you and your bub safe:

• Wash hands thoroughly for ≥ 15 seconds after handling children, nappies or dummies
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils or kisses on the lips with young children
• Clean toys, bottles and surfaces regularly

Routine CMV testing isn’t standard in Australia, but if you work with young children or feel unwell, talk to your midwife or obstetrician about screening

Prevention is powerful. These steps help reduce the risk so you can focus on growing your family, safely.

07/11/2025

There’s no perfect way to give birth or feed your baby.

At Ramsay, we offer guidance, not pressure, so you can make informed choices that feel right for you and your baby.

Whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth or an elective caesarean, our team is here to support your journey.

28/10/2025

They say it takes a village – and it really does.
Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not coping. It means you’re human.

💛 Ask your partner to share the feeding routine. Nappy changes and burping can take time during feeding too.
💛 Say yes when someone offers to cook
💛 Let a friend hold your baby while you shower
💛 Reach out when you need to talk

Let’s normalise leaning on others. You deserve rest, support and connection.

24/10/2025

The first few weeks after birth can feel like a blur of feeding, crying, and adjusting. Here’s what’s normal to expect:

🩸 Vaginal bleeding (lochia) that tapers over a few weeks
💧 Breast fullness or leaking as milk comes in
😢 Emotional ups and downs – especially in week one
😖 Afterpains or cramps
🤰 A postpartum belly – recovery takes time

Every body recovers differently. If something doesn’t feel right, check in with your GP or midwife. There’s no such thing as a silly question.

22/10/2025

A birth plan is a helpful way to share your preferences for labour, birth, and after-birth care.

Here’s what you might want to include:
👥 Support people
💉 Pain relief options (e.g. gas, TENS, epidural)
🎶 Preferences for lights, sounds or scents
✂️ Your views on interventions (induction, forceps, emergency caesarean)
👶 Skin-to-skin, cord clamping or who cuts the cord
🍼 Feeding preferences – breast, bottle or mixed
🧘‍♀️ Any spiritual, cultural or personal requests

Your plan isn’t a contract – it’s a conversation starter. Your team will work with you to adjust as needed, with your safety and comfort at the centre.

15/10/2025

We know every parent’s journey is different.
That’s why we take the time to understand you, not just your pregnancy.

From your first antenatal appointment to the moment you meet your baby, our maternity care is designed around you.

We’ll ask what matters to you.
We’ll listen without judgement.
We’ll tailor care to your needs, whether you’re hoping for a calm birth or a planned caesarean.

Because this isn’t just any birth. It’s your birth.

13/10/2025

After birth, your baby’s instincts are strong. If placed skin-to-skin, many newborns will naturally seek the breast and begin to feed in the first hour.

This first feed:
🤱 Helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate and breathing
🌿 Encourages bonding and early milk supply
🍼 Supports a calm and confident start to breastfeeding

Your Ramsay midwife will support you with that very first feed. There’s no rush, just connection.

01/10/2025

Considering your birth options? Here’s what you can expect from private maternity care with us:

👩‍⚕️ Your own obstetrician
Enjoy continuity of care with the same doctor across pregnancy, birth, and postnatal check-ups.

🛏 Private room with ensuite
Recover in your own space with comfort and privacy, including space for your partner to stay.

🤱 Supportive maternity care tailored to you
One-on-one guidance on feeding, baby care and recovery.

💤 Longer hospital stay (usually 4-5 nights!)
You’ll have time to rest and get support as you adjust to life with your newborn.

Every pregnancy is different. Private care offers you a personalised experience, consistency, comfort, and time to settle in.

📍Explore what’s available with us by visiting our website.