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Maternity Services | Counties Manukau

Public Service, Obstetrics (Maternity), Maternity/Birthing Facilities

Description

Welcome to Counties Manukau Maternity Services

Counties Manukau Health (CM Health) provides a range of maternity services including pregnancy education classes (antenatal classes), antenatal care, maternity outpatients, birthing facilities and postnatal care.

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, please book an appointment with a midwife/lead maternity carer (LMC). Maternity care in New Zealand is funded by the government for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents and those who meet the Ministry of Health eligibility criteria.

What is Maternity / Obstetric care? 
Maternity care is for women during pregnancy (antenatal), labour and birth, and the 6 weeks after childbirth (postnatal).  Regular antenatal checks should be performed by a midwife, GP or obstetrician (doctor who specialised in obstetrics). Click here for A-Z resources on pregnancy and keeping healthy

  • Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) -  Click here to find a midwife or phone the maternity administration team on (09) 276 0044 ext 58187.  They will take your details and connect you with midwives from your area who have a space at the time of your due date, and send you a letter giving you the midwife's name and number. The LMC midwife will then give you a call.  LMCs have easy access to specialists and to both primary birthing units and hospital facilities.
  • Counties Manukau Health Caseloading Team These DHB employed midwives work as a team to provide continuity of care throughout your pregnancy, labour and postnatal period. A team midwife is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The midwives have easy access to the specialists.  They are based at Botany primary birthing unit.
  • Primary Maternity Services A midwife will contact you to arrange an appointment. Antenatal clinics are held in community clinics often at GP surgeries, at the three primary birthing units in Pukekohe, Papakura and Botany Downs or at your home if you have difficulty coming to a clinic.  Your midwife will make sure you have her contact details.

Birthing at one of the Primary Birthing Units is a safe and home-like choice for low-risk women. If you live near to Middlemore Hospital you can still choose to birth at one of the units :

If you choose to birth at Middlemore, or are advised to, you can still be transfer to one of the units soon after birth for your postnatal stay. All units have BFHI accreditation and all the staff, including lactation consultants, are very experienced in helping with establishing breastfeeding.

 Middlemore Hospital

  • Birthing and Assessment Unit fills the whole 2nd floor of the Galbraith Building which is the large building opposite the train station. It is a 24-hour unit for emergency antenatal/postnatal problems and labour and birth.
  • Maternity wards are located on the 4th floor of the Galbraith Building. This is an inpatient antenatal and postnatal service for those who have risk factors or a baby requiring hospital care. The Ward is divided into North and South areas. Visiting hours are between 1pm and 8pm.
  • Neonatal Care Unit provides intensive or special care for babies requiring assistance after birth.
  • Gynaecology & Obstetric Service and Early Pregnancy and Assessment Clinic (EPAC) provides assessment and care for women up to 20 weeks pregnant.
  • Community Midwifery Service provides continued care before and after the birth of your baby.

Specialised Pregnancy Services

  • Specialist Appointment
    An obstetrician is a specialist doctor who provides care for women with complications from the last pregnancy, during this pregnancy, childbirth or the postnatal period. Your midwife/GP will discuss referral with you. You may see the obstetrician once or a number of times depending on the reasons. Clinics are held at Manukau SuperClinic as well as Pukekohe and Papakura Maternity Units.
    Women who have higher risk pregnancies will usually be advised to birth at Middlemore Hospital.
  • Obstetric Medical Clinic (OMC)
    Women with very complex medical problems before or during pregnancy are seen by this service. Some women are seen by a specialist team all through pregnancy but others only once or twice.  You can often continue with your LMC midwife (if you have one) or this service will provide midwifery care along with the obstetricians and physicians (medical doctors).
  • Diabetes in Pregnancy Service
    If you have diabetes or if it is found during your pregnancy this service will manage this side of your care. Midwives, obstetricians, diabetologists, and dietitians all work to help you control your diabetes. Your LMC or community midwife will usually provide basic midwifery care too.
    After baby is born it's important to stay smokefree. The first six weeks is a time many women find challenging. Even if you don't smoke around baby, poisons from the cigarettes will stay in your clothes and hair. Baby will be exposed to these. Talk to your doctor, midwife, nurse or freephone 0800 569568.

Pregnancy and Antenatal Classes:

There are different types of classes available in Counties Manukau. Please contact the provider of your choice for more information about what they can offer you. Also speak with your LMC as they can guide you toward making the decision that’s right for you.

  • Taonga Education Centre 
    Offers teen parent social services, teenager mothers' accommodation and antenatal services
  • Turuki Healthcare offer a different, more culturally informed option to traditional antenatal class (one-day antenatal wananga held several times each year). Sessions are held at Papakura Marae, Māngere, Pukekohe and Manurewa. Phone: 09 275 5788 or 0800 427 892
  • Southseas Healthcare offers Tapuaki pregnancy education courses for pacific women. Sessions are held in Ōtara, Māngere and Manurewa. Phone: 09 273 9017 or text 027 550 9719
  • Plunket parenting education and support. Fee parent helpline and advice service available - Call 0800 933 922.

Useful resources

Referral Expectations

It is a good idea to find a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) to look after you throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period as soon as you know you are pregnant.

 
What are my choices for pregnancy care in Counties Manukau Health (CM Health)?

If you would like to birth at one of the three Primary Birthing Units it is usually best to have a midwife (LMC or community) who uses that unit. Sometimes your GP will recommend a midwife, give you a list of names or refer you to CM Health.

You can call Maternity Administration at Middlemore or one of the Primary Birthing Units to refer yourself for maternity services. We also can help you find an LMC midwife in your area.

 The contact numbers are:

Pregnancy care is best started from around 10 weeks so early registration is strongly recommended. 

All of your information will be kept confidential and will only be used to arrange the best possible care for you. This means that if you have not yet told your family you can still contact us.

Fees and Charges Description

Maternity care in New Zealand is funded by the government for:

  • New Zealand citizens
  • permanent residents
  • those who meet the Ministry of Health eligibility criteria.

To find out if you are eligible for free care, please check the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora guide to eligibility for public health services.

If you need more help please contact the Eligibility Officer at Middlemore Hospital on 276-0060 or

If you are not eligible for funded care, you will need to pay the full cost of any care or treatment you have from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau.

Services / Procedures / Treatments

A-Z of pregnancy and keeping healthy

Please click on the following links for information pamphlets written or selected by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau maternity staff: Amniocentesis and CVS (PDF, 255.9 KB) Aug 2019 Routine Antenatal Anti-D Prophylaxis (PDF, 485.5 KB) Information for pregnant women who are Rh(D) negative. Provided by nzblood.co.nz 2020 Antenatal Classes (PDF, 562.5 KB) Find out where to get FREE classes when you're expecting a baby. 2021 Antenatal Steroids for Preterm Babies (PDF, 133.4 KB) Find out when and why corticosteroids are used during pregnancy. 2017 Breastfeeding Support in South Auckland (PDF, 386.8 KB) October 2022 Breech baby - External Cephalic Version (PDF, 175.1 KB) May 2017 Caesarean Section (PDF, 437.2 KB) March 2015 Chickenpox in Pregnancy (PDF, 139 KB) Dec 2018 Community Birth Unit (PDF, 3.8 MB) Information on the community based (primary) birthing units in Counties Manukau Cord Care and Belly Button Pito Care (PDF, 159.4 KB) Oct 2018 Diabetes During Pregnancy (PDF, 131.7 KB) Oct 2015 Coping with the early stages of labour (PDF, 158.9 KB) Dec 2016 Epilepsy and Pregnancy (PDF, 152.5 KB) March 2020 Group B Streptococcus (PDF, 143.4 KB) Mar 2019 Immunisations During Pregnancy (PDF, 788.8 KB) Find out about getting Whooping Cough, Influenza and COVID-19 immunisations while you are pregnant. April 2023 Induction of Labour (PDF, 670 KB) Learn why and how labour may be induced at Middlemore Hospital. August 2022 Iron and Anaemia in Pregnancy (PDF, 120.4 KB) 2019 Jaundice in the Newborn Baby (PDF, 164.7 KB) Jan 2020 Morning Sickness in Pregnancy (PDF, 117.7 KB) July 2019 Newborn Car Seat Safety & Rental Schemes (PDF, 257.5 KB) Mar 2019 Nipple Shields (PDF, 146.8 KB) June 2016 Options for Family Planning (PDF, 1.2 MB) Oct 2023 Women can opt to have a long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) inserted free of charge after the birth of their baby. Ask your Midwife or GP before baby is 3 months old. Vasectomy Service Funded vasectomy is available to the partners of women who have had a baby in Counties Manukau during the previous six months and are certain their family is complete. Referral is from your Midwife or GP. Pain Relief Choices in Labour (PDF, 253.7 KB) June 2019 Pelvic Floor Exercises (PDF, 297 KB) IUGA 2011 Placenta Praevia (PDF, 137.8 KB) Dec 2016 Post Dates Pregnancy (PDF, 148.8 KB) March 2016 Pre-eclampsia (PDF, 120.1 KB) Jan 2020 Premature Labour What to do? Signs and Prevention (PDF, 207.3 KB) Jan 2020 Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy Hyper (overactive) thyroid (PDF, 149 KB) Jan 2017 Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy Hypo (underactive) thyroid (PDF, 147.7 KB) March 2017 Toxoplasmosis - food related illness (PDF, 153.7 KB) Oct 2018 Twins - Identical (PDF, 499.1 KB) A guide to twin pregnancy. March 2020 Twins - Non Identical/fraternal (PDF, 253.5 KB) A guide to twin pregnancy March 2020 Vitamin K in Newborn Babies (PDF, 113.1 KB) Sept 2019 Water for Labour and Birth (PDF, 205.9 KB) July 2019 When your Waters Break Early - Membrane Rupture at Term (PDF, 107.6 KB) May 2017

Please click on the following links for information pamphlets written or selected by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau maternity staff:

Routine Antenatal Anti-D Prophylaxis

Routine Antenatal Anti-D prophylaxis is available to pregnant women who have a rhesus negative blood group at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Anti-D immunoglobulin is a blood product administered in two doses at a Pharmacy after a consent process is undertaken with your midwife. You will need to get a blood test to check for any unusual antibodies prior to attending one of 12 pharmacies on the same day as your blood test. Your midwife or LMC will talk you through the process. To find out more download the Routine Antenatal Anti-D Phrophylaxis pamphlet from the New Zealand Blood Service The pharmacies below are able to administer Antenatal Anti-D. Please ring before attending to ensure staff are available to provide the service. Pharmacy Name Address Phone number Botany Superclinic Pharmacy 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland (09) 277 1510 Jak's Pharmacy 35 Cavendish Drive, Manukau (09) 262 1815 Liddells Pharmacy 48 King Street, Pukekohe (09) 238 7166 Life Pharmacy Howick Village 75 Picton Street, Howick (09) 534 6811 Life Pharmacy Papakura Roselands Shopping Centre, 96 Great South Road, Papakura (09) 298 5615 Ormiston Kiwi Chemist 211 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush (09) 869 5520 Pohutukawa Coast Pharmacy 129a Beachlands Rd, Beachlands (09) 536 6747 Unichem Leabank Pharmacy 104 Weymouth Road, Manurewa (09) 266 9455 Unichem Mangere Pharmacy 12 Waddon Place, Mangere (09) 265 4929 Unichem Pakuranga 11-13 Cortina Place, Pakuranga (09) 577 1237 Unichem Papatoetoe Pharmacy 63 St George St, Papatoetoe (09) 278 7613 Unichem Takanini Village Pharmacy 2b, Building 2, 30 Walters Road, Takanini (09) 222 0303

Routine Antenatal Anti-D prophylaxis is available to pregnant women who have a rhesus negative blood group at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Anti-D immunoglobulin is a blood product administered in two doses at a Pharmacy after a consent process is undertaken with your midwife. You will need to get a blood test to check for any unusual antibodies prior to attending one of 12 pharmacies on the same day as your blood test.

Your midwife or LMC will talk you through the process.

To find out more download the Routine Antenatal Anti-D Phrophylaxis pamphlet from the New Zealand Blood Service 

The pharmacies below are able to administer Antenatal Anti-D. Please ring before attending to ensure staff are available to provide the service. 

Pharmacy Name Address Phone number
Botany Superclinic Pharmacy 260 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland (09) 277 1510
Jak's Pharmacy 35 Cavendish Drive, Manukau (09) 262 1815
Liddells Pharmacy 48 King Street, Pukekohe (09) 238 7166
Life Pharmacy Howick Village 75 Picton Street, Howick (09) 534 6811
Life Pharmacy Papakura Roselands Shopping Centre,
96 Great South Road, Papakura
(09) 298 5615
Ormiston Kiwi Chemist 211 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush (09) 869 5520
Pohutukawa Coast Pharmacy 129a Beachlands Rd, Beachlands (09) 536 6747
Unichem Leabank Pharmacy 104 Weymouth Road, Manurewa (09) 266 9455
Unichem Mangere Pharmacy 12 Waddon Place, Mangere (09) 265 4929
Unichem Pakuranga 11-13 Cortina Place, Pakuranga (09) 577 1237
Unichem Papatoetoe Pharmacy 63 St George St, Papatoetoe (09) 278 7613
Unichem Takanini Village Pharmacy 2b, Building 2, 30 Walters Road, Takanini (09) 222 0303
Breastfeeding Support Videos

Breastfeeding Naturally is a DVD that follows 9 women on their breastfeeding journey. It includes tips for successful breastfeeding and shows the realities of breastfeeding for women and their families. Click here to view the videos. They are shown in 7 individual chapters.

Breastfeeding Naturally is a DVD that follows 9 women on their breastfeeding journey. It includes tips for successful breastfeeding and shows the realities of breastfeeding for women and their families.

Click here to view the videos.  They are shown in 7 individual chapters.

Free Whooping Cough Booster Information

The whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix) is available free for pregnant women living in the Counties Manukau region from 16 weeks of pregnancy until 38 weeks. It can protect your baby against whooping cough for up to six weeks after they are born. The Pregnancy Pack (available from your Midwife or GP) contains a Boostrix voucher for you to take to your GP before 38 weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended that you have a Boostrix vaccination during each pregnancy from 16 weeks. For more information about immunisations during pregnancy and the Boostrix vaccine please visit www.immunise.health.nz Download our leaflet to find out about getting Covid-19, Influenza and Boostrix vaccinations while you are pregnant. Boostrix and flu immunisations are available free of charge at: Whare Tapu Botany Downs Birthing Unit 292 Botany Road, Golflands. On Fridays, by appointment. Please call 09 259 5032. Your midwife can refer you and the vaccinating nurse will call to arrange a date and time. Other providers of pregnancy vaccinations in South Auckland

The whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix)  is available free for pregnant women living in the Counties Manukau region from 16 weeks of pregnancy until 38 weeks. It can protect your baby against whooping cough for up to six weeks after they are born.

The Pregnancy Pack (available from your Midwife or GP) contains a Boostrix voucher for you to take to your GP before 38 weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended that you have a Boostrix vaccination during each pregnancy from 16 weeks.

For more information about immunisations during pregnancy and the Boostrix vaccine please visit www.immunise.health.nz

Download our leaflet to find out about getting Covid-19, Influenza and Boostrix vaccinations while you are pregnant.

Boostrix and flu immunisations are available free of charge at:

Whare Tapu Botany Downs Birthing Unit
292 Botany Road, Golflands.
On Fridays, by appointment. Please call 09 259 5032.
Your midwife can refer you and the vaccinating nurse will call to arrange a date and time.

Other providers of pregnancy vaccinations in South Auckland

HIV Testing in Pregnancy

For information on HIV testing in pregnancy, please contact your maternity care provider or visit HIV testing in pregnancy (info.health.nz)

For information on HIV testing in pregnancy, please contact your maternity care provider or visit HIV testing in pregnancy (info.health.nz)
Middlemore Hospital Maternity Wards - North and South

The Maternity wards are on the 4th floor of the Galbraith Building, two floors above the birthing unit. It is a busy ward area which has a receptionist and a small waiting area. Care is provided by midwives and nurses. There is a daily specialist ward round for the antenatal women and for any women after birth who need a doctor review. Visiting Visiting hours are between 2pm and 8pm with no more than two people (including children) in addition to the key support person are permitted per patient at one time. A key support person can visit between 8am and 8pm or at all times by arrangement for compassionate reasons - please check with the midwife in charge on the ward your family member or friend is on. Children under the age of 16 may visit between 2pm and 8pm for compassionate reasons – again, please check with the midwife in charge on the ward your family member or friend is on. Will I have to share a room? Most of the rooms are a twin share so that means you will share with one other person only. Because it is a ward only for maternity, you will only share with another woman! We do have some single rooms and they are usually given to women who have: infections which mean they cannot be beside others multiples such as twins or triplets caesarean sections (if possible) a very sick baby to stay for a long time in pregnancy. There are no private rooms and single rooms are not able to be reserved. The Maternity Floor is divided into North and South areas. This allows the staff to be organised and is nothing to do with where you live! South - Antenatal Care Some women need to be in hospital during their pregnancy and this is where they will stay. Most will only stay a few days but others have to stay for longer. Why would I need to be in hospital before my baby is born? There are a number of reasons and most of them are described in the Birthing and Assessment page as almost all women will go there first before being admitted. These reasons include: bleeding diabetes needs more control baby not growing well high blood pressure possibility of premature birth rupture of membranes before 37 weeks. North - Postnatal Care You may need hospital care after the birth of your baby if you have: problems at the birth problems in your pregnancy which means you need extra care at first a caesarean section birth pamphlet after a caesarean a baby who needs extra care by specialist doctors either in or out of neonatal intensive care unit. Many women can transfer to one of the birthing units a day or two later. When you transfer to a unit or when you are ready to go home you will need a car seat suitable for your newborn baby. Have a practice at home before baby arrives so you know how to use it. pamphlet rental schemes How long will I need to stay? While this depends on what has happened, a rough average would be: Vaginal birth - around 48 hours Caesarean Section birth - around 72 to 96 hours but often only 24-36 of this is in Maternity Floor with the rest in a birthing unit. Your postnatal stay is a time to learn how to give basic care to your baby and begin feeding while you have support at every feed. We will cover: all things about feeding such as position, feeding cues and common problems hand expressing of milk hygiene for baby cord care pamphlet blood loss recovery from the birth support in the community breastfeeding support in community resuscitation of baby postnatal and pelvic floor exercises pamphlets contraception pamphlet Jaundice Lots of babies become jaundiced a couple of days after birth as their blood system changes from what they needed inside of you to what they need now they are air breathing. Your baby will have a yellow colouring. This gradually goes away over several days. Sometimes the amount of jaundice is high and the baby cannot get rid of the chemical causing the yellow colour without help. Although the colour of your baby's skin shows us the jaundice, it is a blood test which tells us how high it is and if he/she needs treatment. Using ultraviolet lights and making sure that baby feeds lots is usually what is needed. Sometimes a mother and baby have gone home and because of jaundice need to come back in. Sometimes jaundice can be managed in one of the Primary Birthing Units. pamphlet jaundice Why would I transfer to a birthing unit? Transferring to Botany Downs, Papakura or Pukekohe Primary Birthing Unit is a great move for most women because they: have free parking are quieter at night and not as busy in the day are in places where your other children can have a run around outside have opening windows and doors so you can get some fresh air have better food! have a better number of staff to women so staff are more available to help you.

The Maternity wards are on the 4th floor of the Galbraith Building, two floors above the birthing unit. It is a busy ward area which has a receptionist and a small waiting area.

Care is provided by midwives and nurses. There is a daily specialist ward round for the antenatal women and for any women after birth who need a doctor review.

Visiting

Visiting hours are between 2pm and 8pm with no more than two people (including children) in addition to the key support person are permitted per patient at one time.

A key support person can visit between 8am and 8pm or at all times by arrangement for compassionate reasons - please check with the midwife in charge on the ward your family member or friend is on.

Children under the age of 16 may visit between 2pm and 8pm for compassionate reasons – again, please check with the midwife in charge on the ward your family member or friend is on.

Will I have to share a room?

Most of the rooms are a twin share so that means you will share with one other person only. Because it is a ward only for maternity, you will only share with another woman! We do have some single rooms and they are usually given to women who have:

  • infections which mean they cannot be beside others
  • multiples such as twins or triplets
  • caesarean sections (if possible)
  • a very sick baby
  • to stay for a long time in pregnancy.

There are no private rooms and single rooms are not able to be reserved.

The Maternity Floor is divided into North and South areas. This allows the staff to be organised and is nothing to do with where you live!

South - Antenatal Care

Some women need to be in hospital during their pregnancy and this is where they will stay. Most will only stay a few days but others have to stay for longer. 

Why would I need to be in hospital before my baby is born?

There are a number of reasons and most of them are described in the Birthing and Assessment page as almost all women will go there first before being admitted. These reasons include:

  • bleeding
  • diabetes needs more control
  • baby not growing well
  • high blood pressure
  • possibility of premature birth
  • rupture of membranes before 37 weeks.

North - Postnatal Care

You may need hospital care after the birth of your baby if you have:

  • problems at the birth
  • problems in your pregnancy which means you need extra care at first
  • a caesarean section birth pamphlet after a caesarean
  • a baby who needs extra care by specialist doctors either in or out of neonatal intensive care unit.

Many women can transfer to one of the birthing units a day or two later.

When you transfer to a unit or when you are ready to go home you will need a car seat suitable for your newborn baby. Have a practice at home before baby arrives so you know how to use it. pamphlet rental schemes

How long will I need to stay?

While this depends on what has happened, a rough average would be:

  • Vaginal birth - around 48 hours
  • Caesarean Section birth - around 72 to 96 hours but often only 24-36 of this is in Maternity Floor with the rest in a birthing unit.

Your postnatal stay is a time to learn how to give basic care to your baby and begin feeding while you have support at every feed.

We will cover:

  • all things about feeding such as position, feeding cues and common problems
  • hand expressing of milk
  • hygiene for baby
  • cord care pamphlet
  • blood loss
  • recovery from the birth
  • support in the community breastfeeding support in community
  • resuscitation of baby
  • postnatal and pelvic floor exercises pamphlets
  • contraception pamphlet

Jaundice

Lots of babies become jaundiced a couple of days after birth as their blood system changes from what they needed inside of you to what they need now they are air breathing. Your baby will have a yellow colouring. This gradually goes away over several days.

Sometimes the amount of jaundice is high and the baby cannot get rid of the chemical causing the yellow colour without help. 

Although the colour of your baby's skin shows us the jaundice, it is a blood test which tells us how high it is and if he/she needs treatment.

Using ultraviolet lights and making sure that baby feeds lots is usually what is needed. Sometimes a mother and baby have gone home and because of jaundice need to come back in. Sometimes jaundice can be managed in one of the Primary Birthing Units.

pamphlet jaundice

Why would I transfer to a birthing unit?

Transferring to Botany Downs, Papakura or Pukekohe Primary Birthing Unit is a great move for most women because they:

  • have free parking
  • are quieter at night and not as busy in the day
  • are in places where your other children can have a run around outside
  • have opening windows and doors so you can get some fresh air
  • have better food!
  • have a better number of staff to women so staff are more available to help you.
Postpartum Depression

After the birth of their baby many women feel sad or anxious; this is called the “baby blues”. The baby blues happen in the days just after the birth and usually only last for about a day or up to a week. Most women who feel this way have had no problems and have a healthy baby so it is not caused by a bad experience. For a smaller number of women these feelings become depression. Postpartum depression can start days or months after the baby’s birth and the feelings of sadness are worse than with the blues. This may only get better with treatment so it best to talk to your GP or midwife. In some women depression and anxiety starts before the birth and it is important to tell someone if you are feeling this way. Your family doctor and midwife will ask you some questions every now and again about how you are feeling. There is a service called Maternal Mental Health which specialises in helping women around pregnancy. Some women are taking or need to take medication while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. There are a number of medicines which are known to be safe to use at this time. It is important to never just stop anti-depressant medicines and to take advice from your doctor before you do.

After the birth of their baby many women feel sad or anxious; this is called the “baby blues”.  The baby blues happen in the days just after the birth and usually only last for about a day or up to a week. Most women who feel this way have had no problems and have a healthy baby so it is not caused by a bad experience.
 
For a smaller number of women these feelings become depression. 
 
Postpartum depression can start days or months after the baby’s birth and the feelings of sadness are worse than with the blues. This may only get better with treatment so it best to talk to your GP or midwife.
 
In some women depression and anxiety starts before the birth and it is important to tell someone if you are feeling this way.
 
Your family doctor and midwife will ask you some questions every now and again about how you are feeling. There is a service called Maternal Mental Health which specialises in helping women around pregnancy.
 
Some women are taking or need to take medication while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. There are a number of medicines which are known to be safe to use at this time. It is important to never just stop anti-depressant medicines and to take advice from your doctor before you do.
Support after the Loss of a Baby

Information and support for parents coping with the grief of losing a baby: Miscarriage Support Auckland Inc Twin Loss NZ Sands New Zealand Trauma and Birth Stress Bereavement Support Services Maternal Mental Health Service

Information and support for parents coping with the grief of losing a baby:

Community Prescribing Guide for Maternity Care

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide general practitioners (GPs) and midwives working in the community with a reference of recommendation to prescribe medicines for women and babies under their care. Guidelines do not replace clinical judgement. These guidelines contain two parts which are colour coded as in the brochure below. They are intended to be a brief reference source to cover antenatal and postnatal care in the community. No consideration is given to intrapartum care. The guidelines are intended for use in the community setting, therefore only medicines which are commonly used in the community are included (for example, IV antibiotics are not included in this booklet); this list is not exhaustive. Part 1: Clinical Monographs. This includes diagnosis, patient advice, treatment rationale and drugs of choice. The drug chosen for treatment is primarily based on the most effective treatment that may be used safely in pregnancy and lactation. The medicine monographs in part 2 should be referred to in conjunction with this advice. Part 2: Medicine Monographs. This includes preparations available, indication, dosage, contraindications, cautions, adverse effects, interactions, patient information and data regarding safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. This information has been adapted from the common reference resources which are referenced at the end of each monograph. The disclaimer at the beginning of this section should be read before using the monographs. Consideration is also given to subsidy of pharmaceuticals in the community. Community Prescribing Guide for Maternity Care (PDF, 4.6 MB) The purpose of these guidelines is to provide general practitioners (GPs) and midwives working in the community with a reference of recommendation to prescribe medicines for women and babies under their care. Guidelines do not replace clinical judgement.

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide general practitioners (GPs) and midwives working in the community with a reference of recommendation to prescribe medicines for women and babies under their care. Guidelines do not replace clinical judgement.

These guidelines contain two parts which are colour coded as in the brochure below. They are intended to be a brief reference source to cover antenatal and postnatal care in the community. No consideration is given to intrapartum care. The guidelines are intended for use in the community setting, therefore only medicines which are commonly used in the community are included (for example, IV antibiotics are not included in this booklet); this list is not exhaustive.

Part 1: Clinical Monographs. This includes diagnosis, patient advice, treatment rationale and drugs of choice. The drug chosen for treatment is primarily based on the most effective treatment that may be used safely in pregnancy and lactation. The medicine monographs in part 2 should be referred to in conjunction with this advice.

Part 2: Medicine Monographs. This includes preparations available, indication, dosage, contraindications, cautions, adverse effects, interactions, patient information and data regarding safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. This information has been adapted from the common reference resources which are referenced at the end of each monograph. The disclaimer at the beginning of this section should be read before using the monographs. Consideration is also given to subsidy of pharmaceuticals in the community.

  • Community Prescribing Guide for Maternity Care (PDF, 4.6 MB)

    The purpose of these guidelines is to provide general practitioners (GPs) and midwives working in the community with a reference of recommendation to prescribe medicines for women and babies under their care. Guidelines do not replace clinical judgement.

Visiting Hours

  • Visiting Hours: Maximum of two visitors (including children) plus one key support person between 2pm and 8pm.
  • Overnight Visits: One key support person can stay overnight (8am-8pm) or at all times with prior arrangement for compassionate reasons. Please check with midwife in charge.
  • Children Visitors: Children under 16  may visit between 2pm and 8pm for compassionate reasons. Please check with the midwife in charge.

Refreshments

Counties Manukau Health provides patients and visitors with a number of convenient shopping facilities. On the ground floor, by the main entrance of the Hospital you will find ‘Paataka Place’which includes the Haumanu Pharmacy, Send-a-Basket (florist) and a variety of food and beverage options. 

For more information, visit Counties Manukau Health website.

Travel Directions

Middlemore Hospital is signposted from the following motorway exits:

Southern Motorway

From the North: Princes Street, Ōtāhuhu
From the South: Papatoetoe/Ōtara (East Tāmaki Road) Exit

South-Western Motorway

From either direction: Massey Road.

Public Transport

Middlemore Hospital is on the main southern train line and is serviced by many bus routes.

Access to public transport is available outside the Staff Entrance (Galbraith) on Hospital Road. There is a train station and bus stop. Timetables for these are available from the Information Desk at the Main Entrance.

By bus
Bus stops are situated just outside the Staff Entrance (Galbraith) on Hospital Rd.
For further bus information, see AT website, or phone (09) 366 6400 or toll-free on 0800 10 30 80 if outside the local calling area.

By train
Middlemore Hospital is located next to the railway line with trains stopping frequently at the station outside the hospital. Timetables are available on the station and via AT website.

There are always taxis available from the main entrance.

Parking

There is a very small number of parking spaces at the entrance to the Galbraith Building - these are for dropping off women in labour only. At Birthing & Assessment reception you will be given a pass which allows the driver time to settle the labouring woman into the room before having to move the vehicle.

All other parking is pay parking - this is enforced at all times.

Parking at Middlemore Hospital

Accommodation

Most of the facilities are now single or double rooms. We do not usually have visitors/whānau to stay overnight although there are some circumstances in which this is possible - speak to staff.

Pharmacy

Hospital Pharmacy

Medicines prescribed while patients are in hospital are supplied by the Hospital Pharmacy.

The Hospital Pharmacy does not fill prescriptions when patients are discharged. The closest community pharmacy is located at Middlemore Hospital near the Main Entrance.

Security

All of our inpatient facilities have locking doors - please assist us by not holding them open for people you do not know. In Middlemore facilities, all visitors must check in with the receptionist at the front desk on arrival.

All employees and contractors must display their identification card whilst in the facilities. If babies are required to have tests etc a parent will accompany him/her. Only allow people you know or who are displaying their ID to handle your baby.

Other

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)
There are two ATMs available to make cash withdrawals and deposits. These machines are serviced by the National Bank and the ASB. Most cards are accepted. These machines are located in the Hospital's Main Entrance foyer.

Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene reduces the risk of spreading germs. When you come into the hospital please use the free hand gel that is installed outside the lifts, patient areas and wards.

Items to bring with you for your stay in hospital:

  • Your maternity booklet
  • Cold drinks/drink bottle
  • Food for supporters (at night the cafe is closed)
  • Change for vending machines and parking
  • MP3 or radio (optional), watch or small clock
  • Book, magazines, pens
  • Toilet bag with soap, toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Hair brush, shampoo, face cloth, lip balm
  • Nightdress and underwear
  • Maternity pads
  • Phone card or coins for phone or own cellphone
  • A hat for baby
  • (If not intending to breast feed) Bottles, teats and formula

To take baby home, you will need:

  • Warm baby clothes - hat, cardigan, night dress or stretch and grows, singlet, vests, booties, blanket (in winter, woollen garments)
  • Nappies
  • Safety approved car seat - click here for more information on car seat rental.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY OR ANY VALUABLES WITH YOU AS THERE IS NOWHERE SAFE TO LEAVE THEM.

Contact Details

This page was last updated at 9:24AM on December 23, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Maternity Services | Counties Manukau.