Hospital birth
Women may plan to give birth in hospital so they’re close to medical and emergency care if they need it.
On this page
Support and care in hospital
If you have your baby in hospital, who cares for you during your labour and birth depends on your model of care.
This may include:
- a hospital midwife
- hospital doctors
- your MGP midwife
- your private midwife.
You'll see an obstetrician if you have complication, a medical condition, or if you have chosen a private obstetrician model of care.
Having your baby in hospital also means there are medical staff and emergency teams nearby. If you have any complications, you’ll be treated faster because you’re already in hospital.
If you and your baby are healthy, you may be able to go home 4 to 6 hours after giving birth.
As a private patient
You can have a baby in public hospitals as a private patient. In some hospitals you can have your private midwife with you if they have admitting rights at your hospital. If you're in a rural or remote area you may have a GP obstetrician.
Getting to know your hospital
If you're thinking of giving birth in a hospital, call and ask about their services, facilities and any guidelines. For example, how many people can be with you at the birth, and whether children can be there. Visiting or taking a virtual tour of the maternity ward may give you a better idea of what to expect.
Some hospitals have birth pools, private rooms, and a place for your partner or support person to stay overnight.
Some hospitals offer more care and support after you go home, such as home visits and breastfeeding advice. Ask your GP or midwife what support you'll get after you have your baby, or check with your hospital before discharge.
Which public hospitals can you give birth in
Public hospitals in Queensland offer different levels of maternity care. Smaller hospitals usually care for women with low risk pregnancies, while larger hospitals can support more complex pregnancies and provide specialist care for premature or unwell babies. Low risk doesn’t mean no risk. Problems can still happen during pregnancy, so it’s important to have regular check ups. You can compare maternity services in different hospitals on the Inform My Care website.
Unless there's a complication, most people give birth at their nearest hospital where it’s safe to have their baby. Your GP or midwife can talk to you about your options, and the level of care you need.