We provide newborn care for babies born at Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane. A qualified and caring Paedicare paediatrician visits the maternity ward and Special Care Nursery every day and we always have a paediatrician on call after hours in case of emergencies.
Attending the birth
In the majority of births a paediatrician is not required to attend. Your obstetrician may request that the paediatrician be present when your baby is born if there are any concerns about the baby being unwell or if the birth is more complex.
Baby check by the paediatrician
During your stay in hospital the paediatrician will provide newborn care by performing a complete medical assessment to confirm your baby is well and has not been born with any abnormalities or health issues. At least two or three checks are needed; soon after birth, prior to discharge and more depending on the progress of your baby. A further check is also recommended at six weeks of age to confirm that your baby is growing and developing normally. Some heart conditions and other medical problems cannot be detected until a few weeks after your baby is born.
Routine tests
Hearing check: Your baby’s hearing will be checked with special equipment by a staff member trained in its use. One to two babies per 1000 will be born with permanent hearing loss. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss improves language and learning outcomes.
Heel prick blood: This tests the baby for some uncommon but treatable medical conditions including hypothyroidism, Cystsic Fibrosis, and metabolic diseases. If problems with the test are detected the paediatrician will be informed and will contact you.
Oximetry [blood oxygen levels]: This test rules out uncommon breathing and heart problems in baby, which can occasionally be difficult to detect on routine physical examination. A small probe will be attached to your baby’s hand and foot measuring the oxygen level in baby’s blood stream.
If your baby becomes unwell
Mater Mothers’ Private Brisbane has a Special Care Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to assist with newborn care. Babies admitted to the Special Care Nursery have their care supervised by our paediatrician. We work closely as a team with the highly trained nursing and midwifery staff.
Baby health problems requiring paediatric care
Prematurity: It is common for babies to be born a little too early. Babies born extremely early, <32 weeks and <1500g in weight are usually cared for by specialist neonatologists working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Those who are born less premature can be managed in Mater Mothers’ Special Care Nursery. Generally, we are able to look after babies born after 32 weeks gestation and estimated to be >1500 grams in weight. If your baby is likely to be delivered early your obstetrician will discuss your circumstances with the paediatrician.
Common health issues which can affect these babies include breathing difficulties, feeding problems, low blood sugar, difficulty maintaining body temperature and jaundice.
Many small babies need to be nursed in incubator cots so they can be kept warm. Babies with breathing difficulty may need to be given some extra oxygen and occasionally oxygen prongs are placed in the nose [CPAP] to make baby’s breathing easier. Some babies are born too early to suck well and need to be fed through a fine plastic tube [a nasogastric tube], which is inserted through the nose and into the stomach.
Occasionally babies also need to be given fluid through an intravenous drip in the first days. If there is a risk of baby suffering infection, antibiotic treatment may need to be given through the IV line.
Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin. It is common in newborn babies between days three to five of life. If this problem becomes more severe than usual babies are treated under special phototherapy lights.
Hip dislocation [developmental dysplasia of the hip of DDH]: This is a reasonably common problem affecting six to 12 out of 1,000 babies. In DDH the hip joint has not formed normally and the ‘ball’ part of the hip joint is at risk of moving in and out of the socket. This problem is generally detected with a physical examination.
Some babies are at high risk of this problem, including breech babies, baby girls, and children with a direct family history of hip dislocation. These babies may require a hip ultrasound examination. Occasionally the hip problem is not able to be detected at the initial examination, so a six week check is particularly important.
Tongue tie: Most people have a band of tissue under the tongue called the frenulum. Occasionally, this band is short and attaches towards the tip of the tongue. In this circumstance breastfeeding can be difficult. Your paediatrician will be able to discuss this issue with you if required.
Our fees
Paedicare charge a fee for newborn care, which includes a complete medical assessment soon after birth. The number of additional visits depends on the progress of your baby, but if all is well it usually involves two to three subsequent visits.
If a paediatrician is required to attend the delivery an extra fee will apply. When baby ‘rooms in’ with mother the fees cannot be charged to the health fund. The only eligible rebate is Medicare, if applicable. Please contact Paedicare reception for fee details. If your baby is admitted to the Special Care Nursery or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit any Paedicare specialist fees will be charged to your private health fund.
Medicare rebates
We recommend you enroll your baby with Medicare as soon as possible after birth so you can obtain a rebate for Paedicare services. Applying for your baby’s Medicare number online is the quickest way to register. Once you have your baby’s Medicare number, please phone Paedicare reception and we will be happy to process your Medicare rebate over the phone on your behalf. Your total out-of-pocket costs may be reduced if you have reached your Medicare safety net.
Bookings
Did you know privately insured mums are usually able to choose their preferred paediatrician to care for their baby, just like they choose their preferred obstetrician? Read more information about the things you may like to consider if choosing a paediatrician to care for your baby.
To request the Paedicare team as your preferred paediatricians to care for your baby at birth, please inform your obstetrician. Your obstetrician will then arrange the referral to Paedicare on your behalf.