Pregnancy care
The Cassowary Hub Maternity Service offers Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) and 24 hour obstetric cover.
We have services at :
Cassowary Hub Maternity Service
You can ask your doctor to refer you to the Midwifery Group Practice when you confirm your pregnancy.
You can also book in yourself to the Midwifery Group Practice by calling 07 4016 1475.
we recommend you book in as early as possible in your pregnancy.
Midwifery Group Practice
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) is where women are supported and cared for by the same midwife or midwives for their pregnancy, labour, birth and after the birth for about 6 to 8 weeks.
Your midwife will be your primary carer during your pregnancy. You'll have their mobile number and will be able to contact them at any time.
You'll meet other midwives during your pregnancy who will care for you if your midwife is away. If you can’t reach your midwife, please phone the maternity unit on 07 4016 1475. You can call 24 hours a day.
Shared care with the obstetric team at Cairns Hospital
Most women have normal, uncomplicated pregnancies and births. But some women may may need to see an obstetrician for some medical or pregnancy conditions.
An obstetrician who is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth.
If you do need to see an obstetrician, the Midwifery Group Practice will offer antenatal and post-natal care in consultation with the Cairns Hospital obstetric team. You may need to give birth at Cairns Hospital.
You may need to be referred to a specialist obstetrician if you have:
- a complicated medical history
- had a previous difficult pregnancy needing specialist care
- a pregnancy that isn't progressing normally
- a multiple pregnancy such as twins.
Childbirth Education Classes
We run childbirth education classes every month. Contact the maternity unit for dates and times on 07 4016 1475.
Birthing options
Birth suite
Your local birthing hospital is Innisfail Hospital.
At Innisfail Hospital, there are 2 birth suites. We’ll help you feel as comfortable as possible. If everything is going as planned, you’ll be looked after by a midwife with doctors on call 24/7 if they’re needed.
Water immersion
You may be offered water immersion for labour and birth if appropriate.
Special care
If your baby is sick or premature you may need specialist care after birth. If this happens, your baby may need to be transferred and admitted to the Special Care Baby Nursery at Cairns Hospital or the Neonatal Unit at Townsville Hospital.
Giving birth
When you're in labour
When you think you are in labour, contact your midwife. If you can’t contact your midwife, call the Innisfail Maternity Unit on 07 4016 1475 and they'll tell you what to do next.
If you have an emergency, go straight to Innisfail Hospital emergency or call triple zero (000).
After you have your baby
After discharge from hospital your midwife will arrange to visit you at home and provide care for up to six weeks. After that you will be referred to your GP or local Child Health Nurse.
Child Health Clinics
You can call Innisfail Child Health Clinic on 07 4016 1381 to make an appointment.
Support services
Advice and support services you might need during pregnancy and caring for your baby.
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Innisfail Maternity Unit
Phone: 07 4016 1475
Mums and Bubs Group
Innisfail Maternity Unit
Phone: 07 4016 1475
Lactation consultant advice
Innisfail Maternity Unit
Lactation consultants available on request
Phone: 07 4016 1475
Innisfail Child Health Clinic
Innisfail Hospital
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 07 4016 1381