Welcome to the Maternity Unit at St Vincents & Mercy Private Hospital. St Vincents Private has provided exceptional maternity services to the people of Melbourne for over 60 years. At St Vincents we understand that pregnancy, childbirth and the early postpartum period are special times in the womens' lives. We offer high quality personalised care and attention from our integrated collaborative team of obstetricians, paediatricians and highly qualified midwives and nursing staff.
Our dedicated midwifery and nursing staff are committed to ensuring that you and your family are supported throughout your pregnancy and birth. Individualised parenting education and breast feeding support is available to assist you in your first few days as a parent.
Our obstetricians and paediatricians are renowned for their knowledge and expertise in providing mother and baby with the best care. Frequent antenatal visits and post natal follow-ups ensure the provision of safe and holistic specialized medical care.
For a list of obstetricians accredited at St Vincents Private, please click here.
St Vincents & Mercy Private Hospital offers clinical placement to undergraduate/post graduate nurses and midwives. Many private hospitals have affiliations with Universities, so during your stay you may be asked to have a Student Midwife present with our experienced staff in the delivery of your care. We appreciate your support for the future of Nursing and Midwifery.
Your Doctor will book you into St Vincent’s & Mercy Private. On receiving your booking, our Maternity Booking Centre will send you a patient information pack with information detailing the service we provide here at St Vincents.
If you have not yet decided on your Obstetrician please refer to our list of Obstetricians .
For further information regarding the booking process telephone the Maternity Booking Centre (03) 9411 7444.
The Mother & Baby Safety Checklist will assist you in managing your responsibilities as a patient of St Vincents & Mercy Private. back to top
The benefits available under health benefit schedules vary considerably from one fund to another. St Vincents Private has agreements with most private health funds and the Maternity Booking Centre personnel can help in determining the level of cover your health fund provides. For more information contact the Maternity Booking Centre on (03) 9411 7444.
When your labour begins, telephone the Birth Suite, through the hospital switchboard, on (03) 9411 7111 and discuss your situation with one of the Registered Midwives. You may also telephone the Birth Suite at any time with queries or concerns. On arrival at the hospital, please confirm your details with staff at Reception on the ground floor. After 10.30 pm, the front entry gates on Victoria Parade are locked. If you are arriving after that time use the intercom at the right of the gates.

For a normal birth, you will usually spend between 3–4 nights in hospital, and for a caesarean section up to 5 nights. This may vary depending on your general well-being and that of your baby.
Visiting hours are 2-4pm and 7-8 pm. Undisturbed Mother’s rest period is from 11am-12 pm.
WHAT TO BRING TO HOSPITAL
For Mother:
Night attire, casual clothes(optional), toiletries, nursing pads, maternity pads (2 pkts), medicare card, blood group card, health Insurance details, hot/cold packs and all current medication.
For Baby:
Baby outfits(5-6), bunny rugs( 5-6), baby bonnet and booties. Nappy fasteners and pilchers are optional.
* Please label all clothes clearly with your name.Discharge planning is an important component of your care at St Vincents. The Midwives will assist you in organising this and arranging the necessary support you may require in going home.
Discharge time is 9.30 am.back to top
Videos and photos of your infant may be taken in delivery suite, but not while the birth is in progress. Video recorders are not permitted in the operating theatre at any time. Photos of staff may be taken, but only with their consent. Professional photographers are available to take photos of your baby if required.
If you are experiencing any problems after you have left St Vincents Private either call your Obstetrician, Paediatrician, GP or the following: