The Special Care Baby Unit can accommodate babies over 32 weeks' gestation
Women who are expected to have complications requiring a 24-hour blood bank service or an Intensive Care Unit are advised to give birth at North Shore Hospital
National Women’s Health at Auckland City Hospital provides tertiary-level care
Community Services
Liaison Midwife Finding a midwife can be a very confusing and stressful time, especially for first time mothers or those who have found the system has changed since their last child The Liaison Midwife informs women of their choices as to who can provide them with pregnancy care They will also discuss what may suit each individual woman best and make the appropriate referrals to ensure antenatal care begins
Community Midwifery This team of midwives provides support for the antenatal clinics and provides antenatal and postnatal care for women unable to register with an LMC in West Auckland
Aratika Midwives This is a small group of midwives who provides continuity of care for women with complex maternity needs
Antenatal Clinic Services For secondary obstetric, obstetric physician or anaesthetic consultations as required
Childbirth Education Includes courses of both antenatal classes and breastfeeding workshops
Lactation Consultant Clinics Get expert advice for specific breastfeeding problems from qualified lactation consultants
Facility Services
Birthing Facilities
2 birthing areas
8 birthing rooms
2 deep water birth pools
for women who are cared for by the community midwifery service, care during labour and birth is provided by Waitakere facility midwives
Postnatal Wards
2 postnatal wards - Te Henga and Piha – which feature a total of
30 postnatal beds
average length of stay for women who have had a natural vaginal birth is 2 - 3 days
average length of stay for women who have had a Caesarean Section is 3 - 5 days
Services available for maternity clients include:
Physiotherapy: providing individual assessment, advice and treatment for women
Lactation Consultant: to support women with complex breastfeeding issues and to provide practical breastfeeding workshops
Social Work: experienced social workers provide confidential counselling and advocacy services and information on community support
Cultural Support: Te Puna O Te Ora Services provide cultural support to Māori women and their whanau, providing access to health, advocacy and the appropriate support services where required
A Pacific Island Community Liaison worker advocates and liaises between members of Pacific Island communities and maternity to improve access for women and their families