The postnatal period, which is sometimes referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is a crucial stage in establishing both the mum's and the baby’s well-being. Most maternal and infant deaths happen in the first six weeks after delivery.1   That’s why effective postnatal care is important to ensure the baby’s health and the recovery and adjustment of the mum after childbirth.

• Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for new mums. Our postnatal care services include proper support and guidance to help you establish and maintain an adequate milk supply for your baby. 

• Lactation Consultation Referral

The pregnancy care can refer you to expert lactation consultants to provide you with more specialised and personalised assistance in addressing your breastfeeding needs.

• Postpartum Physical Therapy Referral

After childbirth, many women experience one or several musculoskeletal challenges that make it difficult to care for their newborn and even themselves. The pregnancy doctors in Gold Coast can offer referrals to postpartum physical therapists if you experience the following:

• • Pelvic pain or dysfunction
  • Urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles
  • Low back pain
  • Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscle)

• Postpartum Depression Support

Mental health is just as important as physical health. As your body and mind go through many changes during and after childbirth, we are here to provide you with compassionate support and proper resources.

Gynaecological care encompasses a range of medical services focused on women’s reproductive health at all stages of life. It includes preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and education on various reproductive health topics. 

• Annual Exams

The doctors provide routine gynaecological exams, also known as well-women exams, to help women maintain their reproductive health. These typically include:

• • Pelvic examination
  • Breast examination
  • General physical examination
  • Abdominal examination

• Pap Tests (Pap Smears)

Pap tests are conducted to screen for cervical cancer and involve collecting and examining cells from the cervix. Regular pap tests help detect changes in the cervical cells that suggest potential risk for cancer. Doing this test gives you greater chances of detecting cancer at an early, more treatable stage.

• Birth Control Counselling

Birth control offers numerous benefits apart from preventing unwanted pregnancies, which include regulating menstrual cycles, relieving endometriosis and PCOS symptoms, and more. Our healthcare professionals can offer guidance and support to individuals or couples about the various birth control options available. 

Our sexual health services offer individuals information on prevention tools for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unintended pregnancy, contraception, and prenatal care. We aim to provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment to address all your concerns.

• STD Testing and Treatment

We offer comprehensive and confidential screening for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is highly recommended to get tested for STIs if:

• • You are sexually active
  • You and your partner are not using condoms or other barrier methods of birth control
  • You or your partner have had multiple partners
  • You have symptoms that suggest you might have an STI

• Contraception Counselling

We provide comprehensive counselling on various contraception methods, ensuring that you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

• Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring your and your baby’s health. It helps us ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Our doctors can also talk to you about any concerns you may have and provide guidance on various aspects of pregnancy.

• Childbirth Education and Reproductive Health Support

At Coolangatta Medical Centre, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a healthy reproductive life and overall well-being. We offer classes and resources to help individuals understand the different aspects of reproductive health, including family planning, sexual health, and maternal health.

Maternity care in Australia encompasses a range of medical, emotional, and practical support to ensure the well-being of both the mum and the baby throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

There are various maternity care options available in Australia, including:

• Public maternity care
• Private maternity care
• Shared care
• Homebirth

Making the best choice depends on what’s important for you and your partner. It’s best to take into account the level of medical intervention needed, the birthing environment you feel most comfortable in, the type of prenatal support you prefer, and any budget, cultural, and religious considerations you may have.

Pregnancy care in public and private hospitals may offer different experiences depending on the specific services and amenities they provide.

Public hospital:

• Medicare covers most of the expenses during the pregnancy and birth
• You can choose your type of prenatal care
• You can opt for minimal medical involvement during childbirth while still having access to medical intervention if necessary
• If complications arise, most large public hospitals can provide medical attention for both you and your baby
• During pregnancy, you may not have the same midwife or doctor for all your appointments
• Following delivery, you will most likely be in a hospital room shared with others

Private hospital:

• You can choose the doctor who will be with you throughout your pregnancy, from delivery to postpartum
• You may have the option to select a more convenient place for your pregnancy care
• After giving birth, you can choose to remain in the hospital for a few days
• Not having private health insurance can be costly, and there may be extra costs that your insurance doesn’t cover