Home & Lifestyle Spring 2018

FOCUS ON CHILDREN

Gosford Private for a home like environment R ight from the beginning of life, the importance of safe, tranquil and comfortable spaces plays an important role in our sense of health, belonging and wellbeing. At Gosford Private Hospital they have embraced this ethos, re-styling the hospital’s private Maternity Ward to ensure all families are able to relax in a comfortable environment, promoting a feeling of security and being ‘at home’. “A growing body of evidence exists demonstrating positive birthing outcomes for women when birthing in a ‘homelike’ environment. Themedicalised, highly technological environment of hospitals can unknowingly concern families and increase anxieties. Fear is counterproductive to labour so the importance of an environment which supports security, safety, warmth and comfort is beneficial,” says Gosford Private Maternity Manager, Robyn Gasparotto. Gosford Private has recently engaged with local Central Coast stylists, Aspire Property Styling, to re-style the hospital’s five Birthing Suites with natural elements, warm neutral colours and soft furnishings and artworks, promoting an environment which helps to relax women in labour, and stimulate the intricate balance of hormones released during birth. “Our qualified and experienced Midwives understand that an atmosphere promoting peace and calm for your baby’s birth, and supports the release of endorphins, promoting a satisfying and joyous experience.” says Robyn. Combined with this ‘homelike’ environment, the Birthing Suites include relaxing baths for women choosing to use water immersion as a gentle and natural method of pain relief. The warm baths promote freedom to move and promote many therapeutic benefits, including feelings of positivity and increased satisfaction. After birth, the women and their partners are provided ongoing, compassionate care within the Maternity Ward, supporting each family’s sense of purpose, belonging and personal growth. This includes partners ‘rooming in’ with the new mothers and the provision of meals throughout the couples week-long stay. “Gosford Private provides an atmosphere designed to empower women to feel safe and nurtured, while remaining under the care of their chosen Specialist. We recognise that the first days after birth are an important time for bonding and establishing the foundations of new parenthood, and improving that experience for families is aided by the design and creation of a more ‘homelike’ environment.”