Ante-natal Care 

 Netcare has established 23 Stork's Nest clinics at a variety of its hospitals with maternity facilities. These Stork's Nests provide care for prospective parents before the birth of their baby, as well as post-natal care of the parents and the baby in a comprehensive range of services. New parents registering on the maternity passport will have access to a range of free services.

In the Stork's Nests the new parents have access to a 24-hour crisis line, ante-and post-natal support, breastfeeding support, well-baby clinics, vaccinations of the newborn after discharge from the hospital and parent support and counselling. In providing these services, the Stork's Nest:

• assists in the formation of healthy family bonds
• provide a holistic, supportive and therapeutic environment
• provide in the educational needs of new families
• improve communication between the new family and the hospital, caregivers and the community
• acts as a referral source for families.

The Stork's Nests complement the services of the outstanding maternity units in Netcare hospitals, and ensure the highest possible level of care for both new parents and new baby.

Some of the services provided at our Stork's Nests include:

Ante-natal education
During these 6 weekly lectures prospective parents are introduced to the changes expected during pregnancy, the labour and birth, and several other topics which may help them ease into the transition to being new parents. These lectures are offered by expert midwives.

Breastfeeding preparation and support
As breastfeeding provides the best possible nutrition for any new baby, emphasis is placed on preparing a new mother for initiating and sustaining breastfeeding and Netcare supports breastfeeding however, the patient choice is respected regarding breastfeeding. On-going advice is also available after discharge from the hospital.