Ashford Hospital maternity guide

Ashford Hospital is a private, not-for-profit hospital on Anzac Highway in Ashford, Adelaide. It is a member of the Adelaide Community Healthcare Alliance (ACHA). You have your pregnancy care with a private obstetrician who is accredited at Ashford, and the hospital's midwives care for you in labour and after the birth. The Maternity Unit is on the second floor and has a Level 5 Nursery. If you think you are in labour, call the maternity midwives on (08) 8375 5237, day or night, before you leave home. The main hospital number is (08) 8375 5222.

Ashford Hospital maternity at a glance

• Hospital type: Private, not-for-profit hospital
• Owned by: Adelaide Community Healthcare Alliance (ACHA)
• In labour: Call the midwives on (08) 8375 5237, day or night
• Pregnancy care options: Private obstetrician accredited at Ashford Hospital
• Labour Suites: Second floor, with ensuites and wireless fetal monitoring
• Nursery: Level 5 Nursery, staffed 24 hours
• Typical stay: About 3 to 4 nights, or 4 to 5 after a caesarean

Where is Ashford Hospital maternity, and how do I contact it?

• Address: Maternity Unit, second floor, Ashford Hospital, 55 Anzac Highway, Ashford SA 5035
• Maternity midwives: (08) 8375 5237, any time of day or night, for labour or if your baby is moving less from 26 weeks
• Hospital switchboard: (08) 8375 5222
• Maternity tours and Newborn Support Service: (08) 8375 5218. You can also email ashford.maternitybookings@acha.org.au to book a tour.
• Parking: the Care Park multi-level car park, on the corner of Everard and Alexander Avenues, is open 24 hours
• In labour: phone the midwives first, so they can get ready for you. Come in through the main entrance on Marleston Avenue and go to the reception desk, where staff will arrange your admission.

How do I book in to have my baby at Ashford Hospital?

Ashford is a private hospital, so your care is led by an obstetrician who is accredited there. The first step is usually your GP.

1. See your GP. Ask your GP to refer you to an obstetrician accredited at Ashford Hospital.
2. See your obstetrician. Your chosen obstetrician reviews you and plans your pregnancy care.
3. Complete your admission online. After that first review, fill in the online admission form (eAdmissions) as soon as you can.
4. Check your cover. The hospital suggests you confirm your level of cover with your health fund before you arrive, and ask your fund at least three months before your due date whether you need to add your baby to your cover. You can still give birth at Ashford without private health insurance, as a self-insured patient.
5. Book classes and a tour. Book classes online. To arrange a tour with a midwife, call (08) 8375 5218 or email the maternity bookings team.

What pregnancy care options does Ashford Hospital offer?

• Private obstetrician care. You choose a private obstetrician who is accredited at Ashford. They care for you through pregnancy and the birth, with support from the hospital's midwives.
• Your choice of paediatrician. You choose your baby's paediatrician. You usually have at least two visits with them: one in hospital and a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks after you go home. Paediatricians attend all caesarean births but not routine vaginal births, unless you ask.
• Antenatal classes. Having and Caring for Your Baby runs on Saturdays (9.30am to 11.30am or 12.30pm to 2.30pm), ideally at 28 to 32 weeks, for up to 10 couples. Establishing Breastfeeding is a one-hour class for Ashford mothers at 36 to 38 weeks. Partners Do Make a Difference is a two-hour session for partners. Some classes can be watched online.
• Maternity tours. A midwife shows you the Birth Suites and the Maternity Suites and answers your questions.

To compare private and public care, see SA Health's Choices for pregnancy care page.

What are the Ashford Hospital labour suites like?

The Labour Suites are on the second floor. Each has a multifunctional birthing bed, birthing balls, an ensuite, a television and Wi-Fi, and there is a kitchenette for you and your support person. Fetal monitoring is wireless and waterproof, so you can walk around or use the shower in early labour, and your obstetrician can check your progress remotely. One suite has a large spa bath for early labour, but Ashford does not offer water births. Pain relief options include nitrous oxide and an epidural. Caesareans take place in the ground floor operating theatres, and your support person (aged 18 or over) is encouraged to be there, in agreement with your obstetrician and anaesthetist.

See inside: watch the maternity unit video tour (video by ACHA Health, 2025).

Does Ashford Hospital have a special care nursery?

Yes. Ashford has a Level 5 Nursery, which the hospital describes as the highest level of private neonatal care in South Australia. It cares for premature babies and newborns who need extra support, and it is staffed 24 hours a day. Access is limited to authorised people and approved visitors. Most healthy babies do not need the Nursery and stay in your room with you.

How long will I stay at Ashford Hospital after giving birth?

As a guide, Ashford says to expect three to four nights after a vaginal birth and four to five nights after a caesarean, depending on your needs. You stay in a private Postnatal Maternity Suite with an ensuite. Your partner or support person can stay overnight on a sofa bed, and their meals are included. Children cannot stay overnight. Once your obstetrician and your baby's paediatrician say you can go home, aim to leave by 10am.

What are the Ashford Hospital maternity visiting hours?

Maternity visiting hours are strictly 2pm to 7pm, with only two visitors at a time. Your baby's brothers and sisters can visit, but no other children. The general hospital visiting hours (11am to 8pm) are different, so use the maternity times.

What support is there after I take my baby home?

• Newborn Support Service: Ashford midwives see you by appointment for up to 6 weeks after you leave hospital, on Tuesdays from 8am to 4pm and Thursdays from 11am to 4pm. Call (08) 8375 5218 to make an appointment.
• Paediatrician follow-up: your baby's paediatrician usually sees your baby again 6 to 8 weeks after you go home.
• Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS): appointments on 1300 733 606, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
• Parent Helpline: 1300 364 100, 7.15am to 9.15pm, for parents of children from birth to five years. After hours, calls go to healthdirect.
• healthdirect: 1800 022 222, 24 hours, 7 days.

For sleep, follow the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations from your first night at home.

Other maternity hospitals in Adelaide

• Women's and Children's Hospital Public
• Calvary North Adelaide Hospital Private
• Flinders Medical Centre Public
• Lyell McEwin Hospital Public

See all South Australia birthing hospitals.

Ashford Hospital maternity FAQs

Hospital details checked against Ashford Hospital and the Adelaide Community Healthcare Alliance on 21 October 2026. Services and contact details can change, so confirm with the hospital before you go. This page is general information and is not medical advice.