The Bays Hospital maternity guide

The Bays Hospital is a private, not-for-profit hospital on Vale Street in Mornington, run by The Bays Healthcare Group. It has looked after families on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 80 years, and the hospital says about 500 babies are born there each year. In 2022, 505 babies were born at The Bays, according to Safer Care Victoria's performance indicators report. You see a private obstetrician for your pregnancy care, and midwives work with them in the Maternity Unit. To speak with a midwife at any hour, call the Maternity Unit on (03) 5976 5262. The hospital's main number is (03) 5975 2009.

The Bays Hospital maternity at a glance

• Hospital type: Private, not-for-profit hospital
• Run by: The Bays Healthcare Group
• Midwife line: Maternity Unit on (03) 5976 5262, 24 hours
• Pregnancy care options: Private obstetrician who admits at The Bays
• Birth suites: Each has a private ensuite and a deep bath
• Nursery: Special Care Nursery, near the operating theatres
• Typical stay: About four nights after the birth
• Tours: Sundays at 3.30pm

Where is The Bays maternity ward, and how do I contact it?

• Address: The Bays Hospital, Vale Street, Mornington VIC 3931
• Entrance and parking: the main reception entrance is on Vale Street. The main car park is off Vale Street, and parking is free for patients and visitors.
• Maternity Unit (24 hours): (03) 5976 5262, to speak with a midwife
• Hospital main number: (03) 5975 2009
• In labour: the hospital does not publish a labour instruction, so call the Maternity Unit on the 24-hour number before you leave home and ask where to go.

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

The Bays is a private hospital, so your pregnancy care is led by an obstetrician. You need a referral first.

1. Get a referral. Your GP or obstetrician refers you to one of the hospital's obstetricians. That doctor looks after you through pregnancy and helps plan your birth and stay.
2. Choose your obstetrician. The Bays has a Find a doctor search on its website for obstetricians and paediatricians.
3. Book in and complete the admission forms. The hospital provides a maternity admission pack to download from its maternity page.
4. Check your cover. If you have private health insurance, ask your fund about pregnancy cover, any excess or gap, and waiting periods. If you do not have cover, the hospital offers self-funded maternity packages. Call (03) 5975 2009 for details.

What pregnancy care options does The Bays Hospital offer?

• Private obstetrician care. You choose your obstetrician for pregnancy, birth and afterwards. Midwives, nurses, paediatricians and anaesthetists work alongside them.
• Self-funded packages. For women without private pregnancy cover who choose to give birth at The Bays.
• Prenatal education. The hospital lists prenatal education to help you prepare for childbirth. Online childbirth education through Birth Beat is also available, at extra cost.

To compare private and public care, read the Better Health Channel page Pregnancy and birth care options.

What are the birth suites at The Bays like?

The birth suites are spacious and private. Each has an ensuite with a full-size bath and shower. They are close to the operating theatres and the High Dependency Unit, and an anaesthetist and paediatric support are available if you need them. Your midwives talk through your options and support your birth preferences.

Can I tour The Bays maternity unit?

The Bays website says tours run every Sunday at 3.30pm and you do not need to book. Go to the Maternity Unit on the day and one of the midwives shows you around.

Does The Bays Hospital have a special care nursery?

Yes. Babies normally stay with you from birth. The Special Care Nursery is for babies who are premature, unwell or need closer observation. It is close to the operating theatres and the High Dependency Unit. Check with your health fund about cover for special care nursery, anaesthetist and paediatrician fees, and about ambulance cover if a baby is moved to another hospital.

How long will I stay at The Bays Hospital after giving birth?

Most people stay about four nights. You have a private room, and the time is used for feeding, baby care, getting ready to go home and learning about community support. Your partner is welcome to stay overnight, and most rooms have a double bed. Partners can buy meals for a small fee. Visiting hours are flexible, with quiet time so you can rest, and you can decline any visitor. Children must be with an adult at all times.

What support is there after I take my baby home?

• Feeding support: midwives and lactation consultants help with feeding during your stay, whether you breastfeed or use formula.
• Your obstetrician and the Maternity Unit: ask your midwife before you leave how to reach the unit with questions.
• Maternal and Child Health Line: a 24-hour line staffed by maternal and child health nurses, on 13 22 29.
• NURSE-ON-CALL: advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, on 1300 60 60 24. In an emergency, call 000.

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

Other maternity hospitals near Mornington

• Peninsula Private Hospital Private
• Peninsula University Hospital (Frankston) Public
• Casey Hospital Public
• St John of God Berwick Hospital Private
• Dandenong Hospital Public

See all Victorian birthing hospitals.

The Bays Hospital maternity FAQs

Hospital details checked against The Bays Healthcare Group 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.