Frequently Asked Questions
Seeing a private specialist can sometimes feel confusing, expensive or unclear. At Nest, one of our highest priorities is making sure families feel fully informed – about costs, appointments, communication and everything in between.
We believe in clarity and transparency, so you always know what to expect. And we’re always happy to answer any question, big or small. For fees, Medicare and private health, see our Fees page.
Registration and bookings
- Register onlineBook your free antenatal video consult through our website.
- Meet us before birthTalk through any questions and feel prepared well before your due date.
- We’re there when your baby arrivesYour baby’s hospital care is coordinated by a Nest neonatologist.
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You can register directly through our website to book your free antenatal video consult. Many families also find us during pregnancy through their Grace Private obstetrician. Either way, the antenatal consult is a chance to meet us, talk through any questions, and feel prepared well before your due date.
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We cap the number of families we care for each month so that every baby receives safe, thorough and unhurried attention. If we're at capacity for your expected month, we'll offer you a place on our waitlist. Our team is growing – with neonatologists and paediatricians joining Nest to expand our capacity and extend our care into childhood through Nest Children's.
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Through our online booking page – for routine consults or specific concerns like feeding, growth, sleep, or development. You're welcome to book whether or not you received in-hospital care with us. If you're unsure which appointment suits, reach out and we'll help you find the right starting point.
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You're welcome to self-refer at any time – we don't require a GP letter to book. A referral from your GP or specialist is needed if you'd like to access a Medicare rebate. If you're unsure what applies, get in touch and we'll walk you through it.
Your baby’s care
- NestSpecialist newborn and paediatric care – in hospital, in clinic and as your child grows.
- Your GPYour family’s everyday doctor, including routine vaccinations and referrals.
- Your child health nurseRegular growth checks, and feeding and settling support close to home.
After each appointment, we write to your GP and obstetrician – and give you a copy of our letter too.
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Your baby's care at Nest is led by a neonatologist – a paediatrician with additional years of subspecialty training in newborn medicine, including intensive care, emergency resuscitation, and complex follow-up. This is expertise usually found in NICUs. From the very first breath, your baby is in the hands of a team prepared for every scenario – a smooth transition, urgent support in the delivery room, escalation to a higher level of care if needed, or a subtle sign that needs early attention. We treat caring for your baby as a privilege, not a tick-box.
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Every clinician involved in your care is a senior member of our team – fully qualified neonatologists, paediatricians, and our neonatal nurse practitioner.
Antenatal Consults – a Nest neonatologist
Hospital Care – coordinated by a Nest neonatologist; well-baby reviews may be conducted by a neonatologist, paediatrician or neonatal nurse practitioner; nursery babies are generally reviewed by a neonatologist
Postnatal Phone Consults – generally our neonatal nurse practitioner, or otherwise a neonatologist
Clinic Consults – a neonatologist or paediatrician, with 6-week consults generally with a neonatologist
Nest Children's – ongoing medical and developmental care from a paediatrician
All Nest clinicians hold current AHPRA registration, and our neonatologists and paediatricians are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. In the rare event a clinician is unexpectedly unavailable during your baby's hospital stay, we may engage a locum paediatrician to ensure timely care.
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No – we work alongside your existing care team, not in place of them. After each appointment, we write to your GP and obstetrician so everyone stays informed – and we give you a copy of our letter too.
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We don't administer routine vaccines, though we're happy to guide you on timing and work with your GP. While your baby is in hospital, our team is on call around the clock. Once you’re home, we don’t offer after-hours or emergency care, but we prioritise urgent appointments during clinic hours and offer telehealth when appropriate. In an emergency, call 000.
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Yes – we're happy to see any baby for a wide range of concerns, including feeding difficulties, reflux, weight gain, unsettled behaviour, and early developmental questions. Some families come with a specific worry; others simply want reassurance. No question is too small.
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Yes – Nest Children's provides ongoing paediatric care beyond the newborn period. As your baby grows, they transition seamlessly to one of our paediatricians for continued support through infancy, childhood and beyond. Our paediatricians also welcome GP referrals across developmental, behavioural, medical and second-opinion consultations.
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Absolutely. Nest is a safe, inclusive space for families of every background, structure and identity – including same-sex parents, solo parents, blended families, surrogacy and adoptive families. However you come to parenthood, you are warmly and genuinely welcomed here.
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Yes, without question. Whether your baby spent time in intensive care, you've faced fertility challenges, experienced loss, or things simply didn't go as planned – we offer care that is compassionate, sensitive and without judgement. You don't need to explain or justify anything. We'll meet you where you are.
Appointments and contact
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All newborn clinic consults run for 45 minutes – long enough to assess your baby thoroughly, answer your questions, and make sure you never feel rushed. We consult from our own dedicated space at RDX Lumina, right next door to Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast – purpose-designed for families, with easy pram access, a dedicated waiting area, space for siblings, and a café on site.
Please bring:
Your baby's health record (Red Book)
Any referral letter, if applicable
Feeding items – bottle, expressed milk, and so on
A change mat or blanket if you'd prefer your own
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Yes – siblings are always welcome. A second adult can help you focus during the consult, but it's not required. If a key support person can't be there, we're happy to include them by phone or video.
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In-person visits are best for most consults, particularly when a physical assessment is needed. We offer telehealth for certain follow-ups, parent-only discussions, and families living regionally. Just ask if you think it might suit.
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Yes – there’s convenient parking at RDX.
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Life with a newborn is wonderfully unpredictable, and we understand completely. If you can’t make an appointment, just let us know when you can, so we can offer the time to another family. There’s no fee for missed appointments.
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Yes – you can reach us between visits for non-urgent questions via email at hello@nestclinics.com.au, and we aim to respond within 1–2 business days. If we think your baby needs a proper assessment, we'll let you know and help you find the right next step – whether that's a Nest appointment, your GP, or an Emergency Department.
And please – don't hesitate. The newborn phase is full of unknowns; that's normal, and there's no such thing as a question too small. You're never a burden.
Fees and your information
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Everything about our fees – what each visit costs, what Medicare pays back, and what you’ll actually pay – is on our Fees page. In short: antenatal and phone consults are free for every family, what you pay is capped and predictable, there’s nothing to pay while you’re in hospital, and we lodge every Medicare claim for you.
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We handle your family's information with care and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. You can read our full privacy policy, including how we collect, store and use your information, on our Privacy Policy page.
