Your midwife and doctor can give you information that will be helpful when you are at home with your new baby. Your time in hospital is a good opportunity to ask them any questions you might have.
Important things to talk about before you go home
- comfortable positioning for breastfeeding
- recognising when baby is getting enough breast milk
- expressing breast milk either by hand or pump
- if you have chosen to feed with infant formula, how to sterilise and make up bottles safely
- changing nappies
- bathing your baby
- settling your baby
- exercises for your back and pelvic floor
- postnatal depression
- how to take care of yourself
- who to call and where to get good information if you need help
- support services close to home
- the midwife visit at home
- contraception.
As you think about things you want to ask, write them down. Keep a list for when you have an opportunity to talk with your midwife.
Contraception
It may feel too soon to be talking about contraception, but without it you may find yourself pregnant again very soon. After you have given birth, ovulation can occur at any time, even when you are breastfeeding. Ideally, you will think about contraception before you give birth and discuss the methods of contraception that are suitable for you after birth.
Many doctors recommend waiting four to six weeks before having sex. This allows time for the cervix to close and any tears or repaired lacerations to heal. It can be weeks or even months before some women will want to have sex and that’s ok! Discuss any problems that continue after six weeks with your family doctor or your maternal and child health nurse.
Infant car restraints
In Australia, babies are not permitted by law to travel in a car (including taxis) without a restraint that is suitable for their age and weight. This includes the trip home from the hospital. The VicRoads website provides up-to-date information on child restraints and car seats.
VicRoads and the RACV have also jointly established a network of Restraint Fitting Stations throughout Victoria. For more information check the VicRoads webite (see Related information section below).
Your baby’s Health and Development Record
You will receive your Health and Development Record after your baby is born. It is an important record for you to use and keep for your child. It includes child health information for parents and is a record of your child’s health, growth, development and immunisations from birth to six years of age.
It is important to take the book with you when you visit health professionals; including, your GP, MCH Nurse, Paediatrician, lactation consultant and immunisation nurse.
Related information
- Maternal and Child Health Line - Tel: 13 22 29 A confidential, 24-hour help line for information and advice about the care and health of your child.
- See also Contraception information
- VicRoads infant car restraint information
- Provide feedback about the information on this page
Related Health Topics
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.