Preparing to take baby home

Throughout your stay the midwives will be providing you with all the information and confidence you need to prepare you for the moment you leave for home and your new life. Our midwives will provide advice on settling, wrapping and bathing so you are ready to care for your baby at home.
 

Length of stay

Following a vaginal birth, mothers can expect to stay for four nights, however this depends on your circumstances and needs.

Following a caesarean section, mothers can expect to stay five nights, provided there are no complications.

Once you’re approved to go home by your Obstetrician and your baby’s Paediatrician, we ask that you aim to discharge by 10am.
 

Car seat

Having an age appropriate and properly installed car seat is essential to ensure the safety of your baby.

We recommend you have the child car seat correctly installed before you go home. The car seat should meet the Australian and New Zealand Standards.
 

Postnatal check-ups and support

The Child and Family Health Nurse from the community will contact you within two weeks of going home to arrange ongoing follow-up once you’re are settled in at home.  You also have access to the Child and Family Health drop-in clinics with midwives from when you go home.

You’ll have a postnatal check-up around six weeks with your Obstetrician. Your baby will have a six-week check-up with your Paediatrician.
 

Ongoing support and wellbeing

Should it be required, our midwives will arrange for you to see additional service providers including social workers, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists and parenting support workers.

If you have any questions day and night, even once you’re home, we’re only a phone call away on 03 6214 3370.