Care of baby after birth
As much as possible we try to keep babies with their parents after birth however if there are concerns about baby’s ability to breath adequately or maintain their temperature or blood glucose levels then sometimes it may be necessary for baby to go to the special care nursery for a while. Often this can be only a few hours, but if this is recommended the Paediatrician will explain to you what is happening and what is likely to happen in the immediate future for your baby.
After the birth of your baby
We aim to maintain skin to skin contact between you and your baby in the first hour of their life if safe to do so. We assist with breastfeeding if that is your chosen method of feeding your baby and we monitor your bleeding, pain relief needs and allow you some time to get to know your brand new family member and have something to eat and drink before you are transferred together to the postnatal ward.
Up on the postnatal floor
Initially after you are transferred upstairs you will be both elated about having a new baby and exhausted from that process. So is your baby. It can be overwhelming knowing what you should be doing and how to care for your baby to begin with. The midwifery team aim to support you in those first few days and will do their best to support your choices. If breastfeeding, it can take a while for you and your baby to work together to become a coordinated team and for you as a result to achieve confidence. If you chose not to breastfeed your decision will be respected.
The length of time you stay in hospital averages 4 to 5 days depending on the type of birth you experienced and any additional medical or baby related issues which might necessitate additional assistance or monitoring. There is the option to transfer home early or to the Emporium Hotel if your health fund allows that. Often first time parents elect to stay in hospital for the additional support however.
Following discharge from hospital
Once you go home you will have the support of a private midwife if you opted into that model. You can also request a home visit from an independent midwife if you wish. You would need to let me know if you desire this. The out of pocket cost is extremely reasonable.
If you have complications or require additional support the Parent Support Centre offers scheduled appointments for lactational issues, physiotherapy assessment and advice, they also have a General Practitioner and Psychologist available until 6 months postpartum. If there is an urgent issue then you may present to the Pregnancy Assessment Unit until 6 weeks postpartum. I am happy to see you earlier than the usual six week postnatal visit for concerns in the consulting rooms and your General Practitioner is also a useful resource.