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Early Parenting

In the hours after you give birth you’ll be able to stay in your birthing room and spend some quiet time with your baby, cuddling and enjoying skin-to-skin contact.

This promotes bonding and breastfeeding and is a lovely way to get to know your baby.

Our midwives will provide early parenting support.

We’ll do some routine checks to make sure you and your baby are well, like checking baby’s breathing, heart rate and colour. We’ll also record their weight and measurements. Vitamin K and Hepatitis B injections will be given with your permission.

Your midwife will help you with practical things like dressing and nappy changing, which can be a bit tricky at first, and with feeding your baby. Then they will help you prepare for taking your baby home.

How soon can I go home after my baby is born?

If there are no complications, your baby is feeding and you have enough support you can go home as soon as four to six hours after your baby is born.

We find that women who recover in their own environment tend to get more rest and bond with their babies. If you decide to go home early your midwife will be able to provide more home visits.

If you want to go earlier or stay longer, or you’re not sure, you can talk with your midwife.

Early parenting support at Castlemaine Health

Will my midwife visit me at home?

Yes, your midwife will visit you and your baby at home for about two weeks after you leave hospital. The number of visits will depend on your needs and your baby’s needs. This is known as the maternity domiciliary service.

Your midwife will be able to help with feeding, talk about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally and how you’re settling into parenthood. They’ll also check on your baby’s health, growth and development and be able to refer you to additional support or services if you need them.

When this period of home care finishes your midwife will connect you with your local Maternal and Child Health Service. This is a free service offered through local councils for children from birth to school age.

The Maternal and Child Health Nurse will contact you within two weeks of your baby’s birth and arrange a time for her to visit you in your home.

Maternal and Child Health Service helpline 13 22 29.

Will I see the same midwife after my baby is born?

Yes.

Your primary midwife will provide postnatal support for about two weeks after your baby is born. They will visit you and your baby at home during those two weeks. The number of visits will depend on your needs and your baby’s needs.

Early parenting support at home with your midwife

Your postnatal care

Your body goes through lots of changes after you have your baby. Your midwife will be able to talk to you about how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally, and connect you with services if you need them.

Here are some other resources you might find helpful.

Do I need to see my doctor after my baby is born?

It’s a good idea to make an appointment for you and your baby to see your GP about six weeks after giving birth.

They will check on your health and your baby’s health and you can discuss any concerns you might have.

Breastfeeding support

We can help you and your baby with feeding advice and breastfeeding support.

Our IBLCE certified Lactation Consultants have specialised training and qualifications. They’ll work with you and your baby to develop an individual feeding plan to meet your baby’s needs.

Our Breastfeeding Support Clinic welcomes parents in both the antenatal and postnatal periods.

We also work closely with the Castlemaine and District Group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association to offer breastfeeding education and classes at a small cost.

Contact us if you’d like support with breastfeeding.