Following your birth

Congratulations of the birth of your baby and the beginning of your journey as a parent.

Directly after birth you will be given some time with your baby. It is important that your baby remains skin to skin for the first 2 hours or until after the completion of the first breastfeed, unless you or your baby require medical attention. Skin to skin contact is beneficial for mother and baby, even if you don’t intend on breastfeeding.

It’s normal to have vaginal bleeding after the birth of your baby and it’s normal to loose up to 500 mls.

Blood loss changes to a pink and watery type of loss at around 48 hours and then can change to a brown colour which is completely normal. Once this change has occurred, if your loss ever goes back to being thick and fresh, you notice clots or your loss becomes offensive smelling, please advise the midwife, or return to hospital or your GP for assessment and treatment.

You’ll notice your breasts change in the postnatal period regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed or suppress lactation. If you’re concerned about any of these changes, notice any reddened or hot areas, discuss with your midwife, Child and Family Health nurse or the Australian Breastfeeding Association 24hr hotline: 1800 686 268

It’s normal to have many parenting questions. If you’d like advice on crying, settling, nutrition or breastfeeding below are some useful links for parents:

Fact sheets for parents: