It’s good to know when you’ll be back home, so you can start to organise the next stage of your bigger life.
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. In Victoria, it’s law to have a rear-facing car seat until your baby is at least 6 months old, although it’s recommended to leave it rear-facing for longer. The car seat should meet the Australian and New Zealand Standards.
Postnatal check-ups and support
The Maternal Child Health Nurse from the community will contact you within two weeks of going home to arrange ongoing follow-up once you're settled in at home. You also have access to the Maternal Child Health Nurse 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 9468 0503.