It’s good to know when you’ll be back home, so you can start to organise the next stage of your bigger life. The anticipated postnatal stay is four nights for a vaginal birth and five nights for a caesarean section birth, provided there are no complications.
 

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 seats

Having an age appropriate and properly installed car seat is essential to ensure the safety of your baby while in the car. In NSW, you are required by law to have a rear-facing car seat until your baby is at least 6 months of age, though extended rear-facing is recommended.

Please ensure that a fully fitted child restraint has been secured in your car before taking baby home. It is recommended that only an authorised fitting station installs any safety restraint. To find your nearest authorised restraint fitting station, go to roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au
 

Postnatal check-ups and support

You can call our midwives if you have any concerns during the first few days at home. Our midwives will arrange for you to access additional support should you need it.

You will have a follow up with your obstetrician for your postnatal check-up around 6 weeks. Your paediatrician will follow up as required.

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

You’ll also have access to the Hummingbird Centre for support with perinatal depression and anxiety.

Newcastle Private Hospital also has a postnatal breastfeeding clinic for mothers and babies experiencing complications with feeding.