Postnatal Care
What happens after the birth of my baby?
Postnatal stay
Most women will transfer to Birthcare after their vaginal birth and stay for about 2-3 days, where you will be supported in learning how to care for your newborn. Birthright obstetrician will visit you in Birthcare until you go home.
Click here for info on Birthcare
If there are concerns about you or your baby’s well-being, you may be advised to stay at Auckland City Hospital until you are safe to go to Birthcare. If you have a caesarean delivery, you will stay at Auckland City Hospital for 24-48 hours generally, and can be transferred to Birthcare thereafter.
During your postnatal stay, your baby will have a newborn hearing screen and a heel prick test for metabolic screen.
However, you may choose to go home directly from the labour and birthing suite, particularly if you have previous births, or you have a strong support system at home. This option can be discussed during your birthplan appointment.
Postnatal care at home
Birthright will provide you with an experienced postnatal midwife who will visit you when you go home with your baby. This visit is generally once a week for 4-5 weeks. These visits are important to check on your baby’s feeding and growing, and your postnatal recovery and well-being. Your midwife will also initiate a referral to your local Plunket service after 6 weeks for ongoing support of your baby.
6 week specialist consultation
We will see you 6 weeks postnatally to check that both you and your baby are doing well. We appreciate how busy life can be with a newborn, therefore you can choose to attend this appointment physically, or have a telephone consultation. We can discuss postnatal issues, such a contraception, and future pregnancies. This is also the time for you to organise baby’s immunisation with your GP.
Our goal at Birthright is to provide you the best obstetric care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, where you can talk to us about your needs.
Call us to discuss your care.
0800 247 848