Going home after birth

Discharge

You may ask to be discharged from hospital between 6-24 hours after birth, if you have a normal and uncomplicated vaginal birth. Midwives will provide you with discharge education including parent crafting and infant feeding support before discharge at 10.00am. Expected discharge after an uncomplicated caesarean is 48-72 hours.

Safe baby travel

Make sure to organise a baby capsule or car seat for a safe journey home.

Support after discharge – home visits

With your consent, a midwife will contact you offering support, advice or arrange a home visit if you live within the RBWH suburb catchment.

Women who reside outside the RBWH suburb catchment are offered a follow-up phone call by a community midwife to answer questions and offer support. Women are encouraged to take their baby to their GP for a check-up 5-7 days post-birth and again at 6 weeks.

For emergency care for newborns call Triple Zero (000) or visit your closest Children’s Emergency Department. These may include Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital.