Going Home After the Birth

Provided you and your baby are healthy and have become well acquainted, home is best! It is usual to discharge home between 4 and 24 hours after the birth of your baby. Many women go home soon after their baby is born, however you must stay in hospital for at least four hours. Women who have had a caesarean birth are likely to stay in hospital between 24 to 48 hours after birth.

You must have your baby in an approved child restraint while travelling by car. Kidsafe SA hires and sells infant baby carriers (please note that the Australian Red Cross is no longer providing this service).

The hospital provides a Postnatal Midwifery Home Visiting Service to assist you in the transition from hospital to home.

Midwives assisted by CaFHS volunteers will provide information on the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS). You will be given the phone number for your nearest CaFHS regional office and advised to contact them within a week to make an appointment at your local centre. The CaFHS nurse will provide information about new parent groups, parenting and other relevant support services. CaFHS also has a 24 hour Parent Helpline. CaFHS services are free of charge.

Both you and your baby should have a medical checkup when your baby is at two and six weeks of age. Your GP will normally do this, though in some circumstances it may be done at the hospital.

Postnatal distress can affect one in seven women. Common symptoms include ongoing anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, inability to cope, withdrawal, despondency and guilt. If symptoms persist, contact your GP or the hospital Social Work Department.