Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • If possible, arrange for help around the house in those first weeks after you return home with a newborn.
  • A maternal and child health nurse will contact you in the first week to arrange a home visit.
  • As your body mends, you will feel stronger and a healthy diet, gentle exercise and some time to yourself as a regular break will help your recovery.
  • Common issues after birth for mothers include bleeding, cramps, sore breasts or nipples and urination or bowel incontinence.
  • Plan ahead for contraception, even in the early weeks, to lower the chance of another pregnancy.
  • Contact your doctor or visit the emergency department if you or your baby show symptoms that don’t seem typical for the first few weeks after birth.
  • If you are worried that you or your partner might have postnatal depression, talk to your doctor or maternal and child health nurse, or call the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 28-02-2024