Taking care of yourself after birth

Before you go home, your maternity care provider will give you information about recovering after birth, including caring for any stitches or tears, managing discomfort, recognising signs that you may need medical advice and where to get support. 

Recovery takes time. If you have any concerns, contact your maternity care provider, GP, midwife or Maternal and Child Health Nurse for advice. If you present for care that is not related to pregnancy or birth, it’s still important to tell them if you are within the first 6 weeks after birth. Illnesses such as maternal sepsis and pre-eclampsia can occur during this time. 

Perineal injuries 

It is common to have some soreness, swelling and bruising around your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) after a vaginal birth. This may be more noticeable if you had a tear, stitches, an episiotomy or an assisted birth. 

To support healing and reduce the risk of infection: 

• keep the area clean and dry
• change your sanitary pad regularly
• wash your hands before and after using the toilet or changing your pad
• follow any advice from your maternity care provider about caring for the area
• wear loose, comfortable clothing and cotton underwear
• rest when you can and avoid activities that put pressure on the area.

Pain, swelling, bruising, stinging when passing urine and discomfort when sitting are common in the first few weeks and should gradually improve. 

Contact your maternity care provider or GP if your symptoms are worsening or if you notice redness, swelling, discharge, an unpleasant smell, fever (>38°C), or have concerns about how the area is healing.

Learn more about perineal tears and birth recovery.

Learn more

Better Births for Women Collaborative | Safer Care Victoria   

Perineal Tear | Birth Trauma Australia 

Perineal tears - How to get better | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Caring for your Perineum – Videos  | Women and Children’s Hospital

Recovering from a caesarean birth takes time. As a major abdominal operation, a caesarean can make moving around and caring for your baby more challenging in the early days and weeks after birth. 

Every recovery is different, so rest when you can, accept support from others and be gentle with yourself as you heal. 

In Australia, caesarean birth is a common and safe procedure. If you had an emergency caesarean, your birth experience may have been very different from what you expected or planned. Before you go home, your maternity care provider will give you information about wound care, pain management, returning to daily activities, and when to seek medical advice. 

If you have concerns about your recovery, contact your maternity care provider, GP or midwife. 

Managing pain is an important part of healing after birth. If your pain medication makes you feel drowsy, ask for support where possible and take extra care with activities that require you to stay alert, such as feeding, settling or holding your baby.

Caring for your wound, dressings and wound checks

As your wound heals, it is common to notice some mild pain, itching, numbness, bruising or a pulling sensation around the scar. These symptoms should gradually improve over time. 

To support healing: 

• keep your wound clean and dry 
• wear loose, comfortable clothing 
• check the area regularly for any changes 
• follow the advice from your maternity care provider about caring for your wound and returning to normal activities.

Contact your maternity care provider or GP if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, an unpleasant smell, fever (>38°C), or have concerns about how your wound is healing.

Future pregnancies

If you are considering another pregnancy, your maternity care provider can talk with you about the recommended timing between pregnancies to support your health and reduce the risk of complications.

Learn more

Recovery after a caesarean | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby  

Caesarean recovery: first 6 weeks | Raising Children Network  

Caesarean Birth Recovery | Australian Birth Stories 

Essentials for The Fourth Trimester | Australian Birth Stories  

Birth after Caesarean | RANZCOG

ThinkNatal Interagency | Birth Trauma Australia

Bleeding is normal after birth (vaginal or caesarean) and gradually changes from bright red to pink, brown and becoming lighter in colour over several weeks.  

If this does not describe your experience with bleeding after birth, you may need to see your GP or another healthcare provider. 

Seek medical advice if:  

• bleeding becomes suddenly heavier 
• you are soaking a pad within an hour 
• you pass large clots 
• the bleeding develops a strong or unpleasant smell, often with increasing stomach pain and/or fever (temperature >38°C).

Learn more

What to expect | The Royal Women's Hospital  

Postpartum haemorrhage | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby  

Essentials for The Fourth Trimester | Australian Birth Stories

Before you are discharged from the care of your maternity care provider, you may be offered some vaccines to help protect your health and reduce the risk of passing certain infections to your baby. 

Some vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) or varicella (chickenpox), are not recommended during pregnancy and maybe offered after your baby is born if blood tests show you are not immune. 

If you missed out or were unable to receive a recommended vaccine during pregnancy, it may also be offered after birth. Vaccines such as the influenza (flu) and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines can help protect both you and your baby from serious illness and are safe to have while breastfeeding.

Talk to your GP, midwife or maternity care provider about any vaccinations recommended during or after birth.

Rubella 

• When: After birth.  
• What it's for: If your rubella immunity in pregnancy was low or non-immune this is a booster.
• Doses: 1 dose.

Whooping cough

• When: During each pregnancy (may be given after birth if missed). 
• What it's for: Builds immunity and reduces the severity of whooping cough. 
• Doses: 1 dose. 

Maternity home care is a service that provides support at home from a midwife in the first days after your baby is born. 

For women with a Medicare card, these visits are provided free of charge through public maternity services. For women who do not have a Medicare card, your maternity care provider needs to contact the Maternal Child Health Nurse to arrange immediate postnatal care. 

Most women are offered at least one home visit from the maternity home care midwives with additional visits possible if needed. Your visiting midwife may be from the health service closest to where you live or the hospital where you had your baby. 

During these visits, your midwife can: 

• check your recovery after birth 
• assess your baby's health and wellbeing 
• support feeding 
• monitor your baby's weight and check for jaundice 
• provide practical parenting advice and support.

These visits can help identify concerns early and support your transition to life with your baby.

If you received private maternity care (through a private midwife, obstetrician or hospital), postnatal support and costs may differ. Talk to your maternity care provider about what support is available to you.

Maternal and Child Health

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service is a free Victorian Government service available to all families with children from birth until school age. The service is available to families in Victoria, whether you hold a Medicare card or not.  

MCH nurses are registered nurses and midwives with additional qualifications in child and family health. They provide health checks, parenting support, developmental screening and guidance to help families navigate the early years of parenthood. 

Your baby’s developmental milestones and your family’s wellbeing will be recorded in your ‘green book’, also called the ‘My Health, Development and Wellbeing’ book, which you will receive for your child from your maternity care provider after you give birth. 

Through the Service Victoria platform, you can also set up and access your child’s digital ‘green book’. 

If you do not have a Medicare card and are not receiving maternity home care, you can ask your maternity care provider for an early referral to the MCH Service before you leave hospital to ensure you receive support soon after returning home.

Learn more

Parent Portal | Service Victoria

Your maternity care provider will refer you for this service and a Maternal and Child Health Nurse will come to visit you in your home, when your baby is about a week old.    

If you do not wish to participate in this service, you can opt out.  

Your local council or local health service will coordinate Maternal and Child Health Services and Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health Services are provided by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across Victoria.  

Your MCH nurse can support you with:  

• maternal health and wellbeing, including postnatal wellbeing and recovery 
• newborn health and development  
• social and emotional wellbeing perinatal mental health  
• breastfeeding and infant feeding  
• safe sleeping 
• infant growth and weight monitoring 
• child development and milestones  
• sleep and settling  
• immunisation advice  
• safety and injury prevention  
• parenting support and education  
• family planning and family wellbeing  
• referrals to specialist services when needed.

Victorian families are offered 10 free visits which provide regular opportunities to review your child's health, growth and development, discuss concerns and receive age-appropriate health information at specific ages and stages. After the first visit at home, the rest of the visits occur in your local Maternal and Child Health Centre. The schedule of visits is: 

• home visit shortly after birth  
• 2 weeks of age 
• 4 weeks of age 
• 8 weeks of age 
• 4 months of age 
• 8 months of age 
• 12 months of age 
• 18 months of age 
• 2 years of age 
• 3.5 years of age.

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) phone line – 24 hour support 

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Line is a free 24-hour telephone service available to Victorian families with children from birth to school age. 

By calling 13 22 29, you can speak with a Maternal and Child Health nurse for advice and support about feeding, sleep, child health, development, parenting and maternal wellbeing.  

Additional support available 

Depending on your family's needs, MCH services may also provide:  

• additional appointments beyond the scheduled visits  
• telephone support available 24 hours a day on 13 22 29 
• first-time parent groups  
• breastfeeding support  
• sleep and settling support  
• enhanced MCH services for families requiring additional support  
• referrals to Early Parenting Centres, allied health, paediatric, mental health and community services  
• links to supported playgroups, kindergarten services, NDIS and other early childhood supports. 

Learn more

Maternal and Child Health Service | health.vic.gov.au   

Victorian Early Parenting Centres (EPCs) provide free specialist services that support families with children from birth and up to 4 years of age.  

EPCs deliver flexible targeted services that aim to enhance parent-child relationship and support parents with strategies in areas such as sleep and settling, feeding, child behaviour, parent-child bonding and family wellbeing.   

EPCs offer day stay programs, multiple overnight stays, group programs and outreach services such as telehealth. They are available to all Victorian families and a Medicare card is not required.  

Referrals can be made by Maternal and Child Health nurses, GPs, maternity services or parents/carers can self-refer contacting an EPC directly.   

There are EPC’s across Victoria and this includes dedicated services for Aboriginal families.  

All EPCs provide free specialised support to help parents build confidence and strengthen their relationship with their child.  

Learn more

Find an Early Parenting Centre | HealthDirect

Early Parenting Centres support families | Better Health Channel 

Early Parenting Centres | health.vic.gov.au

Baluk Balert Barring | FPHW 

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

In Victoria, families can access culturally grounded care across the first 2000 days of a child’s life through services such as Koori Maternity Services and Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health services. These services operate through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, working in partnership with families to support healthy pregnancies, child growth and development, parenting, wellbeing and connection to culture, community and Country.  

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide holistic, culturally safe and community-led care that supports the social, emotional, cultural and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. 

These services can provide: 

• support from Aboriginal health workers and healthcare professionals 
• home visits and early parenting support 
• breastfeeding and infant feeding support 
• growth, development and health checks for your baby 
• connection to community, culture, family and local supports.

Learn more

Koori Maternity Services | Better Health Channel

Aboriginal maternity services | health.vic.gov.au

The Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families the option to access culturally safe care through participating ACCHOs supporting families to stay connected to culture, community and Country. 

Aboriginal Maternal Child Health Services can provide you with information about local Aboriginal parenting groups, yarning circles and community programs, which provide opportunities to connect with other parents, Elders and community members. These programs vary by region and are often also available through local ACCHOs 

Aboriginal health workers and Aboriginal health practitioners are important members of your healthcare team. They provide culturally responsive care and, depending on their role and scope of practice, may provide clinical care, health education, support and care coordination. 

Aboriginal hospital liaison officers can support you and your family to access and navigate health services, advocate for your needs and connect you with cultural, community and wellbeing supports.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have raised strong children and communities for more than 65,000 years, drawing on the strengths of family, culture and Country. However, the impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma can sometimes affect wellbeing during pregnancy and after a baby is born. 

It is normal to experience a range of emotions as you adjust to life with a new baby. The transition to parenthood is a significant life change and can sometimes bring up past experiences, trauma and strong emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or finding it difficult to cope, speak with your healthcare team. Support is available and seeking help is a sign of strength. 
 
It is important to remember that you are not alone.

Learn more

Baluk Balert Barring | FPHW 

Replanting the Birthing Trees | Resource Hub        

Welcoming Our Little Ones: What is this guide about? | Emerging Minds 

Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health - Aboriginal-led MCH services | health.vic.gov.au 

Maternity and Early Years | VACCHO 

Koori Maternity Services | Better Health Channel 

Aboriginal health services | Better Health Channel 

First People's Health | Aboriginal Health Services | Victoria, Australia 

Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health - Aboriginal-led MCH services | health.vic.gov.au 

Aboriginal Resources | Kidsafe VIC  

Children, family and home | firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au  

Aboriginal maternity services | health.vic.gov.au  

Safe sleeping

Information And Support For First Nations People | Red Nose Australia 

Mental health

For First Nations | ForWhen  

Directory | BLKTRX

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents | PANDA  

13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders  

Yarning SafeNStrong | VAHS 

WellMob – Healing Our Way | INFANT program – Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition

First Nations Group | Gidget Foundation  

Children, Family & Home | firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au  

During pregnancy, the muscles at the front of your abdomen naturally stretch and separate to make room for your growing baby. This is called ‘diastasis of the rectus ambdominus muscle’ (DRAM). 

Abdominal muscle separation is common after birth and often improves over time. For some women, it can contribute to back pain, reduced core strength or pelvic floor symptoms. 

A women's health physiotherapist can assess your recovery and provide exercises and advice to support healing and strength. 

Learn more

Abdominal separation during pregnancy - exercises and treatment | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby 

Pregnancy and birth put extra pressure on your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support your bladder, bowel and uterus and play an important role in how they function. 

After birth, your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles need time to recover. Gentle pelvic floor exercises and avoiding heavy lifting where possible can help. A women's health physiotherapist can provide advice and exercises to support recovery and long-term pelvic health. 

Learn more

Pelvic floor exercises | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Get to know your pelvic floor | Australian Birth Stories

Pelvic floor exercises for women | Continence Health Australia

Sex and intimacy can feel different after pregnancy and birth. Physical, mental and emotional factors can influence your readiness to resume sexual intercourse and intimacy.  

Healing, hormonal changes, tiredness, body image and pelvic floor recovery can all affect comfort, desire and sexual function. Physical and emotional readiness for sex and intimacy can look different for everyone.  

It is important not to rush and to take the time you need to figure out what feels comfortable and communicate this to your partner. Intimacy can take many forms and does not need to involve sexual intercourse.  

Healthcare providers generally wait until the 6 week postnatal check to discuss readiness to resume sexual activity. Regardless of the type of birth you had, this timeframe is recommended to reduce the chance of infection, ensure tears, episiotomy wounds and caesarean incisions have had time to heal and to allow the postpartum bleeding to reduce or stop.  

If you are experiencing ongoing pain, discomfort or have any concerns about resuming sexual intercourse, you can speak to your maternity care provider, GP or a women’s health physiotherapist for support and treatment options.  

Consent and support 

Intimacy and sexual activity should always be your choice. If you feel pressured, coerced or unsafe in a relationship, this is not ok and not your fault, help is available. Speak with a trusted healthcare professional or contact a specialist family violence support service.

Learn more

Sex and intimacy after having a baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby  

Intimacy and sex after baby and birth | Raising Children Network  

Your fertility can return soon after birth even before your first period. This means it is possible to become pregnant again in the early weeks after having a baby. 

Most contraceptive options to prevent pregnancy are considered safe when breastfeeding. Condoms are the only method that also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Talk to your GP or maternity care provider about the options available and what may suit you best. If starting contraception is a priority, you can ask about your options before you leave the hospital.

Learn more

Reproductive & Sexual Health Clinics, Education and Advocacy | Sexual Health Victoria

Contraception after giving birth | Better Health Channel 

Contraception - options, condoms, the pill, IUDs, more | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

 Breastfeeding and contraception | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Accepting support

Looking after a newborn is important but so is looking after yourself. Support from family, friends and your community can help with recovery, wellbeing and adjusting to life with a new baby. 

Visitors are often more than happy to help with tasks such as bringing meals, helping with dishes or laundry or even simply holding the baby while you have a shower or nap. Older siblings may appreciate the chance to play or interact with your visitors and show off their new sibling.  

Setting boundaries

Meeting your new baby is an exciting time for your loved ones. Remember that it is okay to set boundaries and decide what feels right for you and your family. This may include communicating expectations around visits such as when and how long people visit, whether visitors can hold or kiss your baby and asking visitors to ensure their immunisations are up to date, particularly if they are visiting during the first few weeks. 

The first few weeks with your baby can be a special and busy time. As you recover from birth, adjust to feeding and sleep, and get to know your baby, it is important that visitors support your wellbeing and respect your family's needs.

Staying connected with family and friends, while also building relationships with other parents at a similar stage of parenting, can be an important source of support during the early months of parenthood. Connecting with other parents provides opportunities to share experiences, build confidence, develop parenting skills, and reduce feelings of isolation while establishing valuable local support networks. 

If this is your first baby, your Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nurse will usually invite you to join a new parents' group with other local families who have babies of a similar age. These groups are often introduced when your baby is around 6 to 8 weeks old. 

New parents' groups may be offered in person or online and provide a welcoming space to connect with other parents, share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another. 

Some councils and community organisations also offer groups tailored to parents with shared experiences such as young parents, parents of twins or triplets and fathers. These groups can help foster a sense of community and provide additional support from people who understand your unique parenting journey. 

Other opportunities for connection include local walking groups for parents and public libraries and community centres often offer programs and activities for parents and babies, creating opportunities to meet other families in your local area. Some families value supports that they can access through online networks.  

Learn more

Mum Walk | Join the Mum Walk Movement Today 

Public Libraries Victoria

Home | Playgroup Victoria