Safer Care for Kids: Building a safer system for Victorian children and families
Safer Care Victoria, in partnership with the Department of Health, is proud to acknowledge the successful completion of the Safer Care for Kids program.
Glossary of terms
Pregnancy and antenatal care
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Antenatal | Before birth – the period between conception and birth. |
Perinatal loss and bereavement
The death of a baby during pregnancy, birth or the newborn period is a profound loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and everyone's experience is different.
Even if you are not taking your baby home, your body will still go through many of the physical changes that occur after birth. You may experience bleeding, discomfort, changes to your breasts and milk production, hormonal changes and emotional ups and downs as your body recovers.
Feeding your baby
Feeding is about more than nutrition. It's also a chance to build closeness and connection with your baby.
Understanding your baby
Communicating with your baby
Babies communicate from birth through their movements, sounds, facial expressions and crying. Learning to recognise your baby's cues can help you respond to their needs with confidence.
When you respond with warmth and care, you help your baby feel safe, build a strong relationship and support healthy brain development. You do not need to be perfect. Being present, responsive and loving is what matters most.
Taking care of your newborn
In the early weeks with a new baby, your values, culture, circumstances and support networks matter and we encourage you to make informed decisions that feel right for you and your family while seeking support when needed.
If your baby needs extra care
Sometimes, babies need extra support after birth. This may be planned or unexpected.
If your baby needs extra care, it can feel overwhelming but support is available for both you and your baby.
Many babies who need extra care improve over time. As your baby grows stronger, their care and support needs may change.
The first few moments after birth
Skin to skin contact
After birth, your baby may be placed on your bare chest. This is called skin-to-skin contact. It helps your baby adjust, supports bonding and can help feeding get started.
If you and your baby are well, skin-to-skin contact is recommended for at least the first hour after birth, no matter how you plan to feed your baby.