Pregnancy, birth and baby factsheets

Find information to support you at every stage.

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These factsheets provide trusted information to support you through pregnancy, birth and caring for your baby.

The information is grouped by topic to help you find what you need at each stage.

Browse the topics below to view and download factsheets.

Trying for a baby

Factsheets

Deciding you would like a baby is an important time in your lives. Even before you start trying for a pregnancy there are many things you need to know and questions you may want to ask.

Use information from the links and factsheets to help with what to consider before pregnancy.

Diet, vitamins and nutrition

Factsheets

You may find a lot of confusing, and sometimes contradictory, information on what you should or should not be eating while you're pregnant. Family and friends may also add to the confusion by giving personal advice.

Use information from the links and factsheets about diet, vitamins and supplements during pregnancy, which can help guide you.

Vaccinations

Factsheets

Use information from the links and factsheets to learn more about important vaccines recommended before and during your pregnancy and for newborn babies.

Early pregnancy

Factsheets

Finding out that you are pregnant is wonderful and exciting. You will want to learn as much as you can about what to expect during your pregnancy and birth, and to speak with your pregnancy carers about any concerns and questions you may have.

Use information from the links and factsheets to learn more about early pregnancy.

Pregnancy choices

During pregnancy

Pregnancy information

Use information from the links and factsheets to learn more about antenatal care and clinic visits, and what to do during your pregnancy.

Staying healthy during pregnancy

Medical problems

Medical problems can vary from minor issues, only needing us to keep an eye on you and your baby, to serious health problems, where you have to stay in hospital. This could also mean your baby will be born earlier than expected.

Use the information from the factsheets and links in this section as a guide. You can also access credible and reliable multilingual health information resources from the Multicultural Health Communication Service In-language health resources library

Nausea and vomiting

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Baby movements

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about the importance of fetal (baby) movements.

Protect your baby from infection

Many women have bacteria (germs) in the vagina and in their urine, which do not cause any problems when they are not pregnant but can make them, or their baby, unwell during pregnancy and after birth.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about the tests we do to protect you and your baby.

Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)

High blood pressure can happen for the first time during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) and may cause problems for you and your baby. Women who have high blood pressure before they are pregnant are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia.

Blood pressure in pregnancy may also have long term health consequences for some women. Regular checks with your GP and a healthy lifestyle are important to protect you. Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about pre-eclampsia.

Diabetes and gestational diabetes

Diabetes can develop during pregnancy for the first time, called gestational diabetes, it needs to be monitored to protect you and your baby. Having diabetes before you are pregnant is also relevant, please speak with your doctor before trying for a pregnancy to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

Having gestational diabetes may increase the chances of developing diabetes later in life for some women. Regular checks with your GP and a healthy lifestyle are important to protect you. Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Anaemia (low red blood cell count)

Anaemia means having a low red blood cell count. Red cells carry oxygen around the body and having enough of these cells is essential for you and your baby. There are many causes of anaemia but in pregnancy, having low iron is a common and important one.

We check your blood count at various stages of pregnancy to find out whether you need extra iron or other supplements. Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about anaemia in pregnancy.

RhD negative mothers

Your 'Rhesus factor' (RhD) tells you if you have a protein known as 'D antigen' on the surface of your red blood cells.

If your blood group is Rh negative (A negative, B negative, AB negative or O negative) you will need to be given anti-D injections at particular times in your pregnancy to protect your current and future babies from serious anaemia.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about RhD negative in pregnancy.

Problems with placenta

The placenta is the organ that feeds your baby during pregnancy and is delivered after your baby is born. Sometimes the placenta can be in the wrong position and obstruct (block) the passage of your baby through the birth canal.

Rarely, the placenta separates (comes loose) from the wall of the uterus before it is supposed to. Both of these problems can cause bleeding during the second and third trimesters (first 3 or 6 months - thirds) of pregnancy.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about the placenta and related conditions.

When baby is not birthed head-first (breech presentation)
Bleeding during pregnancy

Some women can experience vaginal bleeding during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy). Sometimes this could be due to a serious cause like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy; however, it does not mean that this is happening to you.

The known causes for vaginal bleeding include:

Occasionally a reason for bleeding during pregnancy cannot be found.

Miscarriage is a very common problem of early pregnancy. At least 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a miscarriage. The reasons for most early pregnancy losses are not known. What we do know is that many of these pregnancies did not form properly, and that this is nature's way of 'starting again'. Most women who have one miscarriage will not experience another.

If you experience early pregnancy bleeding it is important that you see your GP, midwife or obstetrician. If you have very heavy bleeding, pain or are feeling faint, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.

Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC)

The EPAC is for women under 20 weeks pregnant and experiencing complications, including:

  • vaginal bleeding
  • lower abdominal pain
  • blighted ovum (confirmed by ultrasound) - when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but fails to develop into an embryo, leading to early miscarriage.
Blood clots during or after pregnancy

Pregnancy and the six weeks after your baby's birth, called the post-partum period, are times when you are at higher risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis - DVT) and the lungs (pulmonary embolism - PE).

Women who have a had a blood clot in the past or who have a genetic or inherited risk for blood clots may need special care during and after their pregnancy. Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn how to prevent blood clots and what to expect if you have had one in the past.

Musco skeletal problems

The hormones of pregnancy, as well as changes in your weight and posture, may cause pain in your joints and limbs. Some conditions are more common while pregnant like carpal tunnel syndrome and pelvic girdle pain.

Use the information from the factsheets and links provided by the Westmead Hospital Physiotherapy Department to help you manage these problems.

You can also make an appointment at the Physiotherapy Department at Westmead Public Hospital on (02) 8890 6500

Infections and disorders

Pregnant women sometimes get infections during and after birth. Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more.

During pregnancy, some women may experience thyroid disorders where their thyroid becomes:

  • underactive (hypothyroidism), due to too little iodine in their body, a pre-existing immune disorder or previous damage to the thyroid gland.
  • overactive (hyperthyroidism), usually a result of a condition that stimulates the thyroid gland too much. An example is Graves' disease.

Thyroid dysfunction affects 2 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women and should be monitored and treated where necessary.

Physiotherapy while pregnant

Factsheets

The hormones of pregnancy, as well as changes in your weight and posture, may cause pain in your joints and limbs. Some conditions are more common while pregnant like carpal tunnel syndrome and pelvic girdle pain.

Use information from the factsheets provided by our physiotherapy department and the links to help you manage these problems.

Smoking and vaping when pregnant

Factsheets

Smoking causes harm to babies even before they are born. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, (including about 70 that are known to cause cancer).

You and your baby are exposed to these chemicals when you smoke or when someone smokes around you.

Use information from the factsheets and links to learn about smoking harm during pregnancy and birth and getting support to quit.

Substance use in pregnancy

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping harms you and your baby. We know that smoking and vaping affects your health in the long-term by increasing your risk of lung cancer and other diseases, and can also:

  • cause miscarriage and stillbirth (babies dying inside the womb before birth)
  • increase the risk of premature birth
  • prevent your baby from growing properly in the womb
  • increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in newborns
  • increase the risk of asthma in babies and young children

There are several different approaches to quitting smoking. Your doctor or midwife can provide advice and resources to help you quit and refer you for ongoing support if you wish.

The NSW Quitline can help you stop smoking.

Quitline NSWContact number
Quitline for Aboriginal people13 78 48
Quitline Arabic1300 784 803
Quitline Chinese (simplified)1300 784 836
Quitline English13 78 48
Quitline Vietnamese1300 784 865
Alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Alcohol in pregnancy

Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can result in long-term harm to your baby. Drinking heavily or having binge drinking sessions, can cause your baby to develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) which leads to some, or all, of the following:

  • babies not growing properly
  • abnormalities in the child's facial appearance
  • learning and memory difficulties
  • problems with behaviour
  • eyesight and hearing difficulties
  • poor coordination
  • heart and kidney defects

The chance of your baby being harmed is low if you drink only occasional small amounts of alcohol. However, the truth is that we don’t know what a safe amount of alcohol intake during pregnancy is. The safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Many pregnancies are unplanned and often women find they have been drinking small amounts of alcohol before they knew they were pregnant. This is unlikely to have harmed your baby, but you should stop drinking once you discover you are pregnant.

Some women find it hard to control their drinking. If you are having difficulty, please speak with our staff immediately. We are happy to provide you with help and support and refer you for help if you wish.

Alcohol and breastfeeding

Alcohol passes into breast milk and to the baby. Alcohol can affect your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns. It takes at least one hour after a standard drink for the alcohol to leave your body completely. It is best to stop breastfeeding for this time period.

Do not breastfeed if you are feeling tipsy or drunk. If you are planning to have a drink it is best to express and store breast milk before having alcohol and use the expressed milk to feed your baby.

Prescription medication and illegal drugs

Prescription medications

Many women worry that regular medications they are taking will affect their pregnancy. While some medicines may be a problem for pregnancy it is very important NOT to stop taking your regular medicines without discussing this with your doctor first.

Abruptly stopping medications can make you very unwell, which is dangerous for you and your baby. Some prescription medications such as Buprenorphine or methadone can be continued through your pregnancy.

Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Services (SUPPS) team can liaise with you and your prescribers to ensure the right care plan is created for you and your baby.

Mothersafe provides free telephone advice concerning medications in pregnancy for all women in NSW. If you based in the Sydney Metropolitan area call (02) 9382 6539, for non-metropolitan areas call 1800 647 848

Note: While the Mothersafe service is based at Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick, you should follow-up your query at Westmead Hospital with your doctor or midwife.

Illegal (street) drugs

Illegal drugs can be harmful for both you and your unborn baby. If you are a regular drug user, we encourage you discuss this with your doctor or midwife. Simply stopping drugs can be dangerous for you and your baby.

We can advise safe ways to stop using and refer you for help with quitting. If you use heroin, we can help you change to methadone which is safer for you and your baby. Using drugs in pregnancy can be harmful and include:

  • increased chances of miscarriage, stillbirth (the baby dying in the womb) and increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome
  • causing your baby to not grow properly
  • causing problems with the placenta (the afterbirth which feeds the baby during pregnancy)
  • causing birth defects
  • causing withdrawal symptoms after baby is born leading to babies being irritable, feeding poorly or having fits.
  • if you share syringes and catch Hepatitis or HIV these viruses can pass into the baby’s blood in the womb and infect your baby.

The NSW Health Your Room website provides information on many different street drugs and how they affect pregnancy. You can access further resources and support at:

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Your newborn may experience symptoms of drug withdrawal if you have been using certain prescribed or non-prescribed drugs, and/or alcohol. This is called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and can cause irritability, poor feeding and sleeping, and even fits (convulsions).

The SUPPS Drug Health team will talk with you about what you can expect for your baby after birth. Your baby will be monitored for signs of withdrawal and may require admission to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit’s nursery rooms for management of any withdrawal symptoms.

You will also be able to talk with the Neonatologist about the care for your baby.

Labour and birth

Labour
Vaginal birth
Assisted birth

After baby is born

Immediately after baby is born

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn more about what to do immediately after baby is born.

Preventing blood clots

Blood clots, also known as Deep Vein Thromboses (DVT), are a leading cause of preventable death in Australia. During pregnancy and the postnatal time, you are at higher risk of blood clots.

Most blood clots occur in the deep veins of the legs. Occasionally these clots break free and move to other parts of the body, in particular the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and it can have very serious consequences.

Early detection and treatment of clots can help reduce the risk of harm.

Read the preventing blood clots in pregnancy and after birth factsheet (PDF 172.15KB) (PDF 172.15KB).

Your body after baby is born

During pregnancy and labour your body will have undergone many changes. Post-birth recovery can take months and takes time and patience.

Breastfeeding, gentle exercise and a healthy diet will help with gradual weight loss. Find more information on healthy lifestyle choices for new parents

Your uterus

It takes about 6 weeks for your uterus to return to pre-pregnancy size and during this time it is normal to experience period-like bleeding.

Most women have red, moderately heavy bleeding for 2-4 days, which lessens to a lighter coloured discharge (called lochia) which may continue for up to 6 weeks.

Note: If you notice that the blood has a bad smell, becomes heavy or bright red again, please inform your GP or midwife or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Afterbirth pains

During these early days you will usually feel abdominal cramping or afterbirth pains. These pains may be most noticeable when you are breastfeeding; they are part of your body’s recovery after birth.

Your first period after birth

Your first period may return after 6 weeks. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, it may take longer before you have a period.

Post-delivery constipation

Constipation can occur post-delivery particularly if you have a bruised perineum or stitches. Drinking plenty of water, eating fresh fruit, vegetables and other high fibre foods will help counteract this problem. Light exercise also helps prevent constipation.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn how to care for your body after having your baby.

Changes to your breasts

Just after your baby’s birth there will be minimal changes to your breasts. The first yellow milk your breasts make is called colostrum.

When your ‘mature milk’ comes in, around day 3 or 4, your breasts will start to feel heavy and full. When your milk has come in, it is important to wear a well-supported, fitted bra and you may also wish to use breast pads to absorb any unexpected leaking.

It is helpful to read about breastfeeding before delivery. Attending breastfeeding classes and getting yourself well prepared beforehand should also help you to breastfeed successfully.

Learn more about breastfeeding your baby and breast health.

Caring for your perineum and pelvic floor

During the first days after a vaginal birth, you will experience some perineal pain and swelling. The symptoms may be worse if you have needed stitches. Regular pain relief tablets and ice packs are recommended to help with your recovery.

Once the area has started to heal it is recommended that you commence regular pelvic floor exercises. These will strengthen the muscles and decrease the risk of stress incontinence, which is losing small amounts of urine when coughing, laughing or exercising.

Speak to the staff about these exercises and try to attend the physio class in our postnatal ward, which provides information about pelvic floor exercises. The class runs Monday to Friday at 9:30am.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn how to care for perineum and pelvic floor.

Learn more about treatment options for pelvic floor problems.

Management of third- and fourth-degree tears

What is a third- or fourth-degree tear?

Many women have tearing of the tissues between the vagina and anus (back passage) during the birth of the baby. If these tears extend into the anal sphincter muscle around the anus, they are called a third- or fourth-degree tear.  

The anal sphincter muscle helps control flatus (wind) and faeces or bowel motions, so it is very important it heals well.

Ways to assist healing

Good hygiene is important for the healing process. Keep the area clean, wash and pat dry after each visit to the toilet. Regular ice packs wrapped in a damp cloth will help reduce swelling.

Apply the ice packs to your perineum for up to 10-20 minutes at a time and change every 2 hours. Use a sanitary pad or toilet paper to support the stiches when you open your bowels.

Avoiding constipation

It is important to avoid constipation, as straining can cause the repair to break down. Other ways to help avoid or effectively manage constipation include:

  • drinking plenty of water, at least 2 to 2.5 litres per day.
  • having a high fibre diet such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals.
  • taking a fibre supplement such as psyllium, Fybogel, Normacol, Metamucil, or Movicol every day for at least 3 months (complete healing takes a few months).
  • avoiding painkillers containing codeine (Panadeine, Codral) and oxycodone (Endone) as these can cause constipation. For more women the best painkillers to consider are paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Nurofen).

Healing stiches

Once you have returned home, if you experience an increase in pain from the stitches or discharge from the anus, call the Westmead Hospital Women's Health Clinic at (02) 88906508

Review of sphincter healing

The best way to check healing of the anal sphincter is with a specialised ultrasound called an endoanal ultrasound. It is performed between 6-12 months after the birth and conducted in the Anal Ultrasound and Physiology Clinic at Westmead Hospital.

This examination, which only takes a few minutes, places a narrow probe into the lower 2-3 cm of the anal entrance to easily assess the tissue healing. It is not painful but can be a little uncomfortable if some of your stiches have not yet dissolved.

If you have not heard back from the clinic about your appointment, please call (02) 88890 7668 to check if your referral has been received.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor muscle exercises are important for all women after having a baby and can be started soon after birth. Learn more about caring for your perineum and pelvic floor and read the exercise before and after birth factsheet (PDF 615.99KB) (PDF 615.99KB).

Physiotherapy review

A physiotherapist will contact you around 6 weeks after giving birth. Always refer to the appointment details provided to you.

If you are having difficulty controlling wind or bowel motions or with urine leakage, contact the Women's Health physiotherapist at the following locations:

Caring for your back

After giving birth, you may experience back ache as your body recovers from pregnancy and labour. It is important to take care when bending and lifting after delivery.

Avoid lifting heavy objects and always bend from your knees not your back. Being conscious of your posture while sitting and breastfeeding will also limit back pain.

While in hospital try to attend physiotherapy, classes are held in the ward from Monday to Friday and starts at 9:30am.

Read the exercise before and after birth factsheet (PDF 615.99KB) (PDF 615.99KB).

Register the birth of your baby

Use the information from the factsheets and link to learn how to register the birth of your baby.

1:01

BDM NSW: Registering your newborn - made easy

This video explains how parents in NSW can now register their baby online. 

Read transcript
Video transcript

BDM NSW: Registering your newborn - made easy

[Background music playing. Screen shows an animated bear waving and pointing to the video title, which reads 'Registering your newborn made easy]
Female voiceover: Congratulations on your new baby!
[Screen shows a brown teddy bear flying in a small yellow and blue airplane with a streamer attached that says 'congratulations'. Text below the streamer says 'on your new baby']
We know how busy this special time is,
[Screen shows small icons of baby items like rattle, socks, feeding bottle, a bib and a rubber duck appearing one after the other. Below text reads 'we know how busy this special time is']
so now you can register your Newborn online.
Screen shows a rabbit with a bow and dress holding a tablet device, on the screen it reads 'you can register your newborn online']
The Birth registration and Birth certificate application
[The screen of the tablet the rabbit is holding changes to show different lines to indicate a form or application. Next to tablet, text reads 'the birth registration and birth certificate application]
are combined in one easy online transaction.
[Rabbit now is standing on the left side, with text on the right that reads 'are combined in one easy online transaction'
Registering your baby’s birth is FREE,
[screen shows a bear with a bow tie holding a sign with the word 'FREE' on it. Text to the bear's right reads 'registering your baby's birth is...' the word 'FREE' on the sign grows bigger and out of the sign]
and creates their legal identity.
[Screen shows a baby holding a sign that has 'legal identity' with a tick mark on it. On the baby's right text appears which reads 'and creates their legal identity']
In New South Wales, you need to register your baby within 60 days.
[Screen shows a white shape of the state of NSW with the words 'Register within 60 days' below it. A baby elephant wearing a crown and bowtie appears next to the text]
When you register your baby, you can also purchase a Birth certificate.
[Screen shows a rabbit with a bow and a dress holding a credit card. Text above reads 'Purchase a certificate now'. A bear with a bowtie holding a piece of paper with the words 'Birth Certificate' and a ribbon appears to the right of the screen]
Or, if you wish you can apply for a certificate later.
[Text changes on the screen to read Apply for certificate later]
A standard birth certificate helps to organize your child’s education, travel, legal and other benefits.
[screen shows a baby with arms outstretched and smiling, with text to it's right that reads 'a birth certificate helps to organise'. A series of icons from the left appear, a set of alphabet blocks, a flying airplane, a medical cross and items indicating food]
Certificates are mailed safely to your home.
[Screen shows a red post box with several letters inside. Text to it's right shows certificates are mailed safely to your home.]
If you’re the parent or guardian of a Newborn, give your child the right start!
[Screen shows a baby sitting and playing with blocks, two butterflies fly around the baby in the background. Text above the baby reads as 'give your child the right start!]
Register your baby at www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
[Screen shows text www.bdm.nsw.gov.au with an arrow that hovers above to indicate a website link]
[Background music fades]

2:50

Justice NSW: Indigenous Birth registration - made easy

This video by the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages explains how Aboriginal parents in NSW can register their newborn online.

Read transcript
Video transcript

Justice NSW: Indigenous Birth registration - made easy

[Screen with a white background with colourful text that reads 'our kids count']
Treena Cutmore: 
It’s really important to register your child within the first 60 days of being born.
The reason being...for enrolment into early childhood or big school...and identification
Bianca Roberts: 
Alahni was born in October 2013 out at Randwick at the Royal Women’s Hospital
She’s a very fun child... very ‘out there’ as you may have seen already. She keeps me very busy! (laughs)
Treena Cutmore: 
I’ve worked in early childhood for 34 years. With my current employment, I’ve seen a few issues with parents getting their child enrolled due to not having their child registered... and that delayed their process for them starting childcare.
Bianca Roberts: 
It was important to register Alahni because I wanted to go back to work pretty soon after she was born. I think she was about 18 months when I did. So already having her registered and having her birth certificate made the enrolment process a lot easier. 
Treena Cutmore:
If Aboriginal parents need help, they can ask the social worker at the hospital or go to the local Aboriginal Medical Service to help register their child. By registering your baby, it opens up opportunities for your child later in life.
Bianca Roberts: 
When I registered Alahni, it was all paperwork. Now they have an online registration format. 
If you need a paper form, they can provide those for you. You get everything you need when you leave the hospital, all of your forms and details. It's an easy and quick process so I found it to be good...yeah. 
Treena Cutmore: 
I think it's really important that new mums talk about registering their child because our kids need to be counted, our Aboriginal children.
Bianca Roberts: Our kids count, register your baby. 
Treena Cutmore: 
It's really important to register your child within the first 60 days. 
Bianca Roberts: 
You can register your child at any time even if you missed the 60-day period. 
Treena Cutmore: 
Just remember it is your responsibility to register your baby. 
Bianca Roberts: 
It's free to register the birth of your baby. If you need help registering your child there's help down at Births Deaths & Marriages. Go visit them or give them a call!
[Alahni's voice singing in the background]
[Screen with a black background with white text. Text reads: To find how to register your baby, visit www.bdm.gov.au/newborn or call 13 77 88]
[NSW Government logo appears in the background]

Breastfeeding

In the weeks before your baby is born, learn about breastfeeding so you feel comfortable with what to expect. This is a good time to discuss any questions you may have with your midwife or doctor.

The first feed

It is important to place your baby skin-to-skin with you as long as possible. Your baby is placed naked on your skin between your breasts with a towel or blanket place over to keep them warm. Left undisturbed, baby will make their way to your breast and start feeding.

Your midwife will help position baby. Baby’s head should be free to move, and baby’s nose should not be blocked by the skin of your breast. Skin-to-skin contact keeps baby calm and less likely to cry when in this position.

If the first breastfeed is delayed, it is important to express your milk (colostrum) within the first 2 hours after birth. This will stimulate your breasts to build up your milk supply. Your midwife will help you to feed the colostrum to baby.

Early breastfeeds

Learn to know your baby’s feeding cues (signs your baby is ready to feed). It is good to offer the breast as soon as your baby shows you these signs.

It is normal to breastfeed 8 to 12 times a day in the first few days.

Videos

Factsheets

Breastfeeding FAQs

These factsheets can answer questions about specific breastfeeding situations. For example, breastfeeding after surgery.

Caring for your newborn baby

Bath, massage and tummy time
6:11

Baby bathing demonstration | Westmead Hospital

This video shows you how to bathe your newborn baby.

Read transcript
Video transcript

Baby bathing demonstration | Westmead Hospital

[Music plays in the background throughout]

[A maternity nurse stands near a sink with her back to the camera. A baby is wrapped and laid in front of her. In the background the baby's parents sit facing the nurse as she talks to them about the process of bathing the baby. A female voiceover is heard over this scene.]

Female voiceover: Westmead postnatal ward consists of 41 beds and cares for over 5500 women and babies every year. We are committed to providing postnatal information and education for all our families to ensure they feel confident when caring for their baby at home. This video has been devised to assist you when bathing your baby. The bath class shown has been demonstrated one-on-one only to create this video. However, it is normally performed to a group of parents and support people.

The first bath for a well-baby is usually on the second day to allow the baby to adapt to life outside the womb. Bath classes are twice a day 9am and 6.30pm.

[The maternity nurse is now facing the camera. She continues to talk to the parents who are now off screen. The baby is placed next to her in a bassinet. She pulls several cleaning wipes out of a container. She opens the tap in the bathing sink and uses the wipes to clean the sink and then discards it. She then places a sink plug to fill the sink with water.]

Female voiceover continues [music plays in background]:

It is important that you try and attend one of these classes prior to discharge.  

Before you begin bathing your baby make sure the room where the baby will be is bathed in is warm and away from the draughts. 

Prepare everything you will need for bathing your baby this may include towels, face washes, baby bath solution, nappies, clothes, and a wrap to swaddle baby when filling the bath. 

Turn the cold water tap on first and add hot water to adjust temperature test the temperature of the water with the inside of your wrist. 

If the water is too hot for you it will be too hot for baby. Place the baby on the towels which are laid out on the bench next to the bath or in the cot. 

Undress the baby leaving only the nappy on wrap baby securely in a towel leaving the head exposed.

Pick the baby up while supporting baby's head with one hand and placing the remainder of the body under your arm on the same side of your body. 

Hold baby over the bath, clean the eyes with the water. Using a face washer wipe the eye from inside out, rinse the washer and then repeat the same action on the other eye.

Sometimes babies get sticky eyes, and this can prevent cross-contamination from one eye to the other. Clean the remainder of the face with the face washer making sure to wipe the outside of the ear and under the chin. 

Do not put anything inside your baby's ear. Once you have washed the baby's face you can proceed to wash their hair.

Wet the baby's hair with the washer or your hand and apply a small amount of soap free bath solution to the baby's head. Lather up by rubbing your hand gently and in circular movements over the baby's head. Rinse baby's head with water by using face washes and towel dry baby's head to ensure the baby stays warm. 

Unwrap baby and remove nappy. If the nappy is soiled, clean baby's bottom first before putting into the bath safely. Hold the baby by placing your forearm across the back of the baby's neck and placing your hand under the armpit around the shoulder. 

Pour a small amount of the soap free bathing solution into the bath and mix into the water. With your hand your baby is well supported and can now be placed into the bath. Ensure you keep baby's head above the water, most babies will cry when they initially get into the bath but once they feel the nice warm water they'll become more relaxed. Gently wash the baby's body with the face washer.

It is important to wash under the neck as this is where babies become sweaty and milk may accumulate if the baby has vomited. Wash around the umbilical area, in the creases, under the arms, genital area and buttocks. To wash babies back and bottom you'll need to change baby's position by turning them onto their tummy. To do this hold the baby's same arm with your other free hand and transfer baby from one wrist to the other making sure to keep baby's face above the water level. Turn baby's head slightly to the side so they are not facing into the water.

Baby can remain in the bath as long as you are both comfortable and the water temperature remains warm enough for the baby. When you are ready to take baby out of the bath, wrap the baby securely in a towel again. Your baby may cry when they come out of the bath just cuddle your baby to calm them down. While in the towel this may help dry most of their body. Lie baby back down on a blanket or towel on the bench or cot and dry the creases skin folds under the neck, palms of hand, elbow creases, groin, behind knees, ankle creases, toes and genital area.

Ensure umbilical cord is dry and check around the cord for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and discharge. Dress baby wrap in a lightweight wrap and place in cot or give to partner to hold or cuddle, or this can be a good time to do tummy time with your baby. This is done by placing a dominant hand under the baby's neck and head and placing your free hand on the baby's chest supporting the chin and turning baby over onto their tummy ensuring the head is to one side.

Make sure baby is placed on a soft surface blanket or towel as the baby will be moving their head up and down and that you are watching the baby at all times. During this activity once you have finished, clean the bath and bench top with the detergent wipes and water. During the bath class the midwife will discuss other topics with you such as signs of a well baby, shaken baby syndrome, SIDS, safe sleeping, community resources and the baby's blue book. Remember try not to get stressed or worried about bathing your baby it is a great time for you and your partner to interact with your baby and have fun doing so you and your partner to interact with your baby and have fun doing so.

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Safe sleep and safe wrapping
Feeding
Newborn safety
Immunisation and tests

Find information on health checks, tests and vaccinations your baby needs and where to get them.

Important tests

Immunisation schedule

As your baby grows

The time spent with your growing child is precious and fun. Use the information from the links and our fact sheets for ideas on ways to enjoy your child that are educational and nurturing.

Your relationship, sex and contraception

Factsheets

A new baby will change the dynamics of the relationship between you and your partner. This is a time of great happiness, but it can also be emotionally stressful becoming parents.

Regular and honest communication between you and your partner is very important. Consider having time together without the baby so that you can enjoy each other’s company.

The time frame when a couple wish to become sexually intimate again after birth varies greatly. Before having intercourse (sex) again, it is generally recommended to wait for any vaginal bleeding to settle down (usually about 4 weeks) and for any stitches to dissolve (usually about 4- 6 weeks).

It is important that you feel secure and comfortable about having sex again. The changes your body has undergone, and the hormones of breastfeeding may affect your sex drive. Be kind to yourself - some couples will need to spend time being intimate in other ways (kissing and cuddling, etc.) before recommencing sex.

Before having sex, you will also need to think about contraception. Remember that it is possible to fall pregnant as soon as 4 weeks after your baby’s birth, even before having had your first period.

You may be able to restart your previous birth control methods, or you may need to use something else. Talk to the staff before you leave hospital, or to your GP, to find out what options may be suitable for you.

Use the information from the factsheets and links to learn about sex and contraception after birth.

Each new mother's experience is different

Most women have an easy and problem-free pregnancy, but a small number may experience medical problems in their pregnancy, including medical conditions already present before pregnancy, like asthma, or which happen only in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (blood pressure of pregnancy).

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