Being pregnant is different for different women. Learn what to expect from pregnancy, labour and birth including how to care for yourself and your baby and the type of care you prefer.
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Topic: After childbirth
Maternal and child health services
Your local Maternal and Child Health service will be a great source of support after your baby is born.
Newborn screening
Every newborn in Australia is offered a blood test to check for the presence of particular metabolic or genetic disorders.
Parenting centres support families
Early Parenting Centres help families whose children have sleep, feeding or other difficulties.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
PKU is an inherited disorder that prevents the normal breakdown of a protein found in some foods.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression can happen either a few days or weeks after the birth, with a slow or sudden onset.
Postnatal exercise
Always consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any postnatal exercise program.
Postnatal exercise - sample workout
Make sure your abdominal muscles have healed before you do any vigorous tummy exercises, such as crunches.
Premature babies
Sometimes premature labour can be delayed to increase a baby’s chance of survival.
Relationships - when partners become parents
The birth of your first child can significantly change your relationship with your partner.
Stretch marks
Over time stretch marks lose their bright colouring and become silvery, shimmering lines.
Vitamin K and newborn babies
With low levels of vitamin K, some babies can have severe bleeding into the brain, causing significant brain damage.
See also Parenting - Babies (0-3)
