It is important not to forget to take care of yourself after birth. On this page you will find information on:
Postnatal checks
After birth at each visit in hospital and home, your lead maternity carer will perform regular checks to make sure you are recovering well from childbirth.
This check may include:
- Breasts and nipples - to check their condition and assess milk supply
- Uterus - to ensure it is returning to pre-pregnant size (usually by six weeks)
- Lochia (blood loss) - amount, colour and odour
- Perineum/wound - to check healing, if appropriate, and observe for signs of infection.
- Bladder/bowels - to check that they're functioning normally.
- Legs - to observe for signs of blood clots and to check that swelling is reducing
- Pelvic floor exercises - instruction and encouragement, to reduce the risks of incontinence later in life.
Support at home
Some mothers will have more support than others. Some families are more prepared for the new baby, both physically and emotionally, than others. A great deal of parenting is instinctive, but help is essential to surviving long nights and challenging times with your new baby
We encourage you to:
- Talk to your LMC about how you are feeling and coping. They will talk to you about support groups and networks in the community that can help you to adjust to parenthood.
- Try to find play groups and coffee groups in your area, so that you can meet other new mothers.
- Locate and visit your local Plunket Family Centre(external link).
- Take advantage of genuine offers from friends or family to help with housework and cooking. Remember the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child'.
You may also wish to join the free healthy eating and living programme offered by the Green Prescription(external link).
24-hour help
While you're in hospital, you can ask for help any time of the day or night. The midwives are there to help. Once you're at home, your visiting midwife will provide you with a list of phone numbers for round-the-clock help.
For free 24-hour advice within New Zealand you can call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Farewell to your LMC
At your final meeting with your LMC, they will talk to you about:
- your GP as your 'go to' person if you have any problems
- keeping fit and active
- local community support groups available to you
- referral to other health professionals if necessary
Am I eligible for paid parental leave?
The two main payments are:
- Best Start (also called Best Start tax credit), part of the Working for Families package, and
- Paid parental leave (PPL).
For more information, take a look at the IRD information leaflet(external link).