What happens after I give birth?

The birth of a baby is a different experience for everyone. At the time of birth, your baby will likely be lifted up onto your chest for skin-to-skin contact. This is a special time for you to bond with your baby.

After the birth, your midwife will check:

• your pulse
• your blood pressure
• how your uterus is contracting
• how you are feeling

If you choose to breastfeed, your midwife can help you feed your baby.

How long will I be in the birth room after giving birth to my baby?

After a normal vaginal birth, you will probably stay in the birth room. You may have a meal and a shower before moving to the postnatal ward or going home.

If you're staying in hospital, it's normal for you and your baby to be in a room together. You may also share the room with other new mothers.

If I have a home birth, what care will my midwife provide after the birth?

If you give birth at home, your midwife will stay with you until you and your baby are comfortable. They will check that your baby is breastfeeding well.

After the birth, your midwife will visit you at home during the first 6 weeks to check you and your baby.

What happens to my body in the first 24 hours after birth?

How you feel after the birth can vary. You might feel elated, exhausted, emotionally drained or all of them at once. This is normal, you've just been through a big, life changing event.

Bleeding from the vagina

After having a baby you will have bleeding from the vagina — this is called 'lochia'. For the first few days this will be bright red, like a heavy period.

If you pass large clots tell your midwife, in case you need treatment.

You may continue to lose blood from your vagina for up to 6 weeks.

It's important to use maternity pads or period underwear until your 6-week check. Using internal period products like tampons and menstrual cups may increase your chance of getting an infection.

Your tummy and after-birth pains

Your uterus will take time to go back to its normal size.

You may have after-birth pains as your uterus starts to contract to its pre-pregnancy size. This might feel like period pain.

Cramping pains are more common if this is not your first baby. After-birth pains are more noticeable when your baby is breastfeeding.

You can ease the pain by:

• placing a warm pack on your tummy
• taking paracetamol 30 minutes before breastfeeding

Your vulva and vagina

Your vagina and vulva may feel tender for a couple of days after a vaginal birth. An icepack and pain-relief medicines should help.

Firm supportive underwear may also help reduce any pain and discomfort. Consider wearing control briefs for the first 6 weeks after birth. You will need clothes 2 sizes bigger than your pre-pregnancy size. So, if you were a size 12 before you were pregnant, buy size 16 briefs.

If you have stitches in your perineum, they will dissolve in 1 to 2 weeks. Wash the area normally when you shower and gently pat dry.

Your breasts

The first milk you make is called colostrum. You will only make a little bit of colostrum.

Your breastmilk usually comes in around 2 to 5 days after birth. When this happens, your breasts can feel very full and large.

It's quite common for your nipples to feel a little tender as you and your baby learn how to breastfeed.

Using the toilet

Your bottom may feel bruised and sore after the birth. However, it's safe to use the toilet.

Drink lots of water as this may make your urine sting less.

You probably won't need to do a poo for a few days. Try to eat plenty of:

• fresh fruits
• vegetables
• wholegrain bread
• wholegrain cereals

These will help keep your stools (poo) soft.

Do not strain on the toilet. Your midwife may suggest laxatives if you become constipated.

Going home

If you had a vaginal birth in a public hospital or birthing centre, you may be able to go home 4 to 6 hours after birth. A midwife may visit you at home to give postnatal care and breastfeeding advice.

You may need to stay in hospital longer if:

• you had an assisted delivery (forceps or ventouse)
• you had a caesarean birth
• you are unwell
• your baby is unwell

If you have your baby in a private hospital, you might be able to stay longer. Ask your hospital how long you can expect to stay in hospital.

Recovery from birth

Giving birth can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Sometimes birth may be different than what you'd planned for.

It's important to give yourself time to recover.

If you have had a difficult birth, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider while you're still in hospital.

If you or your partner are struggling with your feelings, support is available. The Australian Birth Trauma Association offers advice, resources and a peer-to-peer support service.

Resources and support

If you have a caesarean section, your experience will be a little different. You can read more about what to expect after a caesarean section.

Find out more about your baby's first 24 hours.

ForWhen — connects new and expecting parents to perinatal and infant mental health services and supports in their local area. You can call them on 1300 24 23 22.

The Australian Birth Trauma Association offers advice, resources and a peer-to-peer support service.

The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) provides information and a list of support services.

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) — call 1300 726 306 to speak with a counsellor.