There are a few extra things you need to know if you are pregnant over the age of 40.

If you’re over 35 and trying for a baby, there are a few things to think about.

If you are planning to have a baby, being as healthy as possible is one of the best ways to improve your chances of falling pregnant and having a healthy baby.

The NSW Milk Bank provide pasteurised donor human milk to infants at high risk of Necrotising Enterocolitis when maternal supply is not sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the infant.

The Maternal and Child Health (MACH) nurses support new parents with information and health advice. Our nurses are Registered Nurses and hold additional qualifications in maternal, child and family health.

The Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service (AMIHS) is a free community based maternity service that provides pregnancy and baby care for up to 8 weeks for Aboriginal families in NSW.

The 'Blue Book' is another name for the Personal Health Record. This booklet, bound in a blue plastic cover, is produced by the NSW Ministry of Health, and is given to all parents in NSW after the birth of a baby.

Most breastfeeding mothers can consume a moderate amount of caffeine (eg a few cups of coffee or tea each day) without it affecting their babies. Newborn babies however can be particularly sensitive to caffeine. This is because it can take a newborn baby a long time (ie half-life of 50–100 hours) to process caffeine. By 3–4 months, however, it takes a baby only about 3–7 hours.1

This booklet provides practical advice on common questions and concerns about breastfeeding including why, how long, what to expect, overcoming problems, expressing breastmilk and returning to work.

The second edition of Having a Baby is for all women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It also provides valuable information for partners and families, helping them understand and participate in this significant phase of their lives.