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Your body after having a baby

Mum's first 24 hours after birth

Find out what to expect in the first 24 hours after giving birth. Having a baby is different for everyone and it’s important to take time to recover.

Your first few days after giving birth

You will have many physical and emotional changes in the first few days after the birth of your baby. Find out what to expect after giving birth.

Postnatal anxiety

Postnatal anxiety develops in the first year of parenthood and is common in both parents. Learn to recognise the signs and get the support you need.

Body image after having a baby

Giving birth can affect your body in many ways, but here are ways to feel body confident and help your body recover after having a baby.

Birth injury (to the mother)

Birth injuries to the mother, such as perineal tears and pelvic floor damage can sometimes occur. Support and treatment is available.

Bladder weakness (incontinence) after birth

Leaking urine (wee) after childbirth is very common. It can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but there are ways to improve bladder incontinence.

Looking after your body after having a baby

Learn tips for looking after your body after having a baby. Discover how to manage recovery, address common issues and find support after childbirth.

Losing weight safely after birth

It is important to make healthy choices when trying to lose weight after pregnancy. Learn more about exercise and healthy eating after giving birth.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen muscles that support the bladder, bowel and uterus, which are strained during pregnancy and childbirth.

Periods after pregnancy

After you've had your baby, you may wonder what will happen with your periods. Find out what to expect after birth and when your periods might return.

Postnatal depression

Many women experience the 'baby blues' after pregnancy, but when low feelings persist beyond these early days, it may be postnatal depression.

Safe return to exercise after pregnancy

Exercise can help you recover after childbirth, make you stronger and improve mood. Here are some tips on how to exercise safely after a pregnancy.

Scar healing and recovery

Be aware of signs of infection and poor wound healing. Hygiene, pelvic floor exercises and diet are important to scar healing and recovery.

Sex after having a baby

There are no rules about when to start having sex again after you’ve given birth. Don’t rush into it. If sex hurts, it won’t be pleasurable.

Sleep after having a baby

Learn more about some of the sleep challenges you might have after having a baby. Find out how to manage your sleep and when you should get help.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

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