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After birth—planning postnatal appointments with your GP

We recommend that you, and your baby, see your GP when your baby is between five and 10 days old, and again when your baby is six weeks old. These are routine check-ups. You should seek medical advice sooner if you, or your baby, are unwell.

Your five to 10 day postnatal check

  • Please book two appointments; a 15 minute appointment for yourself and a 15 to 30 minute appointment for your baby. Please register your baby as a new patient when you call to make your appointments so that a new medical record can be commenced. It is important that you do not make this appointment for the same day as your visit by the homecare midwife.
  • The main focus will be on your baby and will include a full examination. Your baby will be weighed and their length and head circumference measured. Please take your baby’s Personal Health Record (red book) with you to this, and any future, appointments.
  • Your postnatal check is to ensure that your vaginal blood loss and bladder and bowel function are normal; that your mood and social supports are satisfactory and to provide any breastfeeding support and advice. You and your partner are advised to discuss having a whooping cough booster vaccination at this appointment (please note that a charge will apply).
  • Unless your baby’s birth has already been registered, and entered on your Medicare card (not usual between five and 10 days) this visit will be privately billed. Please keep your receipt, so that you can claim the Medicare rebate once you receive your updated Medicare card.

Your six week postnatal check

  • Please book two appointments; a 15 minute appointment for your baby and a 15 to 30 minute appointment for yourself.
  • The main focus at this appointment will be on you and may include an internal examination, to ensure that your uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy size; a Pap smear if due, and a discussion about contraception.
  • Your baby will be examined and weighed, and their length and head circumference will be measured. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have of your doctor.

These visits may be private or bulk billed—please check with your GP clinic.

Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-430000
Last modified 08/8/2017.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 04/9/2014
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.
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