Preparing to go home

If you have a vaginal birth and you and your baby are well, we recommend you go home within 6 to 24 hours. If you have had a caesarean, a medical complication or a baby concern, a longer stay may be necessary.

Research indicates that you, your partner and your baby will bond more effectively, establish a new household routine more quickly and get more rest in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Studies also indicate that mothers who leave hospital within 24 hours breastfeed longer.

At home, new parents usually find:

• both partners and family are more involved in bonding with and caring for the baby
• they sleep better
• they rest more because there is no disruption and noise from other families/babies/visitors/cleaners
• they can establish their own visiting times and routines.

Being discharged from hospital

You and your baby will be assessed to make sure it is safe for you to be discharged (leave hospital). There are a few other things that will happen before you leave hospital.

Newborn hearing screening

Your baby will be offered a newborn hearing screening as soon as possible after birth.

We will check that your baby has had their screening before you leave hospital. If this can’t happen, for whatever reason, we will make an appointment for you and your baby to return to hospital to have the screen at a later date.

Some babies need follow-up appointments after their newborn hearing screening. We will let you know if you need to attend any further appointments.

Newborn bloodspot screening

You will be offered newborn bloodspot screening for your baby. You may know of this as the ‘heel prick test’. This test detects rare conditions and disorders and identifies babies at risk of developing a serious condition, so they can get the help they need early.

You can read more about newborn bloodspot screening on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Well baby assessment

We will do a well baby assessment before you leave hospital. This involves checking things like your baby’s physical features and reflexes. If there are any concerns, we will make sure you are referred to the right service for further assessment and support.

Medications and scripts

If your doctor has prescribed it, we will give you any medications or scripts you need before you go home.

Medical/carers’ certificates

If you need a medical or carers certificate, please ask us for one before you leave hospital.

Important paperwork

You will be given a copy of your discharge report. If we have your permission, we will also send a copy to your GP.

You will be given your baby’s Personal Health Record (Blue Book) and the Centrelink Newborn Child Declaration. Your doctor or midwife will complete the Proof of Birth declaration on the back page before giving it to you.

• Please make sure you have both of these important documents before you leave hospital.

You can read more about the Newborn Child Declaration on the Services Australia website.

The Birth of a Child project

We are partnering with Services Australia to make it easier for you to enrol your newborn into a range of programs through the Birth of a Child project.

We will talk to you about whether you would like to participate in the Birth of a Child project when you come to hospital for the birth. If you do, your baby will be automatically registered with Services Australia for Medicare, added to your Medicare card, enrolled on the Australian Immunisation Register, issued their Individual Health Identifier (IHI) and registered for a My Health Record.

The information about the birth of your baby will also be shared with Centrelink, making it easier for you to lodge a Centrelink Family Assistance Claim, including Parental Paid Leave and Family Tax Benefit.

How to participate

There are some steps you need to take to participate in the program:

• We will need to see some identity documents and your current Medicare card when you are admitted to hospital.
• You will need to have decided on baby’s name before you are discharged.
• You will need to  be discharged together with your baby.
• You will need to provide us with your written consent to participate in the program.

If you have any questions, please talk to your midwife or a member of your care team.

Getting home safely

It’s a good idea to plan how you are getting your new baby home safely. This includes having your baby’s capsule properly installed in your car.

There are licensed fitters who can ensure capsules and seats are correctly installed. Kidsafe ACT can install your car seat and show you how to use it safely.