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Birth care

Maternity bed

Congratulations – your baby has been born! The first week is all about recovery, bonding and getting used to your new life together. It’s a time full of emotions and new experiences, during which we’ll guide you every step of the way.

"Take your time settling in; we’ll be there to look after you during your first moments together."

Focus on rest and recovery

With attention

The first week after the birth is quite something. Your body is recovering from the birth, hormones are racing through your system, and the baby is keeping you both awake. It’s precisely at this time that it’s essential to trust your instincts and take time for yourself and each other.

Together with the maternity nurse, we form a team to give you and your baby the best possible start. We’ll visit you regularly this week to check how your physical recovery is going and to answer any questions you may have. In this way, together we’ll create the peace and trust which are needed for a pleasant postnatal period.

Arrange an introductory meeting

We’ll walk you through these steps

With attention
1

The first 24 hours

Step 1

Focus on rest and skin-to-skin contact. Your baby is alert and is learning to feed. Take it easy; the adrenaline is slowly wearing off.

2

Days 2 & 3: The ‘baby blues’

Step 2

Breastfeeding is getting off the ground and the infamous ‘postnatal blues’ may set in. This is perfectly normal; we’re here to support you through this.

3

Days 4 & 5: Stowage and checks

Step 3

Your breasts may feel tender (milk engorgement). The GGD often carries out the heel prick test and the hearing test today as well.

4

Days 6 to 8: Finding balance

Step 4

You’re probably feeling a bit fitter again. We’ll discuss vitamins for the baby and look back on your birth experience together.

5

The follow-up check

Step 5

Six weeks after the birth, we’d love to see you again at the practice so we can have a quiet chat and see how you’re getting on.

Your baby, our care

A safe start for your little one

A lot happens to your baby during the first week after birth. From the first black nappies (meconium) to the possible appearance of a ‘yellow tinge’ on the third day, the maternity nurse and midwife keep a close eye on everything.

We’ll teach you how to recognise your baby’s cues. When is your baby hungry? Is the temperature right? Thanks to the close collaboration between Belle Vie and your maternity care organisation, we provide a safe environment in which you can grow into your new roles as parents with confidence.

We’d be happy to ring you back

Feel like meeting us? Leave your phone number here and we will call you back as soon as possible.

Everything about your first week

Practical questions about the postnatal period

Call us straight away 06 5354 8631 in the following cases: heavy bleeding (more than one full maternity pad every half hour), if you are unable to pass urine within 6 hours of giving birth, or if you have a fever or are worried about yourself or the baby.

From day 8 onwards, give your baby vitamin D every day. Are you breastfeeding? If so, you should also give your baby vitamin K. These drops are readily available from chemists or pharmacies.

The birth must be registered within 3 working days with the local authority where your baby was born. Don’t forget to bring your ID with you!