Leaving the hospital

• Your expected length of stay is 1-2 days for a vaginal birth and 2-4 days for a caesarean birth. 
• Discharge can also occur before these times with a minimum length of stay of four hours for a vaginal birth.
• If your wish is to discharge against medical advice you will be required to sign a form. 
• You will need to discuss your discharge with the midwife caring for you.

Transporting baby home

• It is a legal requirement that baby travels in an approved baby car seat which should be properly fitted.
• Contact RACT on 132 722 or visit the RACT website for further information.

Extended Midwifery Service (EMS)

Midwives are available to visit you at home and answer any questions you may have.

This service is available to you if you live approximately within a 30-minute drive of the hospital.

If you received your care through MGP your midwife will provide this service postnatally.

How to contact the EMS

• North: Phone 03 6777 8994 or 0419 882 039
• North West: Phone 0409 973 547

Pets and bringing baby home

• If you have a family pet, try to it used to being in its own bed space before bringing your baby home.
• Don’t leave a young child alone with a dog or cat no matter how safe you feel the animal is.
• Some people have their animals sleeping in/on the bed up until their baby comes home and the animals are suddenly put outside when the baby arrives home.
• Plan to transition your pet while you are pregnant.
• Visit the We Are Family website for further information.