Find out what happens for the first 6 weeks after your baby is born. There is information about both you and your baby.
Your midwife will provide you with the care that you and your baby need immediately after the birth and for 4–6 weeks after baby is born. This includes checking your baby at birth and soon after, helping you to start breastfeeding when your baby shows signs they are ready and checking you after the birth.
For the next 4–6 weeks, your midwife will visit you at home to check you and your baby. Your midwife will also check that your baby has somewhere safe to sleep.
It’s important that you enrol your baby with a general practice at birth or as soon as possible after that. Babies and young children get sick often – it’s a normal part of childhood. Get help quickly if your child shows any of these danger signs.
You can find out more about caring for your baby in the First year section.
