28/04/2026
In Australia, postnatal care includes early support from midwives—through home visits or community follow-up—especially in the first 1–2 weeks after birth.
Most women receive at least one postnatal contact within the first week, often within 48 hours of discharge, as recommended by the Australian College of Midwives and supported by national maternity care guidelines. 💫
However, the number and continuity of visits can vary significantly depending on location, hospital policies, and whether you have access to private midwifery care.
These early postnatal checks are not just routine—they are essential.
Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights that the first weeks after birth are a critical window for both maternal recovery and newborn health, with ongoing support linked to better breastfeeding outcomes, earlier identification of complications, and improved emotional wellbeing. Why they matter:
* Physical recovery – monitoring healing and early signs of complications
* Mental wellbeing – 1 in 5 women experience perinatal anxiety or depression (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)
* Feeding support – personalised, hands-on guidance at home
* Newborn checks – weight, jaundice, and overall wellbeing
* Confidence – real support, in your own space
The early weeks matter. Having the right support at home can change everything. 💚
Private Midwives offer personalised, unrushed in-home clinical care through the first 6-8 weeks to support you through the postnatal period—right where you need it most.
Some Perth midwives offer a focus on antenatal & postnatal only, while others offer birth as well. Just because you birth in a hospital with their midwives doesn’t mean you can’t have a postnatal midwife for extra care and support after!
✨ How fab is that
— Holly x
