Author: development

Confirmation of Pregnancy

Posted on by development

You may suspect you are pregnant. This can be confirmed via pregnancy test or by a pregnancy blood test.

Key Points

A missed period may be the first clue you are pregnant, or maybe you have suspected you were pregnant earlier. You can confirm this by

  • Home pregnancy test
  • Blood test
Home pregnancy test
  • A home pregnancy test can be purchased from your local pharmacy or chemist.
  • These are inexpensive, private and easy to use and if you follow the instructions they are very accurate.
  • Home pregnancy tests work measuring the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) in your urine. Your body starts to produce this hormone when the fertilised egg implants in your uterus. The pregnancy hormone can be detected in your urine from about six to fourteen days after fertilisation.
  • Follow the instructions on the test, some required you to wee on the test stick. With others you may have to dip a testing strip into a urine sample. Most types of tests will give you a result in a few minutes. Results may appear as a line on the test strip while others display a plus or minus symbol.
  • Most pregnancy tests are sensitive enough to detect levels of HcG and display a positive result on the day you miss your period. However you may retest in a few days of you believe you are pregnant but return a negative result. It would be rare for a pregnancy test to return a positive result that was incorrect or false, but there are other reasons that you may have a high HcG levels such as a tumour.

Pregnancy blood test

A GP can confirm your pregnancy by a blood test. Even if you have a positive home pregnancy test it is a good idea to visit your GP to confirm the result with a blood test and also discuss with your GP your options for pregnancy care. Pregnancy blood tests are 99% accurate and can detect a pregnancy about one week after conception. A blood test will also confirm the presence of the hormone HcG but can detect this earlier than the home pregnancy tests. Normally HcG levels rise quickly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and this can assist your doctor to tell if the pregnancy is progressing as would be expected.

There are two main types of pregnancy blood tests

  • Quantitative blood test – measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood and can give you an estimate of how far along the pregnancy has progressed.
  • Qualitative blood test – only checks for the presence of hCG so will give you a positive or negative result but not how far along your pregnancy is.

Talk to your GP about these options.

Shared Decision Making

If you are asked to make a choice or consent to a procedure, you may have questions that you want to ask. You may also want to discuss these options with your partner or family. To begin you may like to ask the following three key questions if you are asked to make a choice about your pregnancy care or consent to a procedure:

1. What are my options?

2. What are the pro’s and con’s of each option for me and my baby?

3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me and my baby?

Caring for your emotional health

  • Download the Talkingbirth early pregnancy MP3 relaxation track – breath awareness
  • Talk to a family member or friend and share your feelings about your pregnancy
  • Remember to get outside each day, prioritise sleep and eat a range of fruits and vegetable each day.

Questions for your Midwife or Doctor

  • What pregnancy care options are available to me?
  • Are there any individual risk factors I should be aware of?
  • When should I book my next appointment in my pregnancy? 

Actions items

  • Gather together any results from scans, blood tests or ultrasounds to take with you to your appointment
  • Consider your personal circumstances and options or preferences for private or public pregnancy care

Resources

For support and advice for an unplanned pregnancy

 

Continuity of Care

Posted on by development

A note about Continuity of Midwifery Care

Talkingbirth acknowledges the research that supports the contribution of continuity of care to high quality maternity care for women and the improved outcomes for mothers and babies.

 

A substantial body of evidence now exists showing that care provided by midwives in a continuity of midwifery model of care contributes to improved outcomes for women and babies.

Continuity of midwifery care sometimes called ‘caseload midwifery’, is where women have a known midwife care for them throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and in the early postnatal period.

 

A Cochrane review of 15 trials involving 17,674 women who received continuity of midwifery care found this was associated with significant benefits for mothers and babies.

They were less likely to experience interventions and more likely to have an unassisted vaginal birth.

They are more likely to be satisfied with their care, more likely to breastfeed and their babies are more likely to be born healthy and at term.

 

Despite the evidence, only approx. 10% of Australian women have access to continuity of midwifery care for pregnancy care.

Furthermore these care models are typically available to women with pregnancies that are ‘low risk’, but strong evidence supports the benefits of these models of care for women from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups and first Nations families.

 

A La Trobe University’s study in 2022, reflected that although the model is associated with substantially better health outcomes, very few First Nations women currently have access continuity of midwifery care. Their study showed women with access to midwife-led continuity of care, compared with standard maternity care, were less likely to experience birth before 37 weeks, a low birthweight baby or infant loss.

 

Talkingbirth was designed by two Midwives as an adjunct to clinical care.

While we would hope that one day all women would have access to a known Midwife this is not the reality of our current maternity system in Australia.

 

The content of this app is designed to walk alongside women to provide evidence informed information each step of the way.

No matter what model of care a women is engaged with they are able to access information relevant to their stage of pregnancy.

 

Resources

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00145-6/fulltext

Sandall, J., Soltani, H., Gates, S., Shennan, A., Devane, D. (2016). Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD004667

Koblinsky, M., Moyer, C., Calvert, C., Campbell, J., Campbell, O., Feigl, A., Graham, W., Hatt, L. Hodgins, S., Matthews, Z., McDougall, L., Moran, A., Nandakumar, A., Langer, A. (2016). Quality maternity care for every woman everywhere: a call to action. Lancet, 388, 2307-2320.

 

A Word about Language

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A word about language

The Talkingbirth app and Birth preparation Course uses the terms woman, mother and pregnant women.

We acknowledge the limitations of this language in relation to gender and sexual orientation terminology.

The language used is meant in no terms to offend, exclude or diminish individuals who do not wish to be aligned with the language terms selected.

 

The word partner or birth partner is used to describe the support person, non-birthing parent or family or friend supporting a woman in pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

 

We acknowledge that improved psychological care of those entering the health care system is closely linked to improved outcomes.

Positive communication and thoughtful language throughout pregnancy and birth care significantly affects a woman’s experience and in turn their psychological and physical well-being.

We have therefore considered our language carefully in the content of this app. We have attempted to communicate simply, appropriately and respectfully and to walk alongside women as they navigate the complexities of maternity care. We respect a woman’s autonomy to make decisions for herself and her baby and have designed this content to provide evidence-informed information so women can be an active participant in their pregnancy care.

The Talkingbirth app

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Talkingbirth – Our App

Your pregnancy care should take into account your personal needs and preferences, and you have the right to be fully informed and to make decisions in partnership with your Midwife or Doctor. To help with this, your healthcare team should give you information you can understand and that is relevant to your personal circumstances.

 

Any information, and discussions you have with your midwife or doctor, should include explanations and simple clear details about the care you receive.

You should be treated with respect and sensitivity.

 

You can ask any questions you want to and can always change your mind.

Your own preference is important, and your healthcare team should support your choice of care wherever possible.

 

Talkingbirth acknowledges the research that supports the contribution of continuity of care to high quality maternity care for women and the improved outcomes for mothers and babies.

 

Talkingbirth was designed by two Midwives as an adjunct to clinical care.

While we would hope that one day all women would have access to a known Midwife this is not the reality of our current maternity system in Australia.

 

The content of this app is designed to walk alongside women to provide evidence informed information each step of the way. No matter what model of care a women is engaged with they are able to access information relevant to their stage of pregnancy.

 

Each of the content pages within Talkingbirth App outlines

  • Key Points
  • Evidence informed information for each stage of pregnancy, birth preparation, breastfeeding, emotional wellbeing and partner resources.
  • Questions you can consider asking during my antenatal visit

If there are choices to be made about your care in pregnancy, birth and into early parenting there are three questions outlined

  • What are my options
  • What are the possible benefits and risks
  • How can we make a decision together that’s right me and my baby

 

The information provided on the Course is not intended as a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Appropriate medical and midwifery advice by a professional should also be sought. Always seek the advice of your general practitioner,  obstetrician or midwife or other qualified medical or health practitioner for any specific advice. Appropriate professional medical advice should be sought before taking any action in relation to any of the subject matter contained in this app or course.

 

 

 

VBAC

Posted on by development

Deciding how to give birth after a previous caesarean section.

 

If you have had a caesarean section before, your midwife or Doctor will talk to you about your options for giving birth now you are pregnant again.

Let’s look at some of the research about the options on so you can make the best choice for yourself and your family.

 

***Key Points***

A vaginal birth is a safe choice for many birthing parents who have had a C-section previously.

Some who plan vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) will birth their baby vaginally, some will end up having another C-section, some will decide the best option for them is a planned Caesarean section prior to labour.

***Key Points***

 

***Definitions***

VBAC – vaginal birth after caesarean. It is the term used when a woman gives birth vaginally, having had a caesarean section in a previous birth. Vaginal birth includes spontaneous  vaginal delivery and a birth assisted by forceps or ventouse.

ERCS – Elective Repeat Caesarean Section. This is a choice to have a planned elective caesarean section at a planned date and time.

***Definitions***

***Benefits of a VBAC***

Benefits of planning a Vaginal birth

  • You avoid the potential complications of major abdominal surgery
  • You are more likely to have skin to skin contact with your baby immediately following birth
  • You are less likely to have difficulties breastfeeding. With vaginal birth, levels of prolactin and oxytocin (hormones that help you make milk and bond with your baby) are higher when compared with levels after C-section.
  • Your baby is less likely to be admitted to a nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for breathing difficulties.
  • You have a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery and less pain at 2 months and 6 months after birth.
  • When your baby is born vaginally, they come in contact with ‘good bacteria’. We need further research to understand the benefits of this but we know your baby is less likely to develop asthma or allergy related illnesses. It is thought this is because the good bacteria are good for the immune system of the baby.
  • You are less likely to experience postnatal depression. A large in 2020 study showed lower rates of depression both short term (two weeks after birth) and long term (six months after birth) in women who had a vaginal birth compared with those who had a C-section.
  • You are more likely to reflect on your birth as a positive experience.
  • You are more likely to have a positive birth experience. In one large Canadian study, clients who had a VBAC rated their experiences more positively than those who had a repeat C-section. You are less likely to have postpartum depression.

***Benefits of a VBAC***

***Benefits of a ERCS***

Benefits of ERCS

  • You are less likely to experience uterine rupture (see Risks section below).
  • You can avoid the risk of an emergency caesarean section (see Risks section below).
  • You are slightly less likely to experience urinary incontinence likely to experience pelvic organ prolapse after you have your baby. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are both treatable conditions.
  • You have the ability to plan your Caesarean section on a known date, which may be a benefit if you have other children to consider.

***Benefits of a ERCS***

***Risks of a VBAC***

What are some risks of VBAC and C-section? Studies tell us that both VBAC and planned C-section are very safe. However, having a baby always involves some risk of complications, no matter which kind of birth you have.

Risks of VBAC

Uterine rupture

Uterine rupture occurs when the wall of the uterus tears or splits during pregnancy or labour. If this were to happen, the split would likely be along the scar tissue of the previous Caesarean section.

Uterine rupture requires emergency surgery. Uterine rupture happens in about 0.5% of all VBAC labours.

This means that one uterine rupture would be expected to occur for every 200 birthing parents who plan to have a VBAC (which means a 99.5% chance this will not happen).

The need for an emergency C-section:

Even if you plan VBAC, you may need to have a Caesarean section. If this occurs after the onset of labour this is called an emergency caesarean section.

This happens to about one in four women who plan a VBAC, approximately 25-28%

Having a Caesarean section after labour has begun is associated with more risks than a Caesarean section planned electively before labour.

***Risks of a VBAC***

***Risks of a ERCS***

RISKS of a ERCS

Risks associated with having major surgery

As with any major surgery this comes with risks. These include fever, infection, injuries to the bowel or bladder, or blood clots.

Although the risks remain low, they are higher than after a vaginal birth.

Potential issues with the placenta in future pregnancies

The scar on the uterus from a caesarean section can cause difficulties with how the placenta attaches itself to the uterus in future pregnancies.

These include conditions such as placenta previa and placenta accrete.

These conditions can cause serious bleeding and in rare occasions may result in death. The risk of placenta problems increases with each additional caesarean section

Neonatal breathing difficulties:

If your baby is born vaginally, they are squeezed as they come through the birth canal.

This has the effect of squeezing the fluid from the babies’ lungs.

When a baby is born by caesarean section this does not occur and they are more likely to have trouble breathing right after birth compared with those who are born vaginally.

Most of the time, these symptoms are mild and most babies recover quickly.

There is a higher incidence of babies with breathing problems requiring admission to a special nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for observation or treatment.

This may mean that you are separated from your baby

 

Other

Having a caesarean section impacts your fertility and has the potential to make it more difficult conceiving future pregnancies.

More likely to require CS for future births

Decreased rates of breastfeeding

***Risks of a ERCS***

***VBAC is not advisable***

 VBAC is normally an option for most women but it is not advisable when

  • You have a pregnancy complication such as placenta praevia
  • you have had three or more previous caesarean section births
  • your uterus has ruptured during a previous labour
  • your previous caesarean section was a ‘classical’, incision involving the upper part of the uterus

***VBAC is not advisable***

***What is the likelihood of a vaginal birth?***

What are my chances of having a VBAC?

Research tells us after one caesarean section, about three out of four women with a straightforward pregnancy who go into labour naturally will give birth vaginally.

Your chances of having a VBAC are enhanced if:

  • You have had a vaginal birth in a previous pregnancy
  • The reason for your last C-section does not occur again eg you baby is not breech again for this pregnancy
  • Your labour starts on its own and you do not need to be induced to start labour
  • Your labour progresses typically
  • Continuity of care from a known midwife is shown to increase the likelihood of VBAC rates

Your chances of having a VBAC are reduced if:

  • You have had more than one C-section.
  • Your BMI (body mass index) is over 25.
  • You are 35 years of age or older.
  • You are given drugs to induce (start) or augment (strengthen or speed up) your labour.

***What is the likelihood of a vaginal birth?***

***Planning a caesarean section***

If I plan to have  a ERCS – when should this be planned for?

If you decide the best decision for you and your baby is to have a planned caesarean section the best option for your baby is to book that for after 39 weeks pregnant.

This allows your baby the optimal time to mature prior to birth and reduces the likelihood your baby will require an admission to NICU.

***Planning a caesarean section***

***What are my options for pain relief***

What are my options for pain relief in labour?

It is possible to have an epidural during a VBAC labour. Discuss the risks and benefits with your midwife.

You may want to try other methods of pain relief such as massage, water immersion or nitrous oxide. These methods allow you to move and be active in labour.

There are no contraindications to water immersion for planned VBAC, using telemetry monitoring in labour.

***What are my options for pain relief***

***Induction of labour and VBAC***

Induction of labour?

If you are planning VBAC, going past your due date and being induced (having your labour started for you) are all options.

These options should be disussed with your health care provider

If you are induced, your chances of vaginal delivery are lowered and your chances of uterine rupture are increased.

An accurate due date is especially important if you are planning VBAC.

***Induction of labour and VBAC***

***What if I have more than one caesarean section?***

What if I have had more than one C-section?

It is still possible to have a VBAC after more than one C-section.

Research tells us that your chances of having a vaginal delivery are lower and your chances of uterine rupture are higher if you have had two previous C-sections.

There is very little research into VBAC after three or more C-sections.

***What if I have more than one caesarean section?***

***Deciding what is best for you and your baby***

 

How can I decide what’s best for me and my baby?

First discuss all the risks and benefits with your Midwife and an experienced Obstetrician. Do you have any unanswered questions, is there anything you do not understand.

Do you understand the reason for your previous caesarean section.

No think about your previous birth experience – how does it make you feel? What are your hopes for this birth?

***Deciding what is best for you and your baby***

Resources

Queensland Clinical Guidelines. Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Guideline No. MN20.12-V5-R25. Queensland Health. 2020. Available from: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qcg

https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/Deciding-how-to-give-birth-after-caesarean-section-English.pdf

RANZCOG

 

 

Support in Labour

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A partners guide

***Key Points***

Be present

Be hands on

Be an advocate

 

If you are privileged to be with a woman as she gives birth –she will make sounds you are unaccustomed to but you will be struck by her strength, her determination and the power of the body to grow and birth a baby. Do not disturb her or she will be thrown out of rhythm. But rather move with her, breathe with her and create a space around where she feels private, nurtured and held but above all loved.

***Key Points***

***Preparation***

Prepare for birth and parenthood

Take time to prepare yourself for birth and for parenthood

Understand the process – understand what is happening during labour. What does normal labour look like and sound like.

How will you feel seeing your partner, the person you love going through this very intense experience and your role is not to take that away, but to be there, to support and walk alongside.

Confront your preconceptions and assumptions about birth before you are support for the person. If you feel anxious in the birth space a mother is very perceptive to this in an unconscious way. Accept the process and know she is capable of birthing your baby. Stay calm, nothing is wrong. If your partner says I am scared, acknowledge her fear – I understand you are scared, I am here, I am with you, I love you.

Be strong, confident, gentle, patient and kind

***Preparation***

***Early labour***

Early Labour

  • Create a calm, dimly lit environment at home
  • If overnight try to rest
  • Watch a movie, a favourite series, a comedy – distract, spend time, enjoy each others company
  • Drink plenty of water, favourite teas or flavoured waters
  • Eat regular small nourishing meals – think date balls, toast, avocado on toast.
  • Play music you love
  • Move around, walk the local park or rest on an upright chair or birth ball.
  • Notice the time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next
  • Locate the bags, food for labour, partners bag.
  • Let work know you won’t be in, arrange the pet sitter

Enjoy the time as you prepare to meet your baby

***Early labour***

***Transferring to hospital***

Transfer to Hospital

If you are transferring to hospital to give birth, this can at times be a difficult transition from the safety and privacy of your home to the busyness of a hospital enviuronment

Set the car up before you leave.

Ensure you partner has her drink bottle, music playing, supporting pillows.

A blanket from home

Drive with care

Remind your partner she is safe. You are with her

***Transferring to hospital***

***Active Labour***

Active Labour

The birth environment

Labour and birth are very sensory experiences, create an environment where your partner feels secure, safe, protected and familiar.

Soft lights, closed doors, quiet voices

Use natural essential oils – dab them onto her pillow or top.

Comfortable pillow, picture or personal objects can create a focal point and sense of safety.

Music is also another way to bring about comfort and distraction, making labour less stressful.

Avoid disturbances and unwelcome people in the birth space so you feel private and unobserved

Limit the number of people coming and going

***Active Labour***

***Be hands-on***

Be hands on – practical support

  • Blanket from home, pillows for support
  • Warm heat pack / cold cloths
  • Help you to the toilet, reminding you to empty your bladder
  • What physical support would you partner find helpful – Change positions
  • Acupressure
  • Laugh lighten the mood – laughter releases oxytocin
  • Familiarise yourself with all the practical techniques for labour. Massage, acupressure points, heat packs.
  • Offer sips of water ice chips and small amounts of nourishing easy to digest food often.
  • When you arrive – set up the room as a familiar, safe environment, soft lighting, music and oils.
  • Water – bath or warm shower. Trickle warm water over back
  • Assist your partner with changing position Help you to move into labour and birth positions as you choose and support your weight if needed use pillows bean bags and other mats to ensure she is comfortable and supported.
  • Try the birth ball, sitting in the toilet or upright chair.
  • Hands and knees, leaning over a c\ball or bean bag
  • Standing, swaying, walking up and downstairs

***Be hands-on***

***Be present***

Be Present – be attentive

Be a strong quiet presence

When you trust your partner and your team implicitly and are cared for with loving kindness, compassion and respect this allows you in labour to focus inwards. Fear and doubt are contagious in the birth space and women in labour are very perceptive to the people’s emotions around them. Labour takes time…trust the process.

Be present for your partner and at ease with silence. Your presence is power, be prepared to just be. A strong, loving presence is transformative in birth.  Create an oxytocin rich love environment. You know what makes your partner feel loved and cared for and nurtured.

Birth can be challenging and tiring, understanding the process can ensure you able to stay centred, calm and present for your partner in labour.

Use kind and loving words – I love you, you are safe, I am here for you, you can do his – I am so proud of you

***Be present***

***Be an advocate***

Be an advocate

Having talked about birth preferences and knowing your partners desires and wishes for birth – you can ensure the birth preferences are respected.

Speak up and communicate with the Midwife, build a rapport

Build a relationship with your Midwife

Be a compassionate communicator.

If a Midwife or Doctor is suggesting an intervention use the BRAIN acronym.

***Be an advocate***

***Birth partner hospital bag***

Birth Partner Hospital bag

  • Change of clothes
  • Bathers
  • Snacks
  • Drink bottle
  • Toiletries, toothbrush deodorant etc
  • Glasses
  • Phone charger
  • Camera and charger
  • Copy of your birth preferences

***Birth partner hospital bag***

 

 

 

Birth Partner guide for Caesarean Birth

 

 

The first few days

Posted on by development

The first few days

The first few days of a babies life are at times spent in hospital where you baby has been born or sometimes you may be at home.

***Key Points***

Your baby is learning about the world and you are learning about your baby. Take time

Your baby is brand new, needs to be fed often and most of all needs to be reassured and feel safe enough to grow and develop in their new world.

***Key Points***

***Feeding***

Your baby will want to feed between every 2-4 hours usually in the first few days. It tiring, its exhausting but its temporary.

Your mature milk will come in on day 3 (ish) or around 72 hours after birth and your baby will then settle more between feeds. Don’t worry, this period will be short lived.

Baby’s can’t speak yet but they can give off little cues in their movements and cries.  It takes time to learn what your baby is trying to tell you.

It’s normal to feed anywhere between 6-12 times in a 24 hour period.

Wet and dirty nappies are a great indicator of how much milk your baby is getting

***Feeding***

***Bathing***

Bath your baby

Some babies love the sensation of being submerged in a warm, bit some don’t.  Ask the Midwife to help you if this is the first bath for you or your partner.

You don’t need to bath your newborn baby every day – you can wash your babie sface and bottom every other day.

When you are home establishing a nightly routine in time is a great way to create a bed time rhythm.

You don’t need any fancy soaps, oils or bath products. Warm water is great and gentle on your baby’s skin. You can use a vegetable based oil for your baby after their bath.

***Bathing***

***Hearing test***

Hearing tests

You will be offered a number of tests while in hospital. On day 1 or 2 after birth your baby will be offered a hearing test.

The newborn hearing test is a routine health check that will be offered to your baby soon after birth in private and public hospitals. The newborn hearing test is used to help detect any degree of hearing loss in babies. If your baby has hearing loss from birth (congenital hearing loss) it’s important to recognise this soon after birth. Early detection can mean you and a team of health professionals can provide support to enhance your child’s language, as well develop their social and emotional skills

The hearing test should ideally be performed before your baby leaves hospital after the birth.

The results of the test will be given to you immediately after the screen. Some babies will need to do a second test if the results of the first one are not clear.

***Hearing test***

***Screening test***

Screening test

All parents are offered the opportunity to have their baby screened for a number of rare disorders that are more easily treated if found early. The ‘newborn screening’ test is offered at around 48 hours of age. You might also hear it called the ‘heel prick’ test.

Newborn screening tests are free. The tests are not compulsory and a verbal or written agreement  is required from the parents of the child before the heel prick test is performed.

Most babies screened will not have any of the conditions but for the small number that do, there are enormous benefits to identifying these. Early treatment can improve their health and prevent severe disability or even death

A Midwife will perform the test by pricking your baby’s heel and putting a few drops of blood on a special filter paper.

Newborn screening helps to identify a range of conditions, including:

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) —

A baby diagnosed with  Phenylketonuria cannot metabolise one of the building blocks of protein called phenylalanine. This then accumulates in the blood stream and causes brain damage. This is a rare inherited condition that can cause severe learning difficulties. Early treatment with a special diet can prevent the effects of this condition.

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) —

Hypothyroidism affects about 1 in 3,500 babies. It is caused by the thyroid gland not developing properly in pregnancy and therefore not producing sufficient thyroxine. Early treatment with daily thyroid hormone means your baby will grow and develop as expected.

  • Cystic Fibrosis 

Cystic fibrosis affects 1 in every 2,500 babies. Cystic fibrosis affects the mucus produced in the intestines and lungs and means this is is thicker than normal. This results in infections in the lungs and the intestines and can lead to difficulties with digesting food properly.

Approximately 95% of babies are with Cystic fibrosis are detected by the heal prick test. At times the test may also identify a group of babies who are healthy but a carrier of the disease. Babies with a positive test result will need a sweat test at about 6 weeks of age to determine whether the baby has CF or is only a healthy carrier. A healthy carrier is not affected by Cystic Fibrosis and will lead a healthy life.

  • Galactosaemia

An extremely rare disorder only affecting 1 in 40,000 babies. The disorder is caused by the accumulation of galactose (a type of sugar in milk) in the blood. Prompt treatment with special galactose-free milk will prevent serious illness. Without treatment, a baby may become very sick and die.

  • Other rare metabolic disorders 

The blood tested in the heel prick test can be tested for a range of other very rare metabolic disorders such as such as amino acid, organic acid and fatty acid oxidation defects. Collectively these disorders occur in 1 of every 4,000 babies and so are rare. These conditions are often treatable with specialised care and diets.

Physical health check

A Midwife will undertake a full heath check of your baby usually after 48 hours.

They will re-weigh your baby

Most babies will lose a percentage of their birth weight in the first 24-48 hours. This is normal as they are taking in small amounts of colostrum and metabolising brown fat for energy. This should be no greater than 10% of their birth weight.

Your baby will have a full examination to check the shape of their head, their eyes and ears, the roof of their mouth and tongue, their genitals, skin, hands and feet, spine and hips. In the rare event that any problems are found, the doctor or midwife might order further tests.

***Screening test***

***Vaccination***

Vaccination

The first vaccination is offered to you in hopsital.

This is your baby’s hepatitis B vaccinations which is given as an injection into the baby’s leg muscle.

The next vaccinationn is available at 6 weeks of age and your MCHN will discuss all the options with you during the first visit.

***Vaccination***

***Taking your baby home***

You will need a rear facing care capsule fitted to your car if travelling home by car.

You will need some nappies, clothing for your baby and a wrap or blanket to transfer your baby home.

See the Talkingbirth content page on safe baby products when setting up the nursery at home.

***Taking your baby home***

Childhood Immunisation

Posted on by development

Immunisation for your child

Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect your baby or child from serious childhood illnesses.

***Key Points***

Large scale research tells very serious health risks of these infections or diseases which may also be life threatening are greater than the very small risks of immunisation.

Vaccination is an effective way to protect your baby against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

***Key Points***

***How vaccines work***

Vaccines work by stimulating the body’s defence mechanism, called the immune system, to provide protection against infection and illness.

Immunisations harnesses the body’s own defence mechanism.

A baby’s immune system begins developing before birth. A mothers antibodies protect her newborn against many infections during and soon after birth while the baby’s immune system is developing and maturing. This response is shown to last around 4 months.

***How vaccines work***

***The National Immunisation Program***

The National Immunisations program  provides vaccines for your baby from birth.

Access to free National Immunisation Program vaccines requires a person to hold or be eligible for a Medicare card.

These include:

  • The hepatitis Avaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in high-risk areas (Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia).

The first immunisation your baby will be offered is the Hepatitis B vaccine, usually offered in hospital prior to discharge.

The next schedule of vaccines are offered at 2 months of age (although your baby can have these from 6 weeks of age)

These include

Diptheria, Tetnus, Pertussis (whooping cough) Hepatitis B, Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae B

***The National Immunisation Program***

The full schedule and timings are available on the

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/national-immunisation-program-schedule

***Where can I get my child immunised***

Your local council will run immunisation clinics. Speak to your MCHN about this option.

Your GP or paediatrician can provide immunisations.

***Where can I get my child immunised***

***Side effects of having a vaccine***

What are the side effects?

The side effects on having a vaccine can vary depending on the vaccine and each individual response.

Many children have some localised areas of redness, tenderness or swelling where the needle punctured the skin.

Your child may also experience mild fever, be unsettled or irritable. Encourage the to rest, drink plenty of fluids or breastfeed. You can give your child an appropriate dose of paracetamol if required.

Most side effects are short lasting and your child will recover within 12-24 hours. If you have any concerns please see your doctor.

***Side effects of having a vaccine***

***The Australian Immunisation Register***

The Australian immunisation register is where your vaccines are recorded.

This immunisation history statement shows all the immunisations your child has received.

It can be accesses here:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-immunisation-register

You can obtain your child’s immunisation history statement

  • by calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809
  • through your Medicare online account on myGov

To receive the Family Tax Benefit Part A and the Child care subsidy your child needs to be up to date with their immunisation schedule or have a medical exemption if they are unable to be vaccinated.

***The Australian Immunisation Register***

Resources

You can call the National Immunisation Information Line on 1800 671 811 or visit the website.

Call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809 or visit the website at Services Australia.

 

Child safety and baby products

Posted on by development

Child Safety and Baby Products

We know how exciting it is preparing for a baby to join your family but purchasing infant and nursery products can be very confusing.

***Key Points***

We know how exciting it is preparing for a baby to join your family but purchasing infant and nursery products can be very confusing.

Most manufacturers work to ensure their products are safe for your baby, not all will meet safety standards. It is often difficult for parents to choose products safely.

Be cautious of second hand or hand-me-down products- these can also pose safety issues

***Key Points***

“Tragically, since 2001, about two infant deaths in Australia per year have been associated with inclined sleep products such as rockers and bouncers marketed for sleep, while the death of around one child per year has been connected to other infant sleep products such as cots, inflatable beds and mattresses.

ACCC – Rickards

 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority.

They are the federal government department that ensures that all Australians have access to information about products and services available.

Published in August 2022, parents and carers can get the latest, most reliable information on best practices to keep their baby safe and unsafe products

This is a dedicated website, where parents and carers can go for safety advice on how they can protect their baby when playing, moving, sleeping, soothing, bathing and changing.

Your First Steps

(www.babyproductsafety.gov.au)

Check the Government recall of products here to ensure the safety of any equipment you purchase

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/

Access the Kidsafe baby product guide here

Kidsafe

Kidsafe baby-product guide

Safe Sleep

Posted on by development

Safe Sleep

For all babies 0-12 months, research recommends six key steps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS)

***Key Points***

  • Place your baby on their back to sleep
  • Keep your baby’s face a head uncovered
  • Keep baby smoke free before and after birth
  • Safe Sleep Environment
  • Sleep your baby, in a cot in your room for 6-12 monthsBreastfeed your baby

***Key Points***

1 Place your baby on their back to sleep

Placing baby on their back to sleep helps keep their airway clear and ensures their protective reflexes work. Sleeping on their back reduces the risk of suffocation, overheating and choking.

2. Keep your baby’s face a head uncovered

You may swaddle your baby but do not swaddle their head and do not place a hat or any head covering on your baby.

This allows their airway to remain clear which reduces the risk of suffocation.

Babies control their temperature through their face and head, so keeping baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep helps reduce the risk of overheating.

3. Keep baby smoke free before and after birth.

Smoking during pregnancy and around baby once they are born increases the risk of sudden infant death – this includes second-hand smoke. If you or your partner smoke, don’t smoke around baby and never smoke where baby sleeps.

Quitline on 13 78 48 have very helpful resources and there never is a better incentive than welcoming a new baby to your family to quit.

4. Safe Sleep Environment

The safest place for baby to sleep is in their own safe space, with a safe mattress, and safe bedding. Baby should always be placed on their back to sleep, with their feet at the bottom of the bassinet or cot.

Loose blankets, doonas, pillows cot bumpers, lambs wool coverings, soft toys like a teddy are not to be placed in your baby cot. Soft items in the cot are dangerous and increase the risk of suffocation and overheating.

5. Sleep your baby, in a cot in your room for 6-12 months

The safest place for baby to sleep is in their own safe space, in the same room as their parents or adult caregiver for the first 6-12 months

6. Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

 

Red Nose

NSW Department of Health

 

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