After birth

This page is for parents to use after the birth of their baby/babies.

Birth registration is required by law, and normally would be done in the first couple of months after birth. Click here to register online. There you will also find information for child subsidies you may be entitled to.

Tamariki Ora / Well Child providers – Awarua (Invercargill) or Plunket (you’ll need to do a search to narrow it down to something close to you).

Baby wearing – What does that mean? It means carrying your baby in some type of carrier. There is an enthusiastic bunch of people who meet on a regular basis in Invercargill – Babywearing Southland (facebook page) – to share baby carriers, teach you how to use yours, and give you good advice. If you live elsewhere, you can find your local group here. If you can’t get along to a group, there is a really useful educational DVD available too – made in Dunedin! I have a copy for loaning if you can’t afford your own.

Why would you want to “wear” your baby? Find lots of useful information about the benefits of attachment parenting here.

Preparing for the afterbirth/whenua/placenta

What do you need? Well, for those who wish to keep their placenta and are birthing at home, you need a container. Perhaps two: one to receive it during the labour (if at home), and, one to bury it. If the plan is for burial (a common practice in lots of cultures around the world), then a biodegradable container is a must. Ipu whenua is the Maori name for such a container, and you can make one yourself. Caroline Wheeler explains how to make an ipu whenua using shop-bought bags. Another option is to make a non-fired clay pot which can be decorated as you like. If time is an issue, and money not, you could consider purchasing one, such as these crafted pots; (please note, I have no financial interest in this website).

Metabolic screening

Information about metabolic screening is here. This screening is offered to all babies at or as soon as possible after 48 hours following birth, and is for over 20 metabolic disorders. Blood samples are taken via a heel prick and stored on a card for testing by the screening unit. These cards are able to be returned for you if you request them back. Forms are available here. You can request your child’s card back if they are under 18 years of age. If they are over 18 years, they can request their own card back.

National Immunisation Register

All babies are automatically registered on the National Immunisation Register when they are born. To opt off, you can ask your midwife at the time of birth (for a home birth), or you can use this form and send it to the address on the form.