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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents about antenatal consultations, hospital care, feeding, newborn concerns and how our practice works.
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Can't find your answer?
These are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t here, email admin@neopaeds.au or call (03) 9007 2099 (Mon–Fri 9–5). For symptom-specific concerns, see when to seek help.
Pregnancy and birth
“When should I book an antenatal consultation?”
Ideally between 28–32 weeks, or earlier if your obstetrician has identified specific concerns. → For expecting parents.
“Will the paediatrician be at the delivery?”
Dr Jubal attends when medical concerns are anticipated, caesareans, preterm birth, or anticipated need for resuscitation. For routine deliveries the midwifery team provides initial care and Dr Jubal reviews on the next ward round.
Hospital stay
“How often will we see the paediatrician?”
We round on most days of a postnatal-ward stay, every day if your baby is in the Special Care Nursery, with the midwives updating us on progress between visits. Extra visits when concerns arise; on-call cover for urgent issues is 24/7. → Your baby in hospital.
“What routine tests will my baby need?”
Newborn examination, bloodspot heel-prick, hearing screen, pulse oximetry, and jaundice monitoring if indicated. Additional tests only where medically necessary.
“How long will we stay in hospital?”
Typically 2–4 nights after a vaginal birth and 3–5 nights after a caesarean, adjusted to how you and your baby are doing. → Your baby in hospital for the day-by-day walkthrough.
Feeding
“What if breastfeeding is difficult?”
Many families struggle in the first days and weeks, common, usually fixable with the right support, and not “failure.” For breastfeeding and lactation support we point families to the Frances Perry House Maternity Care Centre. The Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline (1800 686 268, 24/7) is also useful. → Breastfeeding support.
“How do I know my baby is getting enough?”
Weight is the most objective measure. Some early weight loss is normal: weight generally drops over the first few days (up to 10%) and reaches its lowest point (the nadir) around day 4–5 — often around or after discharge, so don’t be alarmed if weight is still at its low point when you go home. After the nadir, weight should start climbing; your MCH nurse checks this in the first week, and most babies are back to birth weight by about day 14. A loss of >10% triggers active review. Wet nappies build up as feeding establishes: fewer in the first days, then 4–6+ per day once feeding is going well. → Breastfeeding support for the full markers.
Common newborn concerns
“Is jaundice serious?”
Mild jaundice is common — around 60% of term newborns develop visible jaundice in the first week and usually resolves on its own. Treatment (phototherapy) when levels cross the threshold. Concerning if it appears in the first 24 hours, spreads rapidly, or the baby is sleepy / off feeds — and jaundice lasting beyond 2 weeks, or with pale stools or dark urine, needs a same-day GP review — or an emergency department if you can’t be seen that day or your baby seems unwell. → Newborn jaundice.
“Why does my baby cry so much?”
Newborn crying peaks around 6–8 weeks and settles. Up to 2–3 hours a day is within normal range. Never shake a baby: put them down safely and call for help if you need a break. → The unsettled baby peak.
“What does normal poo look like?”
Day 1–2: dark sticky meconium. Day 4–5: yellow-seedy (breastfed) or khaki-pasty (formula). Pale, white or chalky stools need a same-day GP review — or an emergency department if you can’t be seen that day (urgently if the urine is dark); blood-streaked stools or true black stools beyond day 3 also warrant prompt advice.
At home
“When should I call for help at home?”
Trust your instincts. MCH Line 13 22 29 is 24/7 free nurse advice. For symptom-specific judgement, our when to seek help traffic-light page. 000 for anything life-threatening, don’t wait for business hours.
“Is it safe to co-sleep?”
Red Nose Australia: share-room, not share-bed. Cot or bassinet next to your bed for the first 6–12 months. Bed-sharing risk is higher with prematurity, smoking, alcohol or sedating medication. Red Nose has detailed co-sleeping guidance for more information. → Safe sleep.
“When will we see Dr Jubal after discharge?”
Your MCH nurse checks your baby at home, ideally in the first week, weight and general wellbeing. The paediatric review is at 6 weeks; we arrange an earlier review when jaundice, weight, feeding or a hospital finding needs a closer look — we’ll tell you before you go home.
Invoices and payments
“When does the invoice arrive, and how much will it be?”
By email, usually a few weeks after discharge, with the itemised invoice attached. If it hasn’t arrived within 6 weeks of discharge, email admin@neopaeds.au so we can re-send it. Two amounts matter here. The invoice total is paid in full first; the Medicare rebate then comes back to you, so what you end up out of pocket is less than the invoice total. Last financial year the typical family’s out-of-pocket for the whole newborn stay was about $580, and about $125 for families past the Medicare Safety Net. Item-by-item figures: fees for the hospital stay. Full walk-through: paying your invoice.
“How do I pay, and how is the Medicare rebate lodged?”
Pay the invoice in full by phone or BPAY, and we claim the Medicare rebate for you once your baby is enrolled on Medicare. You don’t need to share bank details with us. Medicare pays the rebate straight into the account you’ve nominated with Services Australia, usually within a few business days. Step-by-step: paying your invoice.
“What is the Medicare Safety Net, and does it apply to us?”
If you’ve already spent enough out-of-pocket on Medicare items earlier in the calendar year (often the case after pregnancy and birth), the Extended Medicare Safety Net makes the rebate more generous. There’s a per-item cap, so it isn’t always 80% back, but it’s usually meaningfully more than the standard rebate. Current thresholds and worked examples: fees.
“What are your fees?”
See fees. Medicare rebates apply with a valid referral; we charge above the Medicare schedule fee. The typical out-of-pocket figures are in the first answer above, and the fees page breaks them down item by item.
Letters, certificates and records
“How do I get a copy of the discharge summary or my baby’s immunisation history?”
Your baby’s immunisation history lives on the Australian Immunisation Register: view or print an official statement any time through your Medicare account on myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. The discharge summary is sent to your GP; for your own copy, or any other records request, email admin@neopaeds.au with your full details: your baby’s name, date of birth, and what you’re requesting.
“Can I get a carer’s certificate, or a letter for work or childcare?”
Yes. Email the rooms with your baby’s name and what the letter is for. Letters, repeat scripts and form completion requested outside a consultation attract a flat $50 administrative fee (not Medicare-rebatable); there’s no charge when the request is part of an appointment or made within 7 days of a consultation. Details: fees.
Appointments and bookings
“Do I need a referral?”
Yes. Babies are seen at your obstetrician’s request: that referral covers newborn care and lasts three months. After that, a GP referral (valid 12 months) continues the Medicare rebate. Antenatal consultations also need a GP or obstetrician referral for the rebate.
“How do I book?”
Email admin@neopaeds.au or call (03) 9007 2099 (Mon–Fri 9–5). For antenatal consultations, have your referral and your obstetrician’s name ready. → Contact for location detail.
“How do I change or cancel an appointment?”
Email admin@neopaeds.au or call (03) 9007 2099 (Mon–Fri 9–5) with your baby’s name and the appointment day, with as much notice as you can.
“What happens at the six-week check, and how do I book it?”
A thorough review at around six weeks: growth, hips, heart, feeding and development, plus your questions. Your GP or a paediatrician can do it; the important thing is that it happens. Paediatric input can help after an SCN admission, with growth or feeding concerns, jaundice, a murmur, hip risk factors or antenatal findings — and for families wanting to debrief the birth or an SCN stay. To book with the practice, phone or email the rooms.
“How do I register with the practice?”
Through the registration page: a short form you can complete before or after your baby arrives.
Results and getting help
“My baby is feeding poorly, not gaining weight, or looks yellow — who do I contact?”
Worried right now? Call the Maternal & Child Health Line on 13 22 29 or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, both 24 hours, and see when to seek help for symptom checkpoints. For an earlier review: request an appointment. For anything less pressing, email is fine; expect a reply within 2–5 business days.
“When will the doctor discuss our results?”
Results are discussed at a consultation: book an in-person or telehealth review with the rooms. With your consent, we endeavour to send some results through electronically. Not sure whether a follow-up is needed? Email the rooms with your baby’s name and which test.
Still got a question?
Email admin@neopaeds.au or call (03) 9007 2099 (Mon–Fri 9–5).
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