Post-Birth Checklist for New Moms in France

Newborn Essentials in France:
Post-Birth Checklist

After welcoming your baby into the world, there are several important steps to take in France to ensure both you and your baby receive the care and support you need. Our After Giving Birth Checklist is here to guide you through the essential medical, legal, and administrative tasks. From registering your baby to accessing parental benefits, this guide will help you navigate life as new parents in France with ease. 💕👶

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1. Immediate Medical Care

• Baby’s First Checkups: Schedule your baby’s first medical checkup (visite de contrôle) within the first few days after birth to ensure their health and wellbeing.
• Register Baby with a Pediatrician (Pédiatre): Find and register your baby with a pediatrician as soon as possible for regular health checkups and vaccinations.
• Postnatal Care for Mum: Book a postnatal checkup (consultation postnatale) with your gynecologist or midwife within 6-8 weeks after giving birth to monitor your recovery.

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2. Birth Registration & Documentation

• Register the Birth: Register your baby at the Mairie (Town Hall) within 3 days of birth to obtain the birth certificate (Acte de Naissance).
• Apply for Family Benefits (Allocations Familiales): Submit an application to the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) for child benefits and financial support for your family.
• Set Up Baby’s Health Insurance: Add your baby to your health insurance policy through Sécurité Sociale to ensure medical coverage from the start.

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3. Financial & Legal Tasks

• Apply for Parental Leave (Congé Parental): If you plan to take time off work after maternity or paternity leave, apply for parental leave to spend more time with your baby.
• Request Birth Allowance (Prime de Naissance): Apply for the one-time birth allowance provided by the French government to help cover newborn expenses.

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4. Postnatal Support & Recovery

• Postnatal Midwife Care (Suivi Postnatal par Sage-femme): Arrange home visits with a midwife for guidance on recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care.
• Breastfeeding Support: Reach out to local breastfeeding groups or lactation consultants if you need assistance or advice.
• Mental Health Support: If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, seek help from support groups or counseling services for emotional wellbeing.

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5. Early Childcare Planning

• Nursery (Crèche) Registration: If you’re planning to return to work, register your baby early for a crèche (daycare center), as spaces are often limited.
• Vaccination Schedule: Follow the French vaccination schedule, which starts with the first vaccinations in the first few months of your baby’s life.

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Final Thoughts

By following this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood in France. From medical care to administrative tasks, this guide ensures that your family gets the best start possible. Welcome to this exciting new chapter of life! Bonne chance! 💖👶

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