After the birth of your baby

COVID-19

Due to state safety restrictions, information on this page may be subject to change. Please see our COVID-19 information for the latest details and how you may be affected.

These early moments present so many new experiences for first time parents, as they do for many existing parents, with no two babies being the same.

We support you during this important time so you can make the most of it.

The first 24 hours

You and your baby will be transferred from your birthing unit to one of our postnatal (after birth) wards as soon as possible.

Postnatal wards in our hospital:

• offer private rooms for all patients, plus some larger rooms for families who have had multiple births
• welcome partners at all times - to stay overnight, help with the care of their new baby and enjoy unrestricted visiting time (restricted visiting hours will apply to other visitors)
• include fully-equipped rooms complete with telephone, television, ensuite bathroom, comfortable chair for breastfeeding and baby care facilities.

For the first 24 hours, your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and any blood loss will be checked on a regular basis. Your baby will also receive frequent medical observations.

Some newborn babies need extra care after birth. If this happens to your family, your baby will be admitted to our special care nursery. For more complex cases, they will be transferred to a hospital with a higher level of neonatal care.

During your hospital stay 

The midwives and nurses in your maternity unit will offer assistance and advice in all aspects of caring for your baby – such as bathing, cord care, feeding and settling techniques. This support will continue throughout your hospital stay and be responsive to the needs of you and your family.

Parent education classes are also available to further build your confidence on parenting topics that interest you while in hospital.

Regular medical checks of you and your baby will continue during your hospital stay – involving a team of midwifes and nurses, your obstetrician and baby’s paediatrician.

Additional services - physiotherapy, lactation consultants, newborn hearing testing, and professional photography may also be available.

On your return home

Several factors may influence the time you need to spend in hospital after the birth of your baby. After a vaginal birth or an elective caesarean section, you are welcome to stay for four nights (this may change if you are admitted the night before for induction of labour). If an emergency caesarean section is required this is increased to five nights. We may be able to help you return home earlier - if that’s your preference - and offer support to you and your baby through at-home visits by a midwife.

On discharge from our maternity unit, you will receive comprehensive information to help you with your next steps. This will include details of community support and parenting help contacts, plus information on your local child health centre.