After the birth of your baby

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 may 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 - they might have been born prematurely or unwell. If this happens to your family, you can rest assured that your baby will be admitted to one of our neonatal units or special care nurseries. 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, reflexology, postnatal massage, aquatherapy and professional photography may also be available.

On your return home

There are several factors that may affect the time you need to spend in hospital after the birth of your baby. Each family’s personal needs are always fully considered.

As a general rule, if you and your baby are well, you may be able to go home on or before day four after birth (if you have had a vaginal delivery) or on or before day five (if you had the baby by caesarean section). 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.