Postnatal Care
An overview of what to expect in the early hours, days and weeks after giving birth
Whether you give birth in hospital or at home, you will be cared for by a midwife whose role is to assess how you are doing, both physically and emotionally. They will ask about and check for:
discomfort and pain
vaginal discharge and bleeding
going to the loo to make sure your bladder and bowels are functioning
any perineal tear/stitches
any caesarean stitches
signs of infection
signs of thromboembolism
signs of anaemia
Your midwife should also ask you if you have any concerns about your baby and with feeding. In those first hours:
it’s important to ask for help, reassurance, support and to ask questions
if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, ask to see a feeding specialist before you are discharged, it may be that a tongue tie referral needs to be made and the earlier this happens the better
before you leave hospital, make sure you have contact numbers for the maternity unit and for breastfeeding support, if this is how you are feeding your baby
When you are discharged from hospital, you are transferred to the community midwife team, who should visit you within 36 hours of leaving hospital. Your midwife will check how you are doing and how you are healing, as well as to make sure your baby is doing okay.
When your baby is around 7 days old, your midwife will do a heel prick test.
From around 10 days after birth, your community midwife will sign your care over to the health visitor team
Seeing your health visitor
Your health visitor will come to your home at 10-14 days after birth to talk to you about feeding, sleep, your baby’s development and how you are doing. She may also weigh your baby.
You can ask questions and talk to your health visitor about any concerns.
Breastfeeding support
It helps to know about local breastfeeding support which may include groups and 1:1 help with a feeding practitioner
You can also check out La leche league for local support.
The postnatal check
This takes place with your GP when your baby is 6-8 weeks old. This appointment aims to assess your physical recovery as well as your mental health and it should also include an examination of your baby.
General postnatal support and reassurance
In those early days and weeks, it can be really useful to have some ongoing information, support and reassurance. Ask your health visitor for any local groups and you can also take part in Mother Cuppa (in-person as well as online)
You can have a chat with me to help you find your feet with your new baby.
Please remember...
It’s important to get the support you need for you and your baby in those early days and weeks so you feel reassured, listened to and cared for.
If you have any concerns about either you or your baby, get some support:
in the first week, you can contact the maternity unit, as well as your community midwife
after that you can also speak to your health visitor or GP
You are not wasting anyone’s time or causing a fuss or over-reacting - this is a unique time for you and reassurance makes so much difference.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Coming up this month:
contractions
birth support
labour & birth essentials
birth recovery
unsettled babies
the 4th trimester