Going home
If you have your baby at home you will stay at home, and your midwife will make sure you are comfortable before s/he leaves. If you have your baby in hospital, immediately after the birth of your baby you will be made comfortable in the Birth Centre or Delivery Suite.
Your baby will be examined by the midwife and securely labelled.
After the birth, you and your baby will usually be transferred to the postnatal ward.
All babies will be offered a full examination with 72 hours of birth either in the hospital or at home.
On our maternity wards you will be cared for by experienced midwives and support workers. Partners are welcome to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How long will you be in hospital?
If you have a straight forward birth you may choose to go home soon after the birth of your baby.
If you have an instrumental birth or caesarean section the average length of stay in the unit is:
- 1–2 days following an instrumental birth
- 1-2 days following a caesarean section.
There are occasions when a mother and/or her baby may require a longer stay in hospital.
Your partner/support person is welcome to stay with you overnight.
Community – Postnatal Care
Community midwives and maternity support workers undertake your postnatal care in the Community. This may be either at home or a postnatal clinic.
It is usual to receive a home visit by your midwife the day following your transfer from hospital.
Your further plan for postnatal care will be agreed between you and your midwife to meet your individual needs.
All babies require a blood spot screening test on their fifth day.
It is usual to be discharged from Community Postnatal Care at around 10 days following the birth of your baby.
Your health visitor will contact you during this early postnatal period and arrange a visit.
They will be your continued contact until your baby is five years old.
