After your baby is born, we will do everything we can to ensure you and your baby are safe and healthy, from birth all the way to your first postnatal checkup.
Postnatal Care
After your baby is born, we will do everything we can to ensure you and your baby are safe and healthy. Some babies may need to go to special care if there are any issues, but most of the time they will be able to stay with you.
It is important you rest during this time, and also take the chance to get to know your baby during its first stage in life. Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged to promote breastfeeding.
Depending on your circumstances, you may stay in hospital for two to three days after giving birth, or longer if there were any complications. Some women (particularly those who have given birth before and who have home support) may choose to go home immediately, but a short stay in hospital is recommended while your regain your strength and get to know your baby.
Once you are home, we will arrange one of our postnatal midwives to check on you and your baby in the weeks after he or she is born. You can also make your postnatal appointment to come in and see us in the first 6 weeks after birth.
Extra Support
It is important that you, your partner and your baby are provided with the support needed after your stay in hospital. Having parents or other close relatives stay with you during this time can be very helpful. Friends and neighbours can also be vital during this time as you adjust to being a mother. There are also services that can be contacted for extra support if need be.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression is quite common and can start during the first week after giving birth and can last for months after giving birth. It is important to recognise the signs and to seek support from your partner or family, or even from a counselor or support group.
Signs of postnatal depression include anxiety, tearfulness, irritability, mood swings, trouble sleeping, obsessiveness, apathy, and low-self esteem. Many women feel that they aren’t a good mother or have failed in some respect. This is never true. We are always concerned with our patients’ emotional well being.
If you or your partner have any concerns about postnatal depression, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will offer advice and can organise the support that you need.
Postnatal Checkup
After about 6 week after you give birth we will schedule in a postnatal checkup to ensure you are doing just fine. During this time we can discuss and medical issues and advise you on contraception or pap smear if required. We will also be happy to discuss any questions you have about your recent pregnancy, labour, childbirth or future pregnancies. Around the time it is advised that you schedule an appointment with your pediatrician too.
