Postnatal information

Important postnatal information for all women to read

NHS North West London has developed an information leaflet for women who are going home from hospital following the birth of their baby. Your midwife should give you a copy of this booklet before you leave hospital, along with any relevant information and contact numbers you may need. It contains information and advice about what to do in the days and weeks following birth.

You can download a copy by clicking the image below:

Also available in Arabic • Gujarati • Polish • Punjabi

If you had your baby in hospital

If you had your baby in hospital, immediately after the birth you will be made comfortable either on the birth centre or labour ward. Your baby will be examined by your midwife and two labels will be checked with you before placing them on your baby’s ankles. These labels must stay on during your stay in hospital. After an hour or so, you and your baby will be transferred to the postnatal ward or, if you are returning home straight from the birth centre, this will be encouraged after 3–6 hours.

If you have a Caesarean section or complicated instrumental birth you will be transferred to the recovery unit for close observation over the first 2–6 hours. When your condition is stable you will be transferred to the postnatal ward.

Before you leave

We will:

• Give you a postnatal check to ensure you are recovering well and are safe to leave
• Give your baby a paediatric check, including a hearing screening test
• Offer a BCG vaccination to your baby (West Middlesex University Hospital only)
• Give you leaflets, details of follow-up appointments and any medication you may need
• Give you a wave goodbye (or a hug!) and check if you have anymore questions before you go

You will:

• Need to ensure you know how you are travelling home with your baby, including bringing an appropriate car seat if taking your baby home in your vehicle

If you had your baby at home

If you had your baby at home and there are no complications you will stay at home. Your midwife will make you comfortable, complete any documentation and give you emergency numbers to call before leaving. Your midwife return to visit you 8–12 hours later.

Registration of your baby’s birth

All babies must be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 42 days of the birth.

• If you are married, either parent may register the baby.
• If you are single, you are responsible for registering the baby. If you are single but you want your partner’s name to appear on the birth certificate, your partner must be present with you at the time of registration.

You will be given more detailed information on where and how to register your baby by a member of our team.