Postnatal Care
Congratulations!
On arrival to the Knutsford Suite, you will be cared for by our team of experienced and committed NHS midwives, maternity care assistants and nursery midwives.
Your postnatal care will vary depending on the type of birth you have had, as well as you and your baby's individual needs. If you have had a caesarean section, your recovery may take a little longer.
The midwives and maternity assistants will support you with the care of your baby, making sure you are well, and helping you with feeding your baby.
Breastfeeding is encouraged, and your choice of feeding your baby is supported. We aim to involve you fully in every aspect of caring for your baby.
National guidance recommends that well babies are not separated from their mothers at any time, and unless medically indicated, your baby will remain with you in your room at all times.
Everyone who visits the Knutsford Suite is treated with kindness, respect and dignity.
Your Baby
All babies will receive a hearing screening test in the room shortly after delivery.
All babies will receive a full examination in the first few days following delivery. This will be undertaken by a paediatrician or an appropriately trained midwife. During this examination, you will have the opportunity to discuss your baby's health and future development.
Alternatively, we can arrange for a consultant paediatrician to examine your baby for which there would be an additional private fee paid directly to the consultant.
Going Home
We will make arrangements for your community midwife to visit you when you get home from hospital. The midwife should visit you on the day after you are discharged home and will plan how often she visits you after this time. If the community midwife does not visit, or if you are concerned about your baby's health in any way, please contact the unit immediately.
While you are in hospital, we will give you information to enable you to look after yourself and more importantly how to recognise and respond to problems.
You will also be offered information and advice to enable you to:
- Assess your baby's general condition
- Identify signs and symptoms of common health problems
- Contact a healthcare professional or emergency service