Postnatal Care
If you have a normal birth and have no additional risk factors identified, you will be able to return home from 6 hours following the birth of your baby. We would recommend that staff have observed your baby's first two breast feeds prior to going home. This is to ensure your baby is correctly positioned and attached to your breast and may help to reduce further problems. See the section on Breastfeeding Support and Breastfeeding FAQs for further information.
The midwife will visit you at home the following day to check that both you and your baby are well. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or any concerns about yourself or your new baby. You will have an opportunity to discuss all aspects of your care with the midwife and you will be able to decide how many post natal visits you will need. This may depend on the type of birth you experienced and if you require extra support with your baby. The midwife may arrange for a maternity support worker to visit your home if you require extra support.
You will be given telephone contact numbers so you can speak to a midwife should you have any concerns. The midwife will be available to offer advice and support with infant feeding. This will include sterilization of any bottle that you may be using. If you encounter problems with breast feeding the midwife may suggest you return to the Midwifery Led Unit to receive extra support with feeding your baby. Breastfeeding support clinics are available in the community.
We have a double room available on the postnatal ward on the first floor called the Seren Suite. This room is for parents and babies who have been discharged home but continue having breastfeeding challenges (such as early weight loss over 12%) to be readmitted into, so they can have one-to-one support with each feed.
Tell us what you want
We would welcome your comments on the sort of information you would like to see in this section. Please send your thoughts to Eirlys Ferris, Midwifery Ward Manager, by e mail at eirlys.ferris@wales.nhs.uk.
