Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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We are very sorry your baby has died. Please accept our deepest sympathy. This is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You may feel shocked or find it hard to believe what has happened. It can be hard to remember everything the staff tell you, so this leaflet explains some important things you need to know.
If a post-mortem examination is to be arranged you will be unable to take your baby home directly from the hospital, however, you can arrange to have your baby at home after this has been completed.
- You will need to sign a form to say you are taking your baby home.
- Ask a family member or friend to drive you home if possible. The journey may feel very emotional, and it is safer if someone else drives.
- You can carry your baby in your arms or in a Moses basket. If you do not have one, we may be able to lend you one.
- Park as close to the maternity unit as possible. Staff will help you find the best place.
- A member of staff will walk with you and your baby to your car.
- Your baby must be safely placed in the car so that everyone is safe.
- You will get a copy of the Transport form. Keep this with you in case you are stopped on the way home, or if you are involved in any road traffic accident during your journey.
You can keep your baby at home for a few hours or a few days – it is your choice. Your baby’s body will start to change over time. This is normal. Changes may include:
- skin colour changing
- skin peeling
- a little blood from the nose
- stiffness
- cool skin
To slow these changes:
- keep your baby in a cool room with no heating.
- keep windows closed, especially in hot weather.
- keep pets out of the room.
- cover the basket with a light cloth.
- place your baby on a covered ice pack to keep them cool and dry.
- you may be able to borrow from the hospital a special cooling pad called a Cuddle Cot. A midwife can show you how to use it.
- If your baby was over 24 weeks, you need to register the birth and death. You will need to contact the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths to do this. You will be given a special number for this.
- Contact a funeral director if you are arranging a funeral. We can give you a list of local funeral directors.
- When you are ready for your baby to be collected, call your funeral director or the labour ward.
- Please return the Cuddle Cot to the labour ward if you borrowed it.
This is a very difficult and emotional time for all the family and below is a list of contact details that may be useful to you now and/or in the future.
| Frimley Park Hospital | Wexham Park Hospital | |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Bereavement team | ||
| Maternity labour ward | 0300 613 4035 | 0300 615 4521 |
| Hospital Chaplain, via switchboard | 0300 613 4184 | 0300 615 1318 |
| Registrar of Births & Deaths | 01483 518248 | 01753 787600 |
| Sands |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/040
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.