What to expect soon after birth

After your baby is born, your midwife will: 

• make sure you are comfortable 
• help you do skin to skin and the first feed 
• check both you and your baby 

If you had your baby at home and everything is well, the midwife will stay for a few hours and leave once you and your family are settled. 

If you had your baby in hospital, the midwife will explain what to expect during your stay and help you get ready to go home. 

How long you stay in hospital depends on your needs. Some people go home after a few hours, while others stay a few days, on the postnatal ward.

While in hospital, you will be: 

• offered checks and examinations for you and your baby 
• offered newborn screening tests (usually within the first 24 hours) 
• supported with feeding 
• given any medical care you need 

If you stay overnight, you will usually be on the postnatal ward. Your birth partner can stay with you from 6am-11pm and other visitors are welcome during the day.

If your baby needs extra monitoring or treatment, this may happen: 

• on the postnatal ward 
• in the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) - where you stay together if your baby needs more support
• in the Neonatal Unit (NNU) if your baby needs close observation or specialist care. If your baby is in the NNU, you can call for updates at anytime.