After the birth - staying in hospital and going home

Births are all different, and you may have your baby in a hospital setting, in a midwifery led unit or at home. Here is some information about what you might expect in the first hours and days after giving birth. 

Hospital births

If you have given birth in a hospital setting it may be that you have had a planned or unplanned caesarean section. You may also have been at slightly higher risk in some way - or simply wanted to birth in a hospital. The hospital team will make sure that you and your baby are well in the first hours after birth, and if there are any risk factors you may be monitored to ensure you are both safe. 

Once the hospital team are happy you are well you will be asked to arrange transport home. You will need a car seat for the baby and if you have had a caesarean section you will not be able to drive yourself. For a vaginal birth you may only be in hospital for a few hours, for a caesarean section you may be in overnight or even for two or three days depending on how well you are and how well you are recovering from surgery. 

A midwife will visit or contact you within 24 hours of you going home. If you have any concerns you can contact them sooner. 

The midwife will arrange to do new born tests at home if they have not been done at the hospital. Hearing tests are usually done straight away and then the metabolic screening (heel prick) tests take place when your baby is 5 days old. This test is carried out by a midwife or specially trained midwifery support worker.  

Births in Midwife Led Units (MLU)

If you have given birth in an MLU you will be low risk and have had a relatively smooth birth experience. Therefore you will probably be able to go home the same day. Again the midwives will check you and your baby are well before asking you to arrange your transport home. 

If you have any concerns about your medical condition or any questions about supporting your new baby please ask your midwife before you leave. 

A midwife will visit or contact you within 24 hours of you going home. If you have any concerns you can contact them sooner. 

The midwife will arrange to do new born tests at home if they have not been done at the hospital. Hearing tests are usually done straight away and then the metabolic screening (heel prick) tests take place when your baby is 5 days old. This test is carried out by a midwife or specially trained midwifery support worker.   

Visitors

Different hospitals and units have different advice around visitors - please check with them for information. 

Home births

Please see the section on home births for more information, but once the two midwives who have been in attendance are happy that you and your baby are well, and you have appropriate support, you will be left at home. Someone will need to tidy up! However, on a more positive note you won't have to organise any transport and can stay in your pyjamas if you wish!

Your midwife team will check up on you in the days following birth before handing over to a health visitor. 

GP appointments 

Once you are at home with your new baby you will need to register them onto a GP list. This will enable the baby to access care such as childhood immunisations, follow up appointments, medication and any referrals that need to be made.

Most parents register the baby at the same GP as themselves for ease but this is not essential. 

The GP will need the baby's NHS number to register the baby and you will get this once you have registered the birth and obtained a birth certificate. However, please do not worry if you need to access care prior to this point as the baby can be seen by your own GP if needed. 

What to expect during the GP surgery 6-8 week baby check and your postnatal check is explained in the leaflet here.