Caring for your baby and yourself

Postnatal schedule of care

Visit One

The first visit by the community midwife is on the day after you leave hospital. Both you and your baby will be examined to ensure you are both well. Your physical and emotional wellbeing will be discussed and also baby's feeding patterns. Please take this opportunity to ask any questions or share your worries and concerns. 

Please register your baby at the GP as soon as possible

Visit Two (day 5)

As well as checking you are well, the midwife or maternity care assistant will weigh your baby and take the Newborn Screening blood test. 

Visit Three (day 9/10)

The midwife will check your physical and emotional wellbeing and weigh your baby. Your midwife will discuss with you:

• postnatal exercises
• registering the birth of your baby
• contraception
• the six to eight week postnatal check for you and your baby with your GP
• any other concerns you may have

If all is well the midwife will transfer you to the care of the Health Visitors.

Who to call

If you need advice in the first ten days: