Covid-19 Advice
Visiting Policy - When you are in labour
Our birth companion policy has not changed. We still welcome one consistent birth companion throughout the labour and birth period (including on the antenatal and postnatal ward), providing they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and are able to wear a face covering.
We can also welcome a second birth companion during labour and birth on the labour ward/birth centre. The same face covering and COVID-19 conditions for this birth partner apply.
Visiting Policy - After you have given birth (post-natal)
On the post-natal ward, siblings can now visit mother and new baby from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
During the night, partners can now swap with another support person, and this new support person can remain with the mother. This means at night, there should just be one adult person at a time with the mother.
COVID-19 testing
We encourage all pregnant people and their chosen companions to consider taking rapid lateral flow tests; however, it is not compulsory to do this. If you choose not to perform the test, you and your companion can still attend your appointment as normal.
Simply visit the government website and follow the instructions. You are entitled to obtain free tests because, ‘you've spoken to a healthcare professional recently and they asked you to get a test’.
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding and considering whether to have the COVID-19 vaccination?
Vaccination clinic at Whittington Hospital
Keeping safe and looking after you and your baby
What should I do if my baby's movements are slowing down?
What happens to my care if I have tested positive for COVID-19 or I have symptoms?
Who should I contact if I am feeling worried or depressed during my pregnancy or after the birth?
What is the Essential Parent App?
On the International Day of the Midwife, Whittington Health NHS Trust launched a new app, the Essential Parenting App, designed with our expectant mothers to support them at every stage of their pregnancy.
The app is made by the Essential Parent team – formerly from the BBC Science Unit – so the videos are beautiful to look at, and the articles are easy to read. To find out more and to download the app, click here.
What other resources can I access?
- For midwife-led pregnancy health information, visit tommys.org/pregnancy
- The NHS baby buddy app
- A breastfeeding workshop video
- Information about Coronavirus, pregnancy, birth and beyond, www.nct.org.uk/ and search ‘coronavirus'
- A video on the topic of VBAC (vaginal birth after a caesarean birth).
After your baby is born
Can I register my baby's birth?
Your baby does not need to be registered to receive medical care. You can also claim for child benefit or universal credit if the birth has not been registered as yet.
What happens after my baby's/babies' birth
The day after you go home we will then visit you at home and then 5 days after your baby’s birth we will visit you at home again. This visit will include the heel prick test (blood spot check) for your baby.
Our Midwives will decide when to transfer your care to health visiting services, depending on you and your baby’s health. They may also refer you to other services for further help and support.
Health visiting and breastfeeding support services will contact you by phone and inform you on how to access their support after you have had your baby.