Postnatal Appointments

Baby sleeping
After you arrive home your care will be handed to the community midwife. If you live in Haringey or Islington this will be one of our midwives. If you live out of our area then it will be a midwife from your local area.
 
You can expect a visit on your first day home, and generally on days 3, 5 and 10 days after birth.

On your first day home

You will receive either home visit or a phone call from your community midwife the day after your discharge from the hospital. The midwife will carry out an assessment and advise you on the care you will receive in the coming weeks.

Day 3 after birth

The community midwife will visit you at home, offer infant feeding support and weigh your baby.

Day 5 after birth

The community midwife will visit you at home to weigh your baby and, if you have chosen to do this, offer the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Test.

Day 10 after birth

If you and baby are doing well and the postnatal period has been straightforward, this will be your last visit with the community midwives. Additional appointments may be offered depending on you and your baby's needs. Your ongoing care will then be provided by a Health Visitor until your baby is five years old. They will be contact you to arrange your first appointment.

Health visitor

Health Visitors are registered nurses or midwives with additional expertise in children’s health and development and the health needs of all the family. They will contact you a few days after baby’s birth and are here to support you as new parents and in the years ahead until your child goes to school. They will first visit between days 10-14 after birth and work with you to offer support and advice in the areas that are most important to you. This can include: 
 
  • Infant feeding
  • Understanding your baby’s needs
  • Building close and loving relationships
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Parenting
  • Immunisations
  • Managing minor illnesses
  • Child development
 
Your Health Visitor can also signpost you to other local services available in your community including new parents groups, workshops and classes.
 
You can find out more about your local Health Visiting Service by visiting these webpages for:
 

Postnatal acupuncture

Postnatal acupuncture is available as a low-cost service, and it could be useful for:
 
  • Pain management
  • Mental wellbeing
  • Breastfeeding support
 
For more information on the Maternity Acupuncture Service at the Whittington Hospital, please see our dedicated webpage.
Last updated27 Mar 2024
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