Postnatal care

Congratulations

Now that you have your baby to care for you will find the days are busy, but we encourage you to get as much rest as possible during your stay here. Remember that whilst you are here staff are always willing to help you with any problems or worries you may have.

Babies' cots are normally alongside mothers' beds. All people handling the baby should wash their hands before doing so. It is very important that anyone with a sore throat or infection does not visit the ward. Babies should always be placed on their backs in their cots with their feet to the foot of the cot. They must not be left on the mother's bed unattended. Mothers feeding babies in bed must be sure that baby is not near the edge and is well tucked in. Babies should be transported in their cots rather than carried.

All babies are examined at least once by a paediatrician. He/she will be pleased to answer any questions or queries about your baby.

Baby feeding

Breastfeeding is encouraged and help is always available. Please do not hesitate to ask the staff at any time. No bottle feeds will be given to your baby unless you specifically request them or if medically indicated. If you choose to bottle feed your baby, various milks are available.

Baby's first photos

Cradle Pictures offer a regular service to take your baby's first pictures.

Service of thanksgiving

The chaplains offer a service of thanksgiving for the birth of a baby. Should you wish to see the chaplains for this, or any other reasons, please speak to the midwife in charge, who will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Postnatal exercises

Postnatal exercises are encouraged by all staff during your stay in hospital and at home. Details are available in The Birth to Five book produced by the Health Education Authority and given to all first-time mothers by their health visitor.

Routine blood tests for babies

All parents are offered a routine screening test for their baby. The test is for three very rare conditions. These conditions can only be detected by a blood test and if not diagnosed early, can cause permanent serious ill health.

What are the conditions?

1. Phenylketonuria (PKU)

PKU affects one in 10,000 babies. These babies cannot utilise part of a protein in their food. As a result, this substance builds up in the blood and can lead to brain damage unless corrected.

2. Congenital hypothyroidism

Affects one in 4,000 babies and is caused by underactivity of the thyroid gland in the baby's neck. This gland fails to provide enough of the hormone thyroxine which is essential for normal growth and development.

3. Cystic fibrosis

This is another condition which is usually not obvious at birth but later in childhood results in lung disease and problems of digestion, which can affect growth. Unlike the two conditions mentioned previously, there is still much to be understood about the effects of this disease, but doctors are now quite sure that the available treatment is of greatest benefit to most infants when it is begun very early in life before any symptoms are apparent.

How is the test carried out?

When the baby is between six and ten days old, and established on milk feeds, the midwife (usually the community midwife) will take four spots of blood from the baby by pricking his/her heel with a small sterile lancer. These spots of blood are placed on a special absorbent card and sent to the Biochemical Genetic Diagnostic Unit in Peterborough.

This test is only carried out with the mother's verbal consent.

Will the tests have to be repeated?

Occasionally a repeat test is required if the laboratory cannot complete all the tests on the amount of blood provided.

How will know the result?

The tests are usually completed within two weeks and the results are sent to the Child Health Department who inform your health visitor. Your health visitor will inform you and the results will be entered on your baby's Child Health Record.

What happens if the result is not normal?

In the unlikely event that the result is not normal, your family doctor will arrange for you and your baby to be seen by a paediatrician at the hospital. He/she will explain the problem in detail and give you information on any future tests or treatment required.

Is the test really necessary?

Please remember that the chance of your baby having one of these conditions is extremely remote. Nevertheless, in order to detect each affected infant, so that the most effective treatment can be offered as soon as possible, it is necessary to test all newborn babies. If you have any concerns or questions, please discuss this further with your midwife or family doctor.