Coping with a New Baby

Parent Educations sessions are organised by midwives and health visitors so parents to be can meet each other and discuss pregnancy, childbirth and care of a new baby.

They are open to all women free of charge and you can get the dates and times so the sessions from the midwife.

After you have given birth, you’ll understandably want to give your baby lots of attention. Even so, it’s important to take a little time for yourself. By regaining your fitness, you’ll feel good and have more energy. Looking after your pelvic muscles is essential – following birth and throughout your life. A leaflet is available from Maternity on the exercises you can do.

Both you and your baby should have a further medical check-up by your GP about six weeks after delivery.

Your health visitor will visit you at home soon after your midwife hands over your care. She will provide help and advice on all aspects of child care including development assessments, immunisation and minor childhood illnesses.

Babies enjoy a variety of movements when awake and it is good for them and their development to experience different positions. This should include sometimes lying on their tummies to play during the day when they are awake. At about five or six months old, it is normal for babies to roll over and they shouldn't’t be prevented from doing so. This is the age at which the risk of cot death falls rapidly but still put your baby on the back to sleep.

Some helpful numbers

• Maternity Unit 00 44 (0) 1534 622450
• Community Midwives 00 44 (0) 1534 622454
• Parent Education Enquiries 00 44 (0) 1534 622495