After The Birth Of Your Baby ML7363.pdf

After the birth of your baby, you will have appointments to discuss your postnatal care plan and address any concerns. The NHS Trust will involve you in planning your care and be flexible to meet your needs. It's essential to take your baby out of the car seat when you get home, as car seats are not safe sleep spaces for long periods. You will receive visits from the midwife, including a blood spot test for your baby at 5 days old.

You should report serious symptoms to your GP, such as pain or swelling in the calf, chest pain, heavy blood loss, high temperature, or severe headache. Other symptoms to watch for include nipple pain, breast tenderness, and mastitis. It's normal to experience tiredness, backache, and minor aches after birth, but if concerned, talk to your midwife.

Baby blues are common, but if you experience anxiety, sleeping difficulties, or loss of interest in yourself and baby, seek help from your GP. Potentially serious symptoms in newborns include unusual cry, pale skin, sleepiness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If your baby stops breathing, will not wake up, has glazed eyes, or has a fit, call 999.

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place your baby on their back to sleep, keep their head uncovered, and let them sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months. Avoid sharing a bed with your baby if you smoke, take recreational drugs, or have taken medicine that causes drowsiness.

Finally, car seats should only be used for transport, and it's possible to become pregnant again soon after birth, so consider contraception options.