What Postnatal Health Monitoring Involves

In order to ensure that the health of the mother and baby are in order following the birth, there are various postnatal health monitoring checks that can be carried out. This may involve home visits as well as visits to the hospital.

If the birth has gone smoothly and the baby is healthy, the mother can usually choose whether she would prefer supervision from a GP or midwife. It is customary to choose the midwife, although some choose the GP on the basis of convenience, for example if the surgery is closer to home and travel is an issue.

For ten days after the birth, the midwife will visit the mother. Some of these days are often spent in the hospital, although it is possible to leave on the same day as the birth provided that is was a natural birth that went smoothly and the baby is healthy. It may be possible to arrange that the midwife visits for less than the standard number of days, or possibly more if needed. However, this will affect the schedule of the midwife, therefore a different nurse may be required in this instance.

Home visits tend to concentrate on the health of the baby to begin with, but there will also be a few checks for the mother. This may include mental health checks, although these are not usually carried out until around six weeks after the birth, as this is the most likely time for depression to occur.

In addition to home visits, there are also various classes available that the mother can attend at a clinic or community centre. Often there is something available for those who choose to breastfeed to offer advice and support. Usually such classes are free, but may incur a small charge after a certain length of time.

Caesarean section births tend to be quite physically debilitating for the mother, which usually means a longer stay in hospital. The midwife can carry out relevant checks at this point, but will also make home visits as required.

Those with a desire for extra health monitoring can also book further appointments. However, if there is something specific that appears to be problematic, it can be arranged that the mother takes the baby to the hospital. This may be particularly appropriate if some special equipment could be required, although the midwife will often give advice as to whether or not this is applicable.

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