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The new Maternity Triage Service has launched across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight .

If you are pregnant, download the Healthier Together app to access information and support for concerns in pregnancy.

Through the app, you can get advice on common pregnancy issues, and be directed to community or hospital care if needed.

If necessary, you will be connected to the Maternity Triage line to speak to a Midwife, 24 hours a day, who can discuss your concern and arrange for you to be seen.

The old Day Assessment Unit phone number will no longer be in use for outside calls, and you will be directed to contact via Maternity Triage instead.

If you are unable to access Apps for any reason, please speak to your Community Midwife who can discuss the alternative procedure with you.

Only call emergency services (999) if you have a life-threatening emergency or you are advised to do so by a health professional.

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Live Q&A session with Rosie & Emma talking about:
Antenatal information including roadshow, hypnobirthing & classes
Retained placenta & third stage
Induction of labour
Caesarean birth
VBAC
Postnatal care
Antenatal vaccinations

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Steroids in pregnancy if your baby may be born early

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Steroids in pregnancy if your baby may be born early

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Live Q&A with Ellie Jenkins Midwife, Andriana Bartlett Maternity Stop Smoking Advisor & Emma Reynolds Consultant Midwife talking about preparing for pregnancy including:
- diet & BMI
- exercise
- smoking

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Labour Pains - Information on pain relief choices during labour

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Information for expectant parents and healthcare professionals on pain relief choices during labour

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Live Q&A with Nick Kenney Consultant Obstetrician & Emma Consultant Midwife talking about Induction of Labour, Assisted birth & Caesarean birth including:
- preparing for a caesarean
- sterilisation
- gentle CS
- forceps
- recovery
- choosing to have a caesarean
- types of induction
- declining induction

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Live Q&A with Hayley LW Coordinator & Emma Consultant Midwife talking about labour and water birth talking about:

1.       Pain relief with a water birth e.g., epidural

2.       Water birth or using water as pain relief after a previous 2.5L blood loss

3.       Bringing things from home like music

4.       Who can be with you when baby is born

5.       Being mobile in labour

6.       Using pool after a Caesarean birth

7.       Latent phase of labour

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IOW Maternity Services was live. | By IOW Maternity Services | Facebook

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199 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 2 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from IOW Maternity Services: IOW Maternity Services was live.

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Live Q&A with Nikki Beadle, Infant Feeding Lead & Lactation Consultant talking about feeding & tongue tie including:
- Tips to help on your breastfeeding journey.
- Breastfeeding in public.
- Tongue tie.
- Mixed feeding.
- Hand expressing.
- How to support your partner with breastfeeding.

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Live Q&A with Mike Pearson Consultant Anaesthetist talking about anaesthetics when having your baby including:

- How do you do an epidural

- How an epidural works

- What happens if an epidural didn’t work first time around

- The chance of having long term problems from having an anaesthetic and follow up

- Anaesthetic options for a caesarean birth

- Pain relief options after a caesarean birth

- Being mobile in labour after having an epidural

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Q&A with Juliet May and Claire Styles Community Clinical Leads talking about home birth, including:

1, VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) at home
2, Home birth with previous third/fourth degree tear
3, Meeting the midwives
4, Preparing for having your baby at home
5, Pain relief
6, Transfer into hospital
7, Care following home birth
8, Can I have a home birth with my first baby
9, Children and other birth support
10, Pool birth at home

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Antenatal Expression of Colostrum - La Leche League GB

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Mothers start to produce colostrum (early milk) while pregnant. Being able to express colostrum is a useful skill to have. Saving your expressed colostrum may also be beneficial if your baby is likely to need special care after birth. Why express while pregnant? Being familiar with your breasts and…

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Written information for labour and birth

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Written information for labour and birth

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Written information for after your baby's birth

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Written information for after your baby's birth

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An animated film that demonstrates the complex yet critical interaction of hormones and mechanics during labour, birth and the postnatal period, and the potential impact this has on the outcome and experience. 

The film aims to increase knowledge of childbirth physiology, and to demonstrate the importance of understanding the impact of physiology on childbirth.

Made in collaboration with 
Sheena Byrom OBE, 
Anna Coonan-Byrom
Prof. Soo Downe
Dr. Sarah Buckley
Dr. Kerstin Moberg
Molly O’Brien
Kay King
Anastasia Topalidou
Anna Horn

Supported by
The White Ribbon Alliance
All 4 Maternity
University of central Lancashire
Optimal Birth
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria foundation trust
The Royal College of Midwives
International Confederation of midwives

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Getting ready to go home with your baby

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

This section aims to cover some information that you and your partner may find useful as you get ready to take your baby home from hospital. We understand it can feel like a lot to take in. If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to ask, or look at the further information available on the site.

Following the birth of your baby, the midwives and doctors will talk to you about your recovery and help decide the best time for you to go home. This can vary depending on how well you and your baby are.

You will find lots of useful information for new mothers on this site or you can ask your midwife any questions at your appointments.

Before you leave, make sure our staff have the right address and phone number for you so we can arrange your next appointment.

When you go home, you'll be under the care of the community midwifery team. Your appointment may take place over the phone, in a community hub or at your home.

If you need further support, you can contact your midwife or the postnatal ward if it is outside of routine working hours on the phone numbers provided.

Your health visitor will contact you in the first two weeks to arrange an appointment. The health visiting team can support you and your family until your child reaches school age.

For babies born prematurely or with extra health needs you may also have follow-up appointments with the neonatal community service.

Click here for more information about your appointments and postnatal care

Your Health

The physical recovery from pregnancy and birth is different for everyone. During the six weeks after birth, your body will slowly begin the process of getting back to its pre-pregnancy state. It's important to remember that this happens at a different pace for everyone, and some women take longer to recover than others.

Click here for more information if you have concerns about your postnatal health

After birth you will experience vaginal bleeding, similar to that of a heavy period. You may have one or two quite large clots (the size of a tomato or satsuma) or several smaller ones (about the size of a grape) during the first two to three days. Over the following days and weeks your blood loss should reduce in quantity, it may even completely stop but then restart a few days later. This is normal, it is just your body getting itself ready to begin its menstrual cycle again.

If you are breastfeeding, you may find your blood loss is initially slightly heavier just after feeding your baby. You may also find that when your postnatal bleeding stops completely, your period may not return for many months.

If you have any worries please click here for further information.

You may experience pain, similar to mild labour pains after the birth. After pains following birth are normal and not a cause for concern. You may notice these are worse if you have had more than one child. Some women notice afterpains while breastfeeding. You should expect after pains to improve day by day as your womb (uterus) returns to its normal size. Taking regular paracetamol (1g every 4-6 hours- not exceeding 4g in 24hrs) and ibuprofen (200-400 mg 3-4 times a day) will help with the discomfort. Please avoid taking medication that contains codeine if breastfeeding.

If you have concerns about your afterpains please click here

For more information about pain relief and medications following birth please click here

After birth, some women need stitches to their perineum which is the area between your vagina and bottom. The length of time it takes for these to heal is very individual and depends on the type of tear. Keeping your perineal area as clean and dry as possible, changing maternity pads frequently and washing your hands before and after going to the toilet will help to reduce the risk of infection.

If you experience an increase in pain from your stitches, notice an unpleasant smell or discharge then please let your midwife or GP know, so they can check them for you.

If you have had a 3 rd or 4 th degree tear, a follow-up appointment will be made for you so we can be sure it is healing well.

For more information please click here

For information about recovery after your caesarean section please click here

Your pelvic floor muscles are the group of muscles you would use to stop yourself passing wind or for holding in a wee. The pelvic floor are weakened by pregnancy and birth so we advise doing exercises to help strengthen them again to prevent future problems. Generally these exercises are tricky immediately following birth, but get easier in the coming weeks. Try and make them a part of your daily routine.

You may like to download the squeezy app for information and reminders. For more information, Click here

Some women are advised by their midwife to wear special stockings after the birth to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs. This advice will depend on the type of birth and any additional risk factors. You are at your highest risk of developing a blood clot just after having your baby so tell your midwife or another health professional if you experience pain in your lower leg, or redness, swelling or pain in your groin.

There are some signs that we ask you to look out for and report to a health professional. These include:

fainting

dizziness

palpitations (when your heart feels like its beating fast, or your notice your heart beat)

abdominal pain

fever

shivering

headaches with blurred vision

nausea and vomiting

flu like symptoms

shortness of breath

chest pain.

If you feel unwell or experience pain after your baby is born please look at the information here, call your midwife or the postnatal ward if it is out of hours. In an emergency, call 999.

Pregnancy and birth can cause many strong emotions. It is important to talk about how you feel with your midwife and other health professionals and also with your partner, family and friends.

It is very normal to become very teary and emotional around day three - you may have heard of this period described as the 'baby blues'. Your hormone levels are high, you're likely to be very tired and the adjustment to new family life can feel overwhelming for many women. These are very normal feelings and they may fluctuate over the first 7-10 days.

If after two weeks you feel that you are still feeling down, depressed or hopeless and have little interest in doing things then please speak to your health visitor or see your GP. Your GP can give you ongoing emotional support and signpost you to other health professionals if needed.

Please listen to your family and friends if they have any concerns regarding your emotional wellbeing as it is often loved ones who notice you may need extra support.

Click here for more information

There are no rules about when to start having sex again after you have given birth, but it is important that you are aware that you are fertile and could conceive again from approximately 21 days following birth.

Exclusively breastfeeding is not a reliable form of contraception and other methods such as condoms, pills, injections, implants or the coil are recommended to avoid becoming pregnant again too soon. Many of these can be started immediately after birth. If you are breastfeeding and you would like to use a hormonal contraception then you will be advised to have a progesterone-only option.

Click here for more information

As a new Dad or partner you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The regional "Dad Pad" is a resource available to ALL partners to give you the knowledge and practical skills that you need.

Click here for more information

Your new baby's health

Please look here to help understand what's normal and what's not for a new born baby.

If you are concerned your baby is unwell find more information here

Please download the Healthier Together Urgent Care app which will be there for you if you are worried your baby is unwell and assist you with accessing help.

Your baby's umbilical cord will dry and eventually fall off between 3-10 days old. Please keep the cord area clean by wiping around it with cotton wool and water daily. You do not need to wait until the cord and clamp have fallen off before bathing your baby but make sure its dry before dressing your baby.

You can fold over the top of your baby's nappy to expose the cord to air to encourage drying sooner if you prefer. If you notice the cord area is bleeding, oozing or developing a nasty smell then please let your midwife know. Once the cord and clamp have fallen off carry on cleaning the umbilical area until it has healed.

All babies have a strong desire to be close to their parents as this helps them feel more secure and loved. Having your baby close to you will help you to learn their cues that they are hungry or need a cuddle.

Breastmilk is tailor made for your baby to provide all the nutrients, comfort and protection that they need. You may find that in the early days of establishing breastfeeding, it may take a while to feel confident. The most common challenges can be resolved quickly and easily with the right support. There is lots of help in your local area so please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Babies cannot be overfed at the breast so you can use breastfeeding to soothe your baby as well as a way to spend time together or having a rest when you both want to.

If you are using a bottle to feed your baby, please ensure you follow the guidance to make up and give the milk as safely as possible. Enjoy holding your baby close during the feeds with lots of eye contact. Learn how to do paced bottle feeding to notice their cues of when they want to be fed and when they have had enough.

Click here for more information on feeding your baby

Click here for information if you have breastfeeding concerns

The amount a baby cries varies hugely. A baby's cry is designed to get your attention and it is OK to find that frustrating when you don't know what it is that your baby wants.

From the age of two weeks infant crying generally increases, reaching a peak at around 6-8 weeks, before starting to reduce.

There are various things you can try in order to soothe your baby. Holding them, gently rocking, walking them around, taking them for a walk in the pram or sling are all methods you may find useful.

It is never OK to shake your baby but it is OK to leave your baby in a safe place and walk away momentarily. Providing your baby is in a safe place give yourself a chance to regroup for a few minutes then return to the baby when you feel calmer.

Remember it is very normal for babies to cry sometimes. It is normal to find it hard at times and its worth having the support of family and friends. If you are ever concerned about the level of your baby's crying please read the further information here or seek advice from a health professional.

From birth, all breastfed babies should be given a daily supplement of vitamin D (8.5 to 10mcg). But if your baby is having more than 500ml (about a pint) of first infant formula a day, they do not need a supplement because formula is already fortified with vitamin D. Breastfeeding mothers are also encouraged to take a supplement of 10 micrograms a day.

Ensuring your baby is safely settled for sleep is important to help prevent Sudden Infant Death also known as (SIDS) or cot death.You can reduce the risk of SIDS by adopting some safe sleeping advice. The key points to remember are:

Keep your baby smoke free - don't let anyone smoke near them or hold them after smoking

Don't fall asleep with a baby on the sofa or chair

The safest place for you baby to sleep is in your bedroom in their own cot/moses basket/bedside crib for the first 6 months

Put your baby to sleep on their back with their feet to the end of the cot.

Breastfeed if you can

Don't let your baby get too hot.

Keep a clear cot, free from toys. No loose blankets, pillows or cot bumpers should be used.

*Co-sleeping (sleeping in the same bed as your baby) can be dangerous if either you or your partner smoke, have been drinking, or taken any drugs (including medication that can make you feel drowsy), or if your baby was born at a low birth weight or prematurely.

It is important to keep pillows, sheets and blankets away from the baby.

If you have any questions about safe sleeping, you can speak to your midwife or health visitor or read more information here

Legally you must register your baby within 42 days of their birth. You can use the www.gov.uk/register-offices website to find your closest registry office, and follow the links to their website for contact details and how to book an appointment. If you are married or in a civil partnership then only one parent needs to attend. If you are unmarried and want both parents to be on the birth certificate you will need to attend together.

Babies should travel in the right car seat for their age and weight, facing backwards, ideally secured by Isofix or the car seatbelt on the rear seats.

If you travel with your baby on the front seat of your car, make sure that the passenger air bag has been switched off and the baby is rear facing in the car seat. It is unsafe for your baby to wear coats and snowsuits whilst in their car seat travelling in a car, so tuck a blanket around them if it is cold. If it is too warm in your car to wear a coat yourself then your baby is likely to get too warm in a coat. Try not to let your baby spend too long in a car seat. There is no published evidence of how long a baby should stay in a car seat but car seat manufacturers recommend that this is for no longer than 2 hours. Taking your baby out and laying them flat at regular intervals is advised.

Click here for more information.

You baby's skin has never seen any sun and is very sensitive. It's a good idea to keep your baby out of direct sunlight and cool in the shade, wearing suncream (higher than 30SPF) when needed. It can be dangerous to place a muslin or cover over your baby's pram for shade as this increase the temperature around your baby and can lead to over heating.

Please give us your feedback on your care and help us improve the service we offer by completing the friends and family questionnaire. You can do this via your Badger notes.

You may feel the need to talk to a midwife about your birth experience if you have specific questions you would like answered, things you can't remember or are unsure of. Your midwife can give you details about the service within your hospital to support you with this.

If you would like to be part of a group to help improve maternity services, you can get in touch with your local Maternity Voices Partnership via Facebook.

Now, please download the Healthier Together Urgent Care app which will be there for you if you are worried your baby is unwell and assist you with accessing help.

Please don't forget there is loads of information held on the Healthier Together website to support you with your new baby. This includes the following sections:

Postnatal information section which is full of advice literature

Concerns about your own health as a new mum

Mental health topics

Concerns about my baby's health

Infant feeding

Worried my child is unwell (over 3 months)

And much more.

Please discuss any questions you may have with your midwife.

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Getting ready to go home with your baby Congratulations on the birth of your baby! This section aims to cover some information that you and your partner may find useful as you get ready to take your baby home from hospital. We understand it can feel like a lot to take in.

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Information for if you have had an epidural for pain relief or a spinal anaesthetic

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Information for if you have had an epidural for pain relief or a spinal anaesthetic

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Use the heading column to find the information you need

Scroll down the column to see information

Click on the links to view information

Scroll right to find other heading

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Q&A session with Rosie Parkes Professional Midwifery Advocate & Emma Reynolds Consultant Midwife talking about:

1, Antenatal Education & classes

2, Induction of labour

3, VBAC

4, Birth after Postpartum Haemorrhage (excessive blood loss after baby born)

5, Rapid labours

6, Perineal massage

7, Caring for stitches after having a baby

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Your pelvic floor will not be very strong initially after childbirth.

You may also feel that you have difficulties working with your pelvic floor and that you have little sensation.

This usually improves with time, but the more you are able to work your pelvic floor, the quicker the recovery will be.

You may find that you have trouble controlling your bladder and if you have this problem, you may need to see a physiotherapist to help you strengthen your pelvic floor.

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Your pelvic floor will not be very strong initially after childbirth. You may also feel that you have difficulties working with your pelvic floor and that you have little sensation. This usually improves with time, but the more you are able to work your pelvic floor, the quicker the recovery will be.

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Research has shown that perineal massage reduces the chance of perineal tears

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Reducing your risk of perineal tears | RCOG

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Reducing the chance of a third- or fourth-degree tear

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No. Both OASI1 and OASI2 projects respect and support women's choices about how they wish to give birth. A key element of the project involves ensuring healthcare professionals understand the importance of discussing and understanding women's birth choices, particularly choices around birth position.

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This hub aims to inform about the types of tears that can occur during childbirth, how to minimise your risk of deeper tearing, and what can be done to help your recovery if you do tear.

We also aim to support you to take prompt action if you have any concerns about your recovery, helping you feel better informed when discussing any topics with a healthcare professional.

This information has been developed by the OASI Care Bundle Project Team, the OASI Care Bundle Clinical Champions and perineal specialists.

It is based on the RCOG Green-top Guideline No.29 The Management of Third and Fourth Degree Tears (June 2015) and expert opinion from the above named developers and key stakeholders in line with RCOG due process.

Please give us your feedback

We would like to understand how people are using this resource to help ensure it is relevant and useful. To give us your feedback, please complete our short survey.If you have any questions, please email womensvoices@rcog.org.uk

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Perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth

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Welcome to our hub for perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth.

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Exercises and advice to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy

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Exercises and advice to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy

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Exercises and advice for the postnatal period

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Exercises and advice for the postnatal period

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Safer sleep overview - The Lullaby Trust

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An easy guide to practicing safer sleep for your baby and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).

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Gentle Caesarean Birth - Claire and Drew

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A video to show what happens when having a caesarean birth

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Please click on the videos below to watch more about your caesarean birth. If you would like to read more about this topic, then make sure you take a look at our information leaflets or see our translations page.

The videos below cover the topic 'caesarean birth'

English

Please select your prefered language

Our videos are available in a variety of languages which is constantly being updated.

The above videos have been produced independently of the LabourPains.com working group and the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association. As such, no formal responsibility is accepted for the included content. Local policies and practices on the provision of pain relief in labour may vary from unit to unit, but we hope that these videos may provide a useful overview on what pain relief may be available in a hospital near you.

To see our archived videos and material please click here.

We remain grateful to those individuals who have assisted with translating our videos. These videos have been translated to the best of our knowledge, however they have not been professionally verified.

Scan the QR code below to download the infographic on mobile or tablet.

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Information Videos - Your Caesarean Birth

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Please click on the videos below to watch more about your caesarean birth. If you would like to read more about this topic, then make sure you take a look at our information leaflets or see our translations page. English Our videos are available in a variety of languages which is constantly being updated.

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To book please speak to your community midwife