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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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Our vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you're planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.

When not to co-sleep

Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can't breathe.
Co-sleeping more safely

Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.

Follow all The Lullaby Trust's other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.

Try to make sure or check that baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall

Never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed

For more info on co-sleeping and safer sleep read our guide for parents
If you are bedsharing with your baby you should consider any risks before every sleep. It is easy for your situation to change if you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol, which means your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket on that occasion.

Co-sleeping with your baby: FAQs

I am worried I might fall asleep while I breastfeed my baby at night, is this ok?

Click here to open this question

Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS. If you feel you might fall asleep we would recommend you prepare the bed as described above so it is safer for baby if this happens.

Make sure you know the advice on when never to co-sleep so you know when to take particular care. It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you might fall asleep on a sofa or armchair, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.

Should I co-sleep with my baby?

Click here to open this question

The safest place for a baby is their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. We would just advise you to read all the information on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risks, so you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

However, there are some circumstances where we would strongly recommend against co-sleeping such as on a sofa or armchair, if anyone in the bed smokes or has drunk alcohol or your baby was premature or a low birth weight.

Can I co-sleep with twins or multiples?

Click here to open this question

If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

Is it safer to co-sleep using a nest or pod than with a baby just lying on the adult bed?

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No. We do not recommend that babies sleep on soft surfaces such as pods or nests. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby the safest place is a clear space on a firm flat mattress the same as we would advise with a cot.

Why do you advise against co-sleeping in certain scenarios?

Click here to open this question

It is estimated that around half of SIDS deaths occur whilst co-sleeping, and that most of these are in high risk situations. We do not know the cause of SIDS and why these deaths happen but we do know what some of the risk factors are and that removing those risks greatly lowers the chance of SIDS occurring.

For that reason we strongly advise against co-sleeping when there are risk factors such as a baby being premature or a parent having drunk alcohol.

What bedding should I use for my baby when we co-sleep?
The Lullaby Trust has worked with Public Heath England, Unicef UK Baby Friendly and Basis on two publications to support families with safer sleep advice and advice on co-sleeping more safely. We have also collaborated on a guide for health professionals to have more open and productive discussions with families about safer sleep and co-sleeping. These can be downloaded below.

Click here to open this question

Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing. Keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold

A baby sleeping bag is a good way of giving your baby their own bedding when bedsharing.

Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age.

You might also be interested in reading the two Unicef Baby Friendly publications, which are both endorsed by The Lullaby Trust:

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Some parents choose to share a bed (known as co-sleeping) with their babies. Read our advice on how to co-sleep more safely.

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What are the first signs of labour? | NCT

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From ‘Am I in labour?’ to ‘When to call the midwife?’ and ‘How do we know the baby is OK?’ to ‘What is transition?’ Read our guide to the first stage of labour.

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Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore

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Find out what symptoms of complications you should watch out for during pregnancy, what these symptoms could mean, and when to call your doctor or midwife.

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Postnatal information for parents and babies being discharged home from the Rosie Hospital

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You can find out more about how labour progresses on our NCT Antenatal course. You can also read about the first stage and third stage of labour.

Latent second phase - 'rest and be thankful'

The passive or latent phase is commonly known as 'rest and be thankful'.

The contractions that were pulling the cervix open pause. The woman or person in labour can rest, have a drink, and change position.

This might be quite short, and the labouring woman or person might not notice it. Or it could last for more than an hour. If there is an epidural, then a longer pause is expected (NICE, 2023).

Active phase - birthing the baby

This is the active, birthing part, when the baby is pushed out from the uterus through the vagina. This might last minutes or hours (NICE, 2023).

At some point, the woman or birthing person usually experiences a strong and involuntary urge to push (NICE, 2023).

The muscles which were pulled up behind the baby as the cervix was pulled open are now contracting to push out the baby or babies from the womb.

Women and birthing people sometimes say the start of the active second stage is a relief:

For some, contractions feel easier to cope with and they let go and let the body work (Häggsgård et al, 2021).

There is a new sense of alertness and energy, and the contractions feel different from the first stage. This is the hormones working to support the birth of the baby.

The baby also receives hormones to help them cope with this part of labour.

Birthing contractions are longer than the labouring ones, but the gaps between them are also longer.

Sometimes the waters break before labour starts, but most commonly they break during the second stage. Sometimes they don't break at all. This is not a problem, and the midwife will break them after the baby is born.

How is the baby born?

As the baby moves down, the shape of the pelvis and pelvic floor means the baby's body turns, taking the easiest path. The baby's soft head also moulds to fit. It will go back to a normal shape in the hours after birth.

As the baby's head (or bottom if the baby is breech) becomes visible, the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) needs to stretch slowly to reduce the chance of tearing. There might be a sense of burning or stinging (Häggsgård et al, 2021).

The midwife might encourage the woman or birthing person to take short breaths or pant (NHS, 2023). Read more about common concerns about giving birth.

The baby's head is born with one contraction, then there is a pause before the rest of the body is born with the next contraction.

Very occasionally the baby's shoulder gets temporarily caught in the pelvis ( shoulder dystocia).

How long does the active phase last?

If this is the first baby, birth is expected within three hours (NICE, 2023):

if the baby is not born after an hour, the midwife will assess the situation

after two hours, the midwife will consult with a doctor

When the mother or birthing person has had a baby before, birth is expected within two hours (NICE, 2023):

if the baby is not born after 30 minutes, the midwife will assess the situation

after an hour, the midwife will consult with a doctor

What happens if labour is not progressing?

If no contractions are felt, or labour isn't progressing, the midwife will offer support. They might suggest (NICE, 2023):

changing position

going for a wee to empty the bladder and make more room for the baby

breaking the waters if not already broken

The pregnant woman or person may be offered pain relief (NICE, 2023).

The doctor's review might suggest (NICE, 2023):

What does pushing feel like?

Typically, it is impossible not to push when the body has the urge to. There is a sense of fullness in the pelvis, and pressure downwards. If there is no epidural, there may be an awareness of the baby moving down (Häggsgård, 2021; Reed, no date a).

It's useful to know that expulsive contractions are beyond the labouring woman or person's control, and it's not necessary for them to try to make their body do this. Unconscious women are known to give birth (Hofmeyr & Singata-Madliki, 2020).

While some women and birthing people appreciate the midwife telling them how and when to push, others want to be guided by their own body and retain control (Häggsgård et al, 2021).

For some the strong sensations give positive feelings of power and wonder, while for others it can feel overwhelming and frightening. This explains why feeling supported and listened to is vital (Häggsgård et al, 2021).

If a woman or birthing person is not feeling an urge to push, then it may be that they are still in the latent phase. In that case, moving around, relaxing, and hydrating may all help.

How to push?

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends spontaneous pushing where labour is progressing well. That is, for the labouring woman or person to follow their own body without anyone telling them what to do (NICE, 2023).

Pushing directed by the midwife, and while exhaling, might be recommended to shorten the second stage in some situations. Pushing with held breath is tiring and not recommended (Hofmeyr & Singata-Madliki, 2020; NICE, 2023).

Women and birthing people use a wide range of strategies such as (Häggsgård et al, 2021):

either making noise, or going silent

focused breathing

moving

concentrating on what's happening inside the body

Some women and birthing parents find it helpful to use a mirror or touch the baby's head and body as it emerges. This helps them to feel connected to the baby and overcome exhaustion. It helps them control their pushing efforts (Häggsgård et al, 2021).

What positions are best for labour?

TV shows and movies often depict the pregnant woman or person lying on their back on a hospital bed. However, this can lead to pressure on major blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the baby, so is not recommended (Hofmeyr & Singata-Madliki, 2020; NICE, 2023).

Upright or side-lying positions, where the sacrum (the back of the pelvis) can be flexible, lead to a shorter second stage (Berta et al, 2019).

Women or birthing parents should be supported to find a position or positions that work for them. This could be (Hofmeyr & Singata-Madliki, 2020; NICE, 2023):

How do we know everything is ok?

At least one midwife will be in the room during the active second stage of labour. They continue to monitor the mother or birthing person and baby as before, but more frequently (NICE, 2023).

The baby's heart rate will be checked at least every 5 minutes. A vaginal examination will be offered hourly (NICE, 2023).

The midwife should be someone the woman or birthing parent can trust. They should provide information and guidance, so the woman or birthing person can make an informed decision (Häggsgård et al, 2021; NICE, 2023).

If there is a lack of confidence in the healthcare professional at any point in labour, it is encouraged to ask for a second opinion or a different caregiver (The Patients Association, no date).

How can a birth partner, father or co-parent support?

Having a trusted co-parent or birth partner provides security (Häggsgård et al, 2021). This support can include (Yuksel et al, 2017):

encouraging deep breathing between contractions

advocating for the pregnant woman or person

Read our article on birth partners and doulas.

If you're a pregnant woman or person and you're worried about what will happen in labour, you can talk to your midwife for guidance and reassurance. Here we address some common concerns.

What is an anterior lip?

Some labouring women and people feel an urge to push before their cervix has fully dilated. They may be told there is an 'anterior lip'. This is normal.

The cervix opens in an oval shape, with the front part the last to move over the baby's head (or bottom).

It is only spotted if a vaginal examination is done at this point (Reed, no date a)

The contractions will push the baby through as the cervix opens.

Sometimes, the midwife moves the remaining part of cervix out of the way.

There is no evidence to suggest that pushing with an anterior lip is harmful to mother or baby (Hofmeyr & Singata-Madliki, 2020; Reed, no date a).

Tearing and episiotomy

The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus. Many women and birthing people are anxious about the chance of this tearing or being cut.

The midwife will encourage short breaths or pants, so that the perineum can stretch slowly. This may reduce the risk of tearing (Ibrahim et al, 2017).

Using a mirror or touching the baby's head can help control the pushing efforts.

No decision to cut the perineum will be made without the woman or birthing parent's consent (NHS, 2023).

Read our article, which explains tearing and episiotomy in more detail.

Shoulder dystocia (diss-TOH-shee-uh) is when the baby's shoulder is temporarily caught in the pelvis during the birth. It happens in between 6 and 7 in 1000 births (RCOG, 2012). If not quickly resolved, it can lead to health problems for the baby. All midwives train regularly in dealing with shoulder dystocia.

Induction is sometimes offered if the baby is estimated to be over 4.5kg, because there is a concern about shoulder dystocia (RCOG, 2012).

However (RCOG, 2012):

it is hard to measure the size of the baby

most babies over 4.5kg do not experience shoulder dystocia

almost half of the babies who do experience shoulder dystocia are under 4.0kg

So the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) say this shouldn't be used as a reason for induction (RCOG, 2012).

What if the umbilical cord is around the baby's neck?

One in three babies has their umbilical cord wound around their neck at birth. This is called a nuchal cord (Reed, no date b).

The cord has evolved to be very tough, so this is almost never a problem to the baby's supply of oxygen (Reed, no date b).

When babies are born with the cord around their neck it may be slipped over their head as they are born, or they somersault out and it is removed later. It is unusual for it to cause complications (Reed, no date b).

What happens after the baby is born?

As you welcome your baby, the body prepares for the third stage of labour, when the placenta is born. Read more about the birth of the placenta in our article.

There's also skin-to-skin with your baby and much more, which we've explained in another article.

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What is the second stage of labour? | NCT

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The second stage of labour is when the baby is born. Following transition at the end of the first stage of labour, birthing includes: the passive or latent phase the active or expulsive phase.

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What is the third stage of labour (birth of the placenta?) | NCT

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The third stage of labour is the time between when you have your baby and when the placenta (or afterbirth) comes out.

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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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Research shows perineal massage in the third trimester is likely to reduce your chances of perineal trauma (Abdelhakim et al, 2020). What's more, most mums-to-be who tried perineal massage felt comfortable and positive about their experience. They said they'd do it again in another pregnancy and would recommend it to others (Labrecque et al, 2001).

The perineum is the skin and muscle between vagina and anus. You can massage your perineum by yourself, or with your partner if you'd prefer.

Perineal massage aims to stretch, usually using two fingers, the perineal tissues ready for birth.

You can start practising perineal massage whenever you like, and many women will start during the third trimester. Avoid perineal massage if you have vaginal herpes, thrush or a vaginal infection (Oxford University NHS Trust, 2014). Here's what you'll need:

Clean hands and short nails to protect the delicate tissues in your vagina and perineum (RCOG, no date).

Unscented lubricant or oils - eg. vitamin E oil, almond or olive (RCOG, no date). Unscented personal lubricant would be fine.

One or two pillows might be handy for your comfort - if you'd prefer to sit or lie back. Some people find it pleasant to relax in a bath first. Other people prefer to do the massage standing.

Some people find it helps to use a mirror so they can see what they're doing.

1. Be prepared

Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure your or your partner's (if they're helping) fingernails are short.

Find somewhere you can relax, uninterrupted and in privacy with your legs open wide and your knees bent.

Make sure you have your chosen oil and your mirror handy if you need it.

2. Find a comfy position for you

You could try:

being propped up with pillows on a bed or sofa so you or your partner can reach your perineum more easily

reclining in the bath with one leg up on the side at a time

standing in a warm shower with one leg up on a stool before you change legs

sitting on the toilet.

3. Lubricate your perineum

Put some oil on your perineum and the lower part of your vaginal opening. This helps to make the massage more comfortable.

4. Relax and start the massage

Taking some deep breaths might help you relax.

1. Put your thumbs about 2.5cm to 4cm just inside the back wall of your vagina. You might find it easier to use a mirror the first few times.

2. Press down towards your anus and to the sides. You should feel a bit of a stretching feeling.

3. Hold this stretch for about one to two minutes.

4. Then gently massage the lower bit of your vagina for around two to three minutes, focusing on relaxing your perineum. Massage using your thumbs upwards and outwards then back again in a U-shaped movement. You could practice your slow, deep breathing techniques while you do this. (RCOG, no date) Repeat this two to three times (RCOG, no date).

5. Some people will focus the massage on any previous scar tissue.

Perineal massage shouldn't hurt, though you may feel pressure in the first few weeks of starting, which should ease.

5. Partner involvement

It can be difficult to massage your perineum by yourself in the later stages of pregnancy.

You might want to start off doing the perineal massage yourself. Then as you get nearer to the due date, if you feel comfortable doing so you could ask your partner to do it.

Simply follow the same method as before. The only difference is that your partner will use their index fingers rather than thumbs to perform side-to-side and U-shaped downward pressure.

6. Keep up the routine

Repeat daily or when possible.

Fit it into your daily or weekly routine, for example during or after a bath or shower. This is a good time because blood vessels in the area are already dilated, making the perineum softer and more comfortable to massage. You will also be more relaxed.

7. Support is available

Perineal massage shouldn't be painful although there might be some discomfort to begin with. If you're concerned about any pain, or you need further information or support with perineal massage, talk to your midwife or GP.

Abdelhakim, A.M., Eldesouky, E., Elmagd, I.A. et al. Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int Urogynecol J 31, 1735-1745 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04302-8&nbsp;

Beckmann M, Stock O. (2013) Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (4):CD005123. Available from: http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005123.pub3/abstract;jsessionid=CF32264FB13246A8540B877017B34E8C.f02t04 [Accessed 1st September 2018]

Labrecque M, Eason E, Marcoux S. (2001) Women's views on the practice of prenatal perineal massage. BJOG. 108(5):499-504. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2001.00111.x [Accessed 1st September 2018]

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust (2017) Antenatal perineal massage. Available from:

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/10938Pmassage.pdf [Accessed 1st September 2018]

RCOG (no date) Reducing your risk of perineal tears. Available at : https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/tears/reducing-risk/&nbsp;

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How to do perineal massage: a step-by-step guide | Pregnancy, Worries and discomforts articles & support | NCT

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So you know perineal massage might help you to avoid perineal tears and you're keen to try it out. Read on for our guide to how to massage your perineum.

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Induction of labour is the process used to encourage labour to start artificially.

There are two main reasons why induction of labour is offered:

When you have progressed 10-14 days past your estimated due date. If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks your baby's health could be at greater risk because your placenta may not work as well.

If the obstetrician or midwife looking after you feels that either you or your baby's health would benefit from earlier delivery. Common worries are diabetes in pregnancy, high blood pressure, concerns for your baby's growth or problems that have been identified on your baby's scans.

You will normally be asked to come in to Sara ward for your induction (although some inductions are performed on the delivery unit.)

If you have a low-risk pregnancy and live within 30 minutes of The Rosie, you could be offered an induction of labour as an outpatient, if it is appropriate for you. This means you'll come to hospital to begin the induction process, but will then go home, returning in 24 hours or until your labour starts. Being at home will help you have a more comfortable experience. This is a safe way to help you go into labour and some women will still be able to use the Rosie Birth Centre.

There are three methods of inducing labour; you may have one or a combination depending on your individual circumstances.

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Induction of labour is the process used to encourage labour to start artificially. There are two main reasons why induction of labour is offered: When you have progressed 10-14 days past your estimated due date. If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks your baby's health could be at greater risk because your placenta may not work as well.

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Post-term pregnancy and induction of labour resources - Dr Sara Wickham

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This page lists all the resources available from Dr Sara Wickham on the topics of post-term pregnancy and induction of labour.

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At Tommy’s we have a team of in-house midwives who guide our Pregnancy Information Service and respond to queries from pregnant women and birthing people.

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How to prepare your dog for a new baby | Dogs Trust

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Most expectant parents have plenty of time to spend preparing for a baby, but for unsuspecting dogs their new housemate appears overnight!

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Personal Care Plans Booklet

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8 8. For the health and wellbeing of you and your baby, you are advised not to smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs in pregnancy...  I am aware of advice around the consumption of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products and recreational/illegal drugs  I am not sure/I would like to find out more You can talk to your midwife or doctor for support with quitting smoking, drinking alcohol or taking recreational/illegal drugs.

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Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It can affect any parent, regardless of whether they've suffered from a mental health condition before. Postnatal depression is linked directly to giving birth and is a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth.

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"I was broken after the birth of my son. My journey to healing started after finding the BTA. It was the first time I felt hope that I would get better, and that I wasn't alone."

- BTA Facebook group member, 2023

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BTA is the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to supporting women and families who have experienced traumatic birth. We work to support parents and families, improve parents' experience of birth, and engage with health professionals and research.

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Support for mums and families | Maternal Mental Health Alliance

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© Maternal Mental Health Alliance 2023. Maternal Mental Health Alliance is a charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales No. 1178152. Registered address International House, 12 Constance Street, London E16 2DQ.

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For parents, events around a baby's birth may have been confusing, unexpected or unplanned for parents. Labour and birth may have been different to expectations and plans made during pregnancy. There may have been a need for medical intervention, or even a medical emergency. Such events can be difficult to understand without information to 'fill in the gaps', have questions answered, or understand the medical assessment and decision making process in labour. It is not always easy to take in all the information that is given at the time, or just after the birth. For this reason, no particular time limit is set for birth afterthoughts, and women may contact the service directly when they feel ready.

During the session mothers may talk with the Specialist midwife who will read through their birth notes. They may wish to talk about the questions they have, their memories and feelings and thoughts. Partners may also attend. This process can very beneficial if a mother or couple are finding it difficult to understand, or perhaps come to terms with events. It may also be very important in helping to better prepare for the next pregnancy, labour and birth.

Birth afterthoughts is also used by mothers who have suffered loss in pregnancy or death of their baby, and we aim to offer them additional support in their next pregnancy.

Call us on 01223 217882 to arrange a time to come and talk. Please leave a message and a midwife will call you back.
Email birth afterthoughts
Appointments are available 4 days a week.

Telephone and video consultations are being offered as appointments during COVID-19 restrictions to minimise risk for women and their partners.

We look forward to hearing from you.

(If the midwife is unable to answer all of your questions or you have any other concerns, please see your GP who can refer you to the hospital for an appointment to speak to an obstetrician.)

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For parents, events around a baby's birth may have been confusing, unexpected or unplanned for parents. Labour and birth may have been different to expectations and plans made during pregnancy. There may have been a need for medical intervention, or even a medical emergency.

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Does everyone ask how your baby sleeps?

Does everyone else's baby seem to sleep more than yours?

Do you feel like you or your baby are being judged by how 'well' he/she sleeps?

If so, you are not alone!

When we have a new baby, many of us often find that talking about sleep causes others to offer (often unwanted) suggestions for how we can (or 'should') encourage our baby to sleep more. Although we all know that the first few months with a baby will involve disrupted nights, our expectations for how long this lasts, and our understanding of how normal infant sleep develops, can be unclear or unrealistic, and comments from others can be worrying:

Am I doing it right? Is there something wrong with my baby?

As sleep deprivation continues, we may search for bright ideas for getting a 'good night's sleep', or we may be tempted to try out the suggestions of family, friends, or well-wishers. But how do we know these ideas or suggestions are safe, that they won't affect our infant's health, or have long-term consequences?

It is important to remember that babies operate according to their own internal biological rhythms and they are unaware of what their parents are reading or being told.

Babies do not have a body clock when they are born. It often takes several months for a baby's day-night pattern of wake and sleep to become established, and for night-time sleep consolidation to happen.

During this time many parents just need reassurance that their baby is normal, and that their baby's sleep patterns are developing as expected.

In cases where we are unhappy with our infant's sleep development it may not be the baby that is problematic, but our expectations regarding sleep and babies' needs.

If you are a parent who is reading this site, we assume this means you are looking for information and want to make informed decisions. This is what we aim to provide, at least for those topics where there is good research evidence about normal infant sleep.

Where little or no research exists, we'll tell you - but if you are looking for information we don't seem to provide let us know, and we'll try to address that.

In the following sections we summarise what is currently known about normal infant sleep development, why babies sleep the way they do, and what research has so far discovered about 'managing' how babies sleep.

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Does everyone ask how your baby sleeps? Does everyone else's baby seem to sleep more than yours? Do you feel like you or your baby are being judged by how 'well' he/she sleeps? If so, you are not alone!

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We aim to provide high quality care, responding to the needs of mothers and their babies, in a friendly and professional environment. We aim to provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy, delivery and in the first days following your baby's birth, at each stage discussing options involving you fully and giving you choice in decisions regarding your care.

Services provided

Virtual tour
To watch the maternity virtual tour please click here.
Location

The maternity department can be found on the first floor in West Suffolk Hospital.

Contact the team

Karen Newbury, Head of Midwifery: 01284 713270

Gill Walsh, Inpatient Maternity Matron: 01284 712799

Karen Bassingthwaighte, Outpatient Maternity Matron: 01284 712995

Antenatal clinic reception: 01284 713254

Maternity day assessment unit: 01284 712723

Labour suite: 01284 713278

Birthing unit: 01284 712758

F11 ward: 01284 713216

Patient Portal

The patient portal (HealtheLife) is an electronic health record. Patients are able to view their health and care details in the portal at a time that is convenient for them, empowering them to take greater responsibility and involvement in their own healthcare.

Currently the portal offers:

a secure space online to view hospital letters and documentation

appointment details

the ability to view and monitor your test results

a record of your procedures and your known allergies

access to useful links

information going back to February 2018.

Please note, signing up to the portal is not a referral to our maternity service. If you are looking to refer please click here.

To register for the patient portal, please click here.

Antenatal group presentations
Pregnancy - birth and beyond Breastfeeding Active birth classes
Maternity flipbooks

The flipbooks below are helpful guides for pregnant women across Suffolk and North East Essex.
Your pregnancy Labour and birth Personal care plans Giving birth After birth
Feeling your baby move

A leaflet on feeling your baby move has been created and can be found here in our top five languages:

Feeling your baby move (English)
Feeling your baby move (Polish) Feeling your baby move (Portuguese) Feeling your baby move (Lithuanian) Feeling your baby move (Romanian)
Patient information

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We aim to provide high quality care in a friendly environment. We aim to provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy, delivery and in the first days after your baby's birth, at each stage giving you choice in decisions with your care.

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Considering a caesarean birth patient information leaflet | RCOG

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This information is for you if you are considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth for your baby. It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is considering a caesarean birth.

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Newborn baby poo in nappies: what to expect | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Your baby’s nappy can tell you a lot - find out more here.

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Child car seat safety advice and information to keep your children safe when they travel.

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Baby Check App

Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store.

Buy posters, business cards and other materials to help promote Baby Check to your clients and patients

Shop

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The Baby Check App helps parents decide if their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional

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Now Babychange will show you the way to baby changing facilities near you, so those nightmare days are over.

Download now:

If you need to find a baby change room in a hurry, we've made life just that little bit easier with an updated version of our award-winning Babychange app.

This parent-friendly and free app helps parents take the stress out of finding somewhere to change a baby by showing them the way to baby changing facilities nearby. Parents can add new facilities they find and rate them on cleanliness, too.

With a fresh new look and improved accuracy, parents can be confident that Babychange will point them in the right direction. Fast.

What's new

A stylish new look and better user experience

Improved search function

Improved accuracy, with hundreds of outdated locations removed

Facility to add locations directly from the map

Easier to rate existing locations

What great things are real users saying...

"This is brilliant and simple."

"Excellent resource."

"Been waiting for this app! Good app, works well. Very useful when out and about."

Award winning

The Independent

Fourth in The 10 best
parenting apps

The Sunday Times App 500 List

Judges included experienced app reviewers and aided by experts in specialist fields.

Made for Mums - pick of the best apps for families

"This clever app will help you locate baby change facilities nearest to you."

Best Mobile Solution Award 2011

"This is brilliant and simple. It's one of those ideas you wish you'd thought of."

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Now Babychange will show you the way to baby changing facilities near you, so those nightmare days are over. If you need to find a baby change room in a hurry, we've made life just that little bit easier with an updated version of our award-winning Babychange app.

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Baby product information - The Lullaby Trust

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It can be hard to know which products are safest for your baby to sleep in. We’re here to help you find the safest baby products…