Postnatal care will depend on the type of care you've had, how you are feeling, and how your baby is. Some mums choose to go home six hours after giving birth, and others may stay in for longer. It is very much the mum's choice: no-one will be sent home if they do not feel able to care for their new baby.
The postnatal ward at St Helier Hospital has some single rooms and others with four beds. There is also a transitional care area for babies needing observation but not the neo-natal unit.
Once you are home, the community midwife for your area will usually visit you for up to ten days post-natally. This period of care can be extended if needed, before being handed over to the health visitor who will visit as and when required.
The community midwife is employed by the hospital and is attached to GP surgeries, thereby forming a link between doctors in the community (GPs) and the more specialised hospital doctors.
There are walk-in clinics for mums at many GP surgeries where health visitors can weigh and measure your baby and offer advice on any issues you may have.
