What You Need to Do when Leaving the Birthing Room and Going to Postnatal Ward

If you have given birth in hospital then you and your baby will be transferred to the postnatal ward within approximately one hour of birth. If you have opted for an early discharge then you will be able to get ready to go home straight away.

During the first hour following the birth of your baby your midwife will take your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, and check that your womb is well contracted by placing her hand gently on your abdomen. She will also observe your lochia (blood loss). This will be red and much like a heavy period during the first 24 hours, although if this is your third or fourth baby it is likely to be more substantial. It is a good idea to try to pass some urine as soon as you can, even if you do not feel like it, as this also helps your womb to contract down.

You will be offered a bath or a shower as it is likely that you will be feeling hot and sweaty from all your efforts during labor. Having the chance to freshen up and change your clothes can boost your self-esteem and energy. Although there is no recent evidence to suggest that any additives to the bath water will encourage your perineum to heal, many women find that a few drops of lavender oil helps them to relax and enjoy their soak.

After your midwife has weighed, measured, and checked your baby, she can prepare a small bath for her if you would like her to be washed. Your partner may enjoy being involved with this, as it provides an opportunity for him to hold and bond with his baby and is also a way he can support the family unit while you may still feel exhausted or unsteady on your feet. Your midwife can help him if he wishes, but bathing his baby can be a positive start to building a father's confidence in participating in her care. However, in order that your baby can enjoy plenty of initial skin-to-skin contact time with you and does not become cold, she will more usually be offered her first bath on the postnatal ward some hours later.

Transfer to the postnatal ward

Once you are settled into your cubicle or room on the postnatal ward it is likely that your care will be transferred to other midwives, although in some maternity units you may benefit from the same caretaker or another midwife from your team. If your birth midwife hands over to your postnatal midwife, your new caretaker will check your womb and sanitary pad once more and offer you mild painkillers if you have had stitches. She will also look at your baby's cord area and ensure that her gender matches that marked on her name bands. Your baby will be given a cot and will remain with you at your bedside throughout your stay in hospital. If you wish her to sleep in your bed with you, following a normal birth with no opiate drugs, your midwife can help to ensure that your baby is safely tucked in beside you. If it is the middle of the night your partner may be requested to return home at this point, but if you have had your baby during the day he will be able to stay with you both until evening time, as you wish.