Support we offer during pregnancy.
Midwife
You can book an appointment with our Midwife Emma Carmody at the Reception.
The role of the midwife
A Midwife helps you to prepare for motherhood and promote a good health for yourself and your baby, by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and a good diet whilst you are pregnant. The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals, if necessary.
First appointment with the midwife
If you are pregnant, you do not need to see the GP in order to have your first appointment with the Midwife. Your first appointment should be at about 9 weeks of pregnancy.
The Midwife will discuss your options for delivery, arrange appropriate referrals and provide you with dietary advice. The Midwife will also take blood tests and will subsequently discuss the results with you. Whilst you are pregnant, and until your baby is one year old, you are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment. The Midwife will organise for an exemption certificate to be signed and sent off.
During the pregnancy
Your maternity book lists when you will be seen by the Midwife, GP and Hospital throughout your pregnancy. Should you have any concerns at any other time, you can contact your Midwife or, if she is not available, make an appointment to see a GP during normal surgery hours. At some point during the course of your pregnancy, the Health Visitor will meet with you to talk to you about their role in your care and about the childhood vaccination programme.
After you have given birth
After delivery, your Midwife will visit you at home to help you and your baby. Following the birth, she will visit you on your first day at home. When your baby is five days old, she will carry out the Guthrie Test (which is a special screening test that the Midwife will give you information about). At ten days old, she will discharge you and your baby from her care. Extra visits may be arranged according to needs.
Your Health Visitor will visit you at home when your baby is between 10 and 14 days old and will advise you on feeding and weaning, and on any family issues or concerns you may be experiencing.
About 6 weeks after your baby's birth, you should make an appointment to see your GP to discuss contraception and discuss any concerns you may have about your own health.
Breastfeeding
It takes time for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed.
The NHS Choices page on breast feeding might be useful.
Your Midwife can also offer support and advice.
There are also a number of national services offering local support groups, which can be accessed via their websites: