After baby's birth

This page contains information and resources which you may find useful once baby is born. 

 

Coronavirus: Parent information for newborn babies

Although the risks are very low, you may be concerned that your baby could get coronavirus. This leaflet tells you what to look out for. Do not delay seeking help if you have concerns.

View and download the NHS England information for parents of newborn babies here (this document opens in a new window). 

 

Bonding before birth 

Babies need parents to respond to their feelings if they are to grow into healthy adults. The Association for Infant Mental Health UK website has a library of videos to support parents to respond to their baby in a way that fosters baby’s emotional wellbeing. Videos cover:

  • why bonding matters
  • bonding before birth
  • understanding baby’s states
  • ideas for early interactions
  • tips for sleeping and soothing.

Click here to access the aimh webpage with all of these resources (opens in new window).

Baby growth and development

Reassurance for families on how they can monitor babies’ growth and development when Well Baby clinics are closed and home visiting has been reduced or no longer available (this document opens in a new window).

Yours and your baby’s health and development reviews

You should expect to be invited to take your baby for a check with your GP at around six to eight weeks after they are born. As part of an overall check of the health of your baby the following will be considered:

  • Weight of baby
  • Measurement of head circumference and plotting on the growth chart
  • If you are breastfeeding

At this appointment you will also be offered a series of vaccinations for your baby along with a postnatal check for you.

National guidance on babies checks including 6-8 week checks (opens in new window).

Information about vaccinations (opens in new window).

Postnatal check for new parents

Usually (but not always) at the same appointment as your baby’s six to eight week check with the GP, you will be offered the opportunity to discuss the following:

  • How you are feeling as part of a general discussion about mental health and wellbeing
  • If you still have any vaginal discharge and whether you have had a period since the birth
  • Blood pressure check and if you had problems during pregnancy or immediately after the birth
  • Wound check after an episiotomy or caesarean section
  • Cervical screening check if this was due during pregnancy, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth
  • Contraception check
  • Weight check if overweight or obese, with a BMI of 30 or more, you will be offered advice around weight loss and guidance on healthy eating and physical activity

National guidance on post-natal checks can be found on the NHS website here (opens in new window).

 

Immunisations

Newborn routine vaccinations are continuing as normal during Coronavirus. Immunisations protect your newborn baby from infectious diseases like whooping cough and polio. More information about immunisations is available on the NHS website (opens in new window). 

It is important that you and your family still have routine vaccinations. They protect against serious and potentially deadly illnesses. Contact your GP practice for more information. More information about vaccinations is also available on the NHS website. 

 

Healthy Start Vitamins 

You and your child(ren) may be eligible for Healthy Start Vitamins which can help with your childs development from a young age. You can find out more information here. 

 

Infant Feeding

For families expecting babies soon, it has never been more important than it is right now to understand:

  • Prolonged skin to skin contact, no matter how baby is born or fed, helps baby's heart rate, temperature and breathing, gives better immunity and calms mum and baby.
  • Every baby could benefit from their mother's first milk, known as colostrum. This can be expressed and stored near the end of your pregnancy and given to baby.
  • Babies who are breastfed have more protection from infection. All breastmilk is valuable, every drop counts.

For more information, ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding support.

Infant Crying

ICON is a programme providing information for those who care for babies about how to cope with crying. ICON’s key messages are:

Watch a video with more information about methods you can use to cope with crying, whilst keeping your baby safe (opens in a new window).

Watch one dad’s experience of coping with crying using the ICON approach (opens in a new window)

 

Breastfeeding twins

More Information: Online Infant Feeding Course (73 minutes long)

Introductory Online Infant Feeding Course (30minutes long)

Watch our video

Shel from the Lancashire and South Cumbria Infant Feeding Network shares some really important information about infant feeding in the video below. 

Mum & Baby app

From the start of pregnancy to early parenthood, this app will support local families with:

  • Making choices throughout their pregnancy
  • Providing access to essential, clinically-validated information every step of the way: from planning a pregnancy and being pregnant, to giving birth and looking after a new baby
  • Examples of personalised plans for their care during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The app offers an easy-to-navigate screen, links and videos of a range of useful topics; information about emotional and physical wellbeing, mental health concerns, advice for partners, preparing for labour, hospital stays, post-delivery care, baby care basics, mum and baby checks, recovering from different types of delivery and medical conditions, and advice for when you take your new baby home.

Download the app from is iOS App Store or the Google Play Store. 

Safer sleep for babies: 

Safer Sleep: Sofa or Armchair

Safer Sleep: Holiday and Temporary Accommodation

Safer Sleep: Child with Complex Health Needs

Safer Sleep: Night out

Safer Sleep: Grandparents

Safer Sleep: Car Seat

Page last updated: 09:59, 03/11/2021
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