Once your baby is born you will continue to get support from your midwives until around day 28. After this, you will receive support from the Healthy Child Service, who will take over in supporting you and your baby.
Some of your postnatal appointments will be held at home, and some will take place in a hospital or elsewhere in the community. Some families may need more support, this will be discussed with you if they are needed.
If you need additional support you can call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123.
Within the first 3 days of your baby being born, the midwife or maternity support worker will visit you at home to see how you and your baby are getting on.
The midwife or maternity support worker will also discuss how you are feeling in yourself, and how you are coping with your new baby. They will discuss how well your baby is feeding and give you advice if you have any problems or concerns. Your baby may also be weighed during this visit.
Every baby is offered a newborn blood spot screening, also known as a heel prick test. This will be when your baby is around 5 days old.
The midwife will weigh your baby and, with your consent, complete the newborn blood spot screening test (heel prick test). The test involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare but serious health conditions.
About six weeks after you give birth, your baby should have a check-up with your GP and you should have a postnatal check-up appointment. This is often called the six-week check. It is a chance for your baby to have a physical assessment and a review of their development so far.
It's also a chance for you to discuss with your doctor any physical or emotional problems you may be having. Your GP is there to support you as you adjust to being a new parent.
This appointment with a health visitor will take place between 10 and 14 days after your baby has been born. During this appointment we will ask about out how you are feeling and discuss the health and wellbeing of your new baby and your family.
The Health Visitor can support you with advice and information about caring for your new baby, advice on feeding and safe sleeping, crying, immunisations, and any other health issues relating to your family.
This appointment with a health visitor will take place when your baby is around 6 - 8 weeks old. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss again how you are feeling and the health and wellbeing of your baby and your family.
We can support you with advice and information about caring for your baby, developmental changes you might be seeing, advice on feeding and safe sleeping, crying, immunisations, and any other health issues relating to your family.
When your baby reaches around 3 - 4 months old you will receive a letter, either by email or in the post. This letter is to remind families our Healthy Child Programme services are still here for you.
It will also advise on how to access further support if needed.
If you feel worried and would like more advice you can speak to your midwife throughout your pregnancy and up to 28 days after the birth of your baby.
If you live in Norfolk
If you live in Suffolk
