Our Maternity unit currently caters for Antenatal and Postnatal women who have elected to give birth at The Northern Hospital. We offer 24 beds in a combination of single, two bed and four bed rooms.
What to expect from the service?
You will be transferred to the Maternity ward where your care will be coordinated by our team of midwives and doctors. Our Physiotherapists, Lactation Consultants and Social Workers are also available as required. The midwives will provide education in infant care and support with breastfeeding.
Your baby will receive a free Hearing Test before discharge. At 48 hours of age, he or she will also have a small sample of blood taken from the heel, for the Neonatal Screening Test. This test checks for very rare childhood disease, including cystic fibrosis. Throughout your stay, you will be assisted with caring for your baby yet encouraged to take over full care before discharge, to promote a safe and happy transfer to your home and families.
The length of stay for a normal birth, is generally 2 nights, with an extra night provided following a caesarean section. If mother and baby are both well, you can decide to leave after 24 hours (following medical review). Early discharging patients will be offered additional home visits by our community midwives (Domiciliary midwives). All women are offered a home visit by our domiciliary midwives. The midwives will come to your home a day after discharge to see how you and your baby are settling in. The baby will be weighed and issues such as breastfeeding discussed. The Neonatal Screening Test may also be performed on the baby if discharge is before 48 hours from birth. You and your baby will need to see your local doctor for a six week postnatal check-up.