Postnatal visit schedule following the birth of your baby
Postnatal care will be individualised according to you and your baby’s need - as a minimum:
- You and your baby will be visited at home by a midwife on the day following your discharge from hospital or your home birth
- A personalised plan of care will be agreed with you in relation to future home visits or attendance at our midwifery hubs
How to register your baby’s birth
Your baby must be registered within 42 days of birth
To book an appointment to register your baby's birth, or for additional information, please go to Northamptonshire County Council's website: Register a birth | North Northamptonshire Council or telephone 0300 126 3000 and select option 5.
If you have a Market Harborough address, you can make an appointment using the telephone number above or you can call Market Harborough direct on 0116 3056565.
However if you choose to attend Market Harborough please be aware you will only be given declaration of birth and a birth certificate will follow approximately 7 days later.
If you are currently in the UK on a visa and you have paid the Health Surcharge then baby is exempt from NHS charges for the first 3 months from birth. You will need to either add baby to your current visa or ensure you have adequate private medical insurance to cover baby until your next application.
For more information go to: Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Overview - GOV.UK.
Patient Information Leaflets
Useful Links
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG):
Safe Sleeping
Useful Leaflets
Useful Links
Infant Feeding
Patient Information Leaflets
If you would prefer this guidance in another language, the unicef website provides a selection of leaflets in a variety of different languages.
Pelvic health in pregnancy and beyond
Pelvic health refers to the health and wellbeing of the muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves and organs in and around your pelvis. Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and understanding these changes can help you feel more confident and know when to ask your midwife for advice or support.
Your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel and uterus (womb). During pregnancy, these muscles can sometimes become weaker or tighter, which may lead to symptoms such as leaking urine, pelvic or back pain, or discomfort during sexual activity.
The hormones released during pregnancy help your body prepare for birth by making the ligaments around your pelvis more flexible. While this is a normal and important change, it can sometimes cause discomfort, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), or a feeling of instability around your hips and pelvis.
As your baby grows, the extra weight places increased pressure on your bladder and bowel. This can make you need to pass urine more often and may contribute to symptoms such as constipation or urinary leakage.
You may also notice changes in your posture and balance as your bump grows. These changes can place extra strain on your tummy and back muscles, which may lead to aches and pains or make you feel less stable on your feet.
Looking after your pelvic health during pregnancy can help you stay active, comfortable and confident. It can also support your body's preparation for labour and birth and aid your recovery after your baby is born.