Information for mothers staying in family rooms at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! You are staying with your baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Although you are not on the postnatal ward, you will receive the same postnatal care as mothers admitted there. This page contains important information about your care.
Care from your midwife
You will receive postnatal care from a midwife based in the Antenatal and Postnatal Observation Unit (A3 North).
How long you receive midwifery care depends on your individual needs. Most mothers are followed up for 1–3 days after giving birth. Your midwife will visit you in the NICU, and together you will agree how often you need to be seen.
If you need to speak to a midwife, you can call 96 51 88 17.
Postnatal checks
Your midwife will check that your uterus is returning to its normal size after the birth.
If needed, we will also:
- measure your blood pressure
- take your temperature
- carry out any other relevant observations
If you need blood tests, they will be taken where you are staying.
Your midwife will also give you information about:
- afterpains (uterine contractions after birth)
- pain after childbirth
- postnatal bleeding (lochia)
If necessary, your midwife can provide pain relief.
Before you are discharged from postnatal care
Before you are discharged from postnatal care, you will be offered a conversation with your midwife. This usually takes place on the second day after the birth.
During this conversation you will:
- talk through your labour and birth
- be offered an examination of any perineal tear or birth injury
- receive information about where to seek help if you need support after discharge. Once you have been discharged from postnatal care, you can contact the NICU staff, who can put you in touch with the postnatal ward that has been caring for you.
- receive information about pelvic floor exercises after childbirth. A physiotherapist provides group sessions on pelvic floor exercises every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 am to 12:00 noon in a meeting room on the fourth floor of the South A Building.