Great Western Hospitals

Postnatal care

If you have an uncomplicated birth, you can expect to go home in three to six hours. If you need to stay in hospital after you give birth, you will be:

• Offered a bed on Hazel ward - if you gave birth at Great Western Hospital
• Offered a bed on Mary ward - if you gave birth at the Princess Anne Wing, Bath.
• Offered a bed at Paulton Birth Centre, Chippenham Birth Centre or the Princess Anne Wing if you gave birth at Frome or Trowbridge Birth Centre
• Offered a bed at Paulton Birth Centre or Chippenham Birth Centre if you have birth at these centres.

Our Community Midwives also provide postnatal care in various settings for example in your own home or a Children's Centre in your community.

Watch a video about breastfeeding support

Neonatal examinations

All babies require a neonatal examination within 72 hours of birth. In our Consultant-led Units these checks are performed by Paediatricians. Midwives have been trained in our Birth Centres to perform these checks.

After you leave the hospital or birth centre

After your baby is born, you will be seen by a Midwife either at home or at your local Children's Centre on the day after you are discharge from hospital and then as needed up for up to 28 days. During these visits the Midwife will assess the wellbeing of both you and your baby and explain or complete any routine tests.

Useful information

UNICEF Baby Friendly online leaflet about breastfeeding

Best Beginnings Watch videos and get advice on breastfeeding and a 'Small Wonders' DVD for parents of pre-term babies.

Breastmates - breastfeeding peer support group information leaflet

UNICEF Baby Friendly online leaflet about bottle feeding