The 4th trimester

During this time, your newborn is adjusting to life outside of your womb, while you, as a parent, are adapting to life as a parent and new family.

The first 12 weeks are a period of transition, bonding and recovery for you both.

The fourth trimester

This trimester refers to the first 12 weeks of your baby’s life.

After you go home with your baby

A community midwife will visit you and your baby at home to ensure you are both well, your community midwife will call on the morning of your first visit prior to attending.

What to expect from postnatal care:

Day 1
A midwife will usually visit you and your baby at home on the day after your discharge from hospital. If you had a home birth, the midwife will visit you the following day of your baby’s birth
Day 2
If you are breastfeeding your baby in any way, you will be offered an infant feeding home visit
Day 5
You will be offered a visit on day five by a midwife to weigh your baby, and for newborn blood spot to be taken

Days 10 – 28 (case by case basis)
You will be offered a discharge appointment which may take place at home or in one of the community clinics.
You will be given information on all appointments during your first home visit. You may be offered a virtual/video clinic so that you do not have to come for a face-to-face appointment.

If you are expecting a visit but have not had a text or call to confirm a time by 12pm please call the team office Monday to Friday (8am to 4pm) or The Birth Place on 01634 825199 at weekends or bank holidays.

Health visiting once your baby is home

A health visitor will be in contact shortly after your baby’s birth to arrange a home visit; the health visitor will provide support for you and your baby from birth until 5 years of age.

The health visitor will weigh and examine your baby; this information will be recorded in the child record book, which you will be given before leaving the hospital.

The health visitor will explain the purpose of the record book, and provide information on immunisations, support groups, clinic times and locations, developmental assessments.

You can contact the health visiting teams (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Medway families

0300 123 3444

Swale families

0300 123 4014

Your baby’s adjustment to the world

After around 9 months spent cosy and snug in your womb, your baby is now exposed to a whole world or new sounds, smells and temperature changes.

For some babies this can be a big transition, and they may cry more often as a way of telling you they need some comfort from you. This is completely normal – you are their safe place.

The first 1000 days

The first 1,000 days of your baby’s life (the time between when you get pregnant and your baby’s second birthday) are really important for the human brain.

Two midwives Jo and Trude developed the Grow My Brain campaign. Jo and Trude were inspired by years of helping Medway’s mums deliver and look after their babies. Research shows that babies who feel safe and secure experience better brain development, even when they’re still inside their mother’s tummy.

Simple actions like singing to your baby, stroking or talking to your bump, helps your little one to feel loved and safe, promoting healthy brain development.

How to grow your baby's brain

Baby Bonding

Responding to your little one’s needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. By breastfeeding responsively and keeping your baby close to you, it will help them grow into a happy, healthy and secure child and adult.

Building a bond

Skin-to-skin

Skin-to-skin means holding your baby naked against your skin. It’s really important for both you and your baby. Wherever and however you give birth, you and your partner will be encouraged to have skin-to-skin with your baby.

Skin-to-skin