Postnatal care
Mothers and babies who have had a more complicated birth experience and who have not been able to go home directly from the Haven birthing suite or central delivery suite, will remain on the postnatal ward until they are fit to go home.
The ward is staffed by two midwives and two maternity support workers, who provide support for newly delivered mothers.
The length of stay on the postnatal ward will be dependent on the type of delivery the mother had and any postnatal complications. Where there are no complications, mothers may not spend any time on the postnatal ward and will be discharged directly from the Haven birthing suite or central delivery suite.
The ward is arranged in three bays which each contain four beds. There are five single side rooms which are allocated to mothers who have a high risk clinical need.
Mothers and babies who have had a more complicated birth experience will remain on the postnatal ward until they are fit to go home and we are here to help you to get fit and ready to go home as soon as possible.
Within 72 hours of birth your baby will have a full neonatal examination by a neonatologist or appropriately trained midwife either whilst you are in hospital, in the postnatal clinic or at home.
What to bring in
Each bed space on the postnatal ward has a small bedside locker with room for a change of clothes and toiletries. A cot is provided for your baby. This has cupboard space for baby clothing and changing items.
Only one small, cabin sized hold-all of essentials may be brought onto the ward. There are no facilities for storing large cases/excess luggage. You will be asked to take these home.
You will need:
For you
- Hand-held notes
- Any medication you are taking
- Comfortable clothing – loose t-shirts with room for baby to be tucked in and held in skin-to-skin contact
- Dressing gown
- Slippers
- Night wear
- Nursing bra and breast pads
- Ordinary or disposable pants
- Two packs of maternity-size sanitary towels
- Toiletries
- Bath towel
- A pen
For your baby
- Nappies
- Vest and babygro
- If you have made an informed decision to formula feed, you will need to bring in a starter pack of ready made infant formula milk (stage one or first milk).
- Cotton wool
Please do not bring in a car seat for your baby until you are ready to go home.
Infant feeding
The St Mary’s maternity unit at Poole is committed to encouraging mums to breastfeed their babies and we would like you to be successful with this.
We believe that breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby, and we recognise the important benefits that breastfeeding provides for both you and your child. Our staff will offer support and guidance in the early days. Ask your midwife about the information and support available, and our parent education classes.
If you have made an informed decision to bottle feed your baby, you will be given the appropriate care and support, but the hospital does not provide formula milk, unless your baby requires it for medical reasons. In all other cases you will be expected to provide formula milk yourself. If you choose to bottle feed, please ensure that you bring in your own supplies of ready made infant formula milk for the newborn (starter pack). On average, your baby will require 6-8 feeds per 24 hour period so please ensure that you bring in sufficient supplies.
We want you to know that we are here to support you in whatever method of feeding you have chosen. Please check out the following links that may be useful to you.
- The Breastfeeding Network - lists all current local groups via postcode and you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram here.
- Building a Happy Baby - A Guide for Parents
- https://maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/after/feeding/
- Start for Life Feeding Information
- https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/
- http://www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Resources/Resources-for-parents/Department-of-Health-bottle-feeding-leaflet/
- Breastfeeding Support in the Community
- Breastfeeding Support Groups in Dorset
Visiting
Visiting Times on the postnatal ward are as follows:
- Open visiting - maximum two visitors at a time: 2-4pm, 7-8pm
- One birthing partner and mother's own children: 10am-11pm
- Facemasks are required in ward areas, if tolerable
- Please observe 1m social distancing between you and any neighbouring bed wherever possible.
Please do not visit the postnatal ward if you have symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting or any other illness.
We do not allow children who are not baby’s brother or sister to visit.
We ask that there be no more than two people visiting at the bedside at any time for patient safety as well as to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.
Respecting our staff and patients
The trust operates a zero tolerance policy on abuse towards staff or patients. If you are asked to leave, please do so.
Patient information
Please click on the links below to download information leaflets:
Caring for your wound after a caesarean section
Advice on third and fourth degree perineal tears during childbirth
Advice of third and fourth degree tears - advice for opening your bowels
