Postnatal care
Mothers/birthing people and babies who have had a more complicated birth experience and who have not been able to go home directly from the Haven Unit or Woodland Labour Ward, will remain on the Mulberry postnatal ward until they are fit to go home. 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 room on the Mulberry 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.
You will need:
For you
- 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
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 maternity unit at Bournemouth is committed to encouraging mums to feed their baby via their chosen method, and we would like you to be successful with this.
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.
Visiting times on the Mulberry postnatal ward are as follows:
- We suggest that visitors attend during the core hours of: 10am-8pm (this includes children of the mother/birthing person and their partner)
- One support partner can stay on site at all times
We do not allow children who are not baby’s brother or sister to visit.
- 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
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
