Going home
First feed, weight gain and nappies
Some babies feed immediately after birth and others take a little longer.
The midwives will help you whether you choose to:
A children's doctor (paediatrician), midwife or newborn (neonatal) nurse will check your baby is well, and will offer him or her a newborn physical examination within 72 hours of birth.
It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. Putting on weight steadily after this is a sign your baby is healthy and feeding well.
Read more about your baby's weight, and nappies, including healthy poo.
Tests and checks for your baby
On day 5 to 8 after the birth, you'll be offered 2 screening tests for your baby:
If your baby is in special care, these tests will be done there. If your baby is at home, the tests will be done at your home by the community midwife team.
In the early days, the midwife will check your baby for signs of:
Infection of the umbilical cord or eyes
Thrush in the mouth.
Safe sleeping for your baby
Make sure you know how to:
Put your baby to sleep safely to reduce the risk of cot death
2 weeks and beyond
You don't need to give your baby a bath every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully instead.
Most babies will regain their birthweight in the first 2 weeks. Around this time their care will move from a midwife to a health visitor.
The health visitor will check your baby's growth and development at regular appointments, and record this in your baby's red book.
You after the birth
The maternity staff caring for you will check you're recovering well after the birth.
They will take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
They'll also feel your tummy (abdomen) to make sure your womb is shrinking back to its normal size.
Some women feel tummy pain when their womb shrinks, especially when they're breastfeeding. This is normal.
Seeing a midwife or health visitor
If you've given birth in hospital or a midwife unit and you and your baby are well, you'll probably be able to go home 6 to 24 hours after your baby is born.
Midwives will agree a plan with you for visits at home or at a children's centre until your baby is at least 10 days old. This is to check that you and your baby are well, and support you in these first few days.