Your postnatal care

When you and baby get home, you will continue to get support from your local midwives until around day 21-28 when your local health visiting team will take over in supporting you and your baby. Find out more about your local care teams.

If you need additional support, you can call your midwife or health visitor at any time and leave a message if they’re not currently available, so they can get back to you. If you don’t get a response, it’s best to call Maternity Advice Line on 0300 3690388.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer. If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.

If you are due for a cervical screening test while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth. Being a new mum can be a very busy time but it is very important that you do find the time to reschedule your appointment, so please contact your GP.

Find out more information about cervical screening.

Postnatal mental health

It’s important to reach out and talk to someone if you are struggling with your mental health. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to offer you support and advice. They may suggest speaking to your general practitioner (GP) about possible treatment. You can find lots more information about your mental health and emotional wellbeing here.

You can self refer to Steps 2 Wellbeing if you think some counselling may help, and it might be helpful to read more about postnatal depression on the Wessex Healthier Together website.

Important bladder information after you have give birth

When you go for a wee do you notice any of the following?

  • Did you feel the urge to pass urine (go for a wee)? Did this feel normal?
  • Did you feel empty after you passed urine (wee)?
  • Did you pass a good amount of urine (wee)?
  • Could you control your urine, or did you leak?
  • Was it easy and comfortable to wee? Did you have a good stream?
  • Has it been more than 3 hours since you last passed urine (wee), despite drinking good amounts?

Please don’t feel embarrassed if you have:

  • No urge to wee
  • Are leaking wee
  • Anything seems unusual

Please tell your midwife so we can make sure you receive any care you need. If you are no longer under midwifery care please self-refer to physio.

Your pelvic health matters, please speak to us.