Once baby is born, the midwife (or you!) will bring baby up to your abdomen or chest depending on the length of baby’s cord. Baby will be gently dried whilst on you and a warm layer will be placed over the top of you and your baby. We aim to keep baby skin to skin with you for at least an hour or as long as you like. Skin to skin has many benefits to you and baby: Calming for both baby and mother Helps to regulate baby’s temperature Enhances the bonding process Helps to regulate baby’s breathing and heart…

Jaundice is a common condition which affects many newborn babies. It is usually mild and causes a yellow tone to the skin and sometimes to the sclera (whites of the eyes). It usually resolves after a few days and isn’t too much of a concern. However, occasionally babies will need treatment for jaundice. This is most likely to be in the form of phototherapy, but if it is severe then an exchange transfusion may be advised, this is rarer. Jaundice occurs because when babies are in the womb, they have many more red blood cells than average to allow for…

The aim of this parents’ guide is to ensure all parents receive information about the Infant Feeding Policy.

Breech presentation is when a baby’s bottom or feet are lying at the base of the womb.  Breech presentation happens in 3-4% of pregnancies.  Many babies will be breech throughout pregnancy, but the majority will turn to be head down by 36-37 weeks. There are a few reasons which may contribute to why your baby is in the breech position: If you have too much fluid or too little fluid around the baby If this is your first pregnancy If you have a multiple pregnancy If your placenta is low lying in the womb In rare cases where the baby…

As a team we always strive to provide a high standard of care. However, if you have any immediate concerns about your care and feel unable to share these with the midwife caring for you, the midwife in charge on that day would be happy to see you and listen to your concerns. Our ward managers and patient safety midwife is also available to speak to you, Monday to Friday 8am until 4pm.  The contact details are included on our Visiting and Contact Details section of the website. Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) The Patient Experience Team is here to…

It is important that you make your complaint as soon as possible after the event. Under the NHS Complaints Procedure a complaint must be made not later than 12 months after: The date of the event which is subject of the complaint; or The date on which you realised you had something to complain about. The above time limit will apply if the Trust is satisfied that you have good reasons for not making the complaint within the time limit. How can I make a formal complaint? You can contact the complaints department through various different channels; Telephone us: 01432…

The Recall action for Philips Respironics CPAP machines is ongoing. If you have not been contacted for a replacement machine, please get in touch with the Sleep Service to arrange this. Contact 07790981645 on Monday to Friday between 9am and 12am. Or send a text with your details and what is required Thank you for your patience.  Frequently asked questions about the recall  Should I carry on using my machine? Yes. CPAP treatment is the only treatment available for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). The consequences associated with untreated OSAHS can include: higher risk of strokes…

Infant feeding and Baby Friendly Status Wye Valley NHS Trust was reaccredited by UNICEF in October 2024 for work with mothers and newborn babies and awarded Baby Friendly Status.  Recognising that best practice standards are in place to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and all mothers/parents with their informed feeding choices. This award also recognises best practice in strengthening and supporting mother-baby and family relationships. Guide about our policy to support new families to make informed choices about infant feeding. What we offer We provide a high level of support for all mothers/parents with infant feeding choices, which includes breast feeding and…

Gestational diabetes If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is because it has been found that you have a higher than normal level of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. It is called gestational diabetes because it has been found whilst you are pregnant.  In a small amount of cases, it may be that a woman has undiagnosed diabetes, not caused by pregnancy.  The only way to know this is after your baby is born.  If your blood glucose remains high or uncontrolled postnatally then it is likely you have type 2 diabetes, your GP will check this at…

The advice below is for anyone who is pregnant and needs information about measles. It includes what to do if you have any symptoms of measles, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles. If you need to access maternity care and you have measles symptoms or you have been in close contact with someone who has, please phone ahead. This includes if you are coming to hospital in labour, as well as the Maternity Triage or routine appointments in the hospital or community. This will help us to provide care for you in the most…