Your midwife will talk to you about your choices for contraception when you are being discharged from the hospital. Contraception should ideally be commenced 21 days after giving birth. The most reliable form of contraceptive is the implant or the coil, this is because it doesn’t rely on the user to remember to take it. However, everyone has a different health history and therefore this may limit your options, for example if you have a personal or family history of bloods clots, cancer, diabetes, asthma or migraines. Your GP will also discuss contraception with you at your 8 week postnatal…

When dealing with a chronic health condition or the management of persistent pain it is best to consult with a physiotherapist to find the best exercises that work for you. Persistent pain (over three months) should not be treated the same way as acute pain. Staying active and mobile Keeping active maintains fitness and improves physical and mental well-being, both of which are of critical importance in the management of pain.   An excellent resource by ‘HealthTalk’ challenges some of the myths related to pain and exercise. It includes videos and shared experiences of those living with persistent pain. Also,…

Occupational therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people's independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life. "Occupation" as a term refers to practical and purposeful activities that allow people to live independently and have a sense of identity. This could be essential day-to-day tasks such as self-care, work or leisure. Occupational therapists play a critical role in helping people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry…

Take your first step to a smoke free pregnancy Speak to your midwife or our local maternitysmoking cessation support workers who can help you become smoke free. Our local smoking cessation support workers, Rumessa and Emma, are with you every step of the way to help you become smoke free. They offer a FREE 12 week programme, including, weekly meet ups at a venue to suit you and your family and are available for face to face or telephone contacts.  Venues where we can meet you include at your home, the antenatal clinic, on the wards (where appropriate) or at a venue…

Emergency Department (A&E) at Hereford County Hospital

Patient research at Wye Valley NHS Trust

Wye Valley NHS Trust’s Breast Team has launched a Breast Pain (Mastalgia) Clinic to help better manage what is a quite common condition which often causes unnecessary anxiety for patients. The new clinic will help to reduce this unnecessary anxiety. A referral to the Breast Team will naturally raise concern. The reality is that these referrals, where breast pain is the main symptom, rarely lead to diagnosis of cancer. This new clinic will reduce the number of referrals and therefore reduce the number of patients experiencing unnecessary worry and concern. At present, more than 20 per cent of referrals to…

Wye Valley NHS Trust work placement and work experience opportunities.

Freedom to Speak Up

If you have previously given birth by caesarean section your care will differ slightly. You will continue seeing your midwife in the community setting, but will also be invited for a consultant appointment at 14 to 16 weeks and then again at 34 to 36 weeks.  A full discussion about your previous birth and current pregnancy will take place and the options for birth this time around.  Your consultant should go through the risks and benefits of both a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) and an EL LSCS (elective caesarean section).  If you decide to opt for an EL LSCS…