Paediatricians or neonatologists are doctors specialising in the care of newborn babies and children. They will be involved in your care if early (premature) delivery is anticipated or if there are likely to be concerns about the health of your baby during or after the birth. 
Depending on your personal needs and circumstances, you may have a wider team to help and support you and your family. Other professionals that may be involved in your care could include family nurses, social workers, perinatal mental health/outreach teams and family support workers.
Children’s and Family Centres bring together a range of professionals to help, guide and support you through the parenting journey until your child starts school. There are a number of agencies and staff working in the Centres who can support you.
You will meet family support workers in every Children’s and Family Centre you visit. They may be delivering sessions or providing outreach opportunities in community centres, voluntary sector groups, clinics and libraries. Accessing a Children’s and Family Centre will give you the opportunity to meet other parents and provide an opportunity for your children to grow, play and make new friends.
Other professionals you may find in a Children’s and Family Centre include:
Pelvic health physiotherapists may be involved in your care, if you:
If you require a physical follow up with an obstetrician and/or have had a difficult or traumatic birth, an appointment will usually be made for you at approximately six weeks after the birth. In the meantime, any concerns that you have can be discussed with your midwife, health visitor or GP.
For any non-urgent concerns about you or your baby you should contact your community midwife, health visitor or GP.
You will need to register your newborn baby at your GP surgery as soon as you have a birth certificate. It is important to do this as early as possible so that you have access to care if and when you need it. In some circumstances (such as requiring urgent care) you can register the baby with the GP with your baby’s NHS number.
You need to make an appointment to see your GP six to eight weeks following birth. This appointment is for you and your newborn baby and is an opportunity to check how you are after the birth. Your GP will also conduct some routine checks on your newborn. If you were due to have a smear test just before or during your pregnancy, this needs to be scheduled for at least 12 weeks after birth.
A health visitor is a nurse or midwife who has undertaken additional training. You will have access to support from your health visiting team with your child’s health and development until they start school.
Your health visitor will be notified that you are pregnant when you book with the midwife in the first few months of your pregnancy. They will contact you before your baby is born; you may be invited to a group or an appointment with the local health visiting team during your pregnancy.
Once your baby is born, your health visitor will contact you. The first check (New Baby Review) will usually occur 10 to 14 days after the birth. The health visitor will check on the health and wellbeing of the parents and baby, provide support with feeding and give important advice on keeping safe. They will also discuss early bonding with the baby, talk about feeding, check the baby is putting on weight appropriately, explain the immunisation programme and talk about important safety measures, such as car seats. At this point, parents often seek advice on establishing a routine, as well as information on sleep, crying and colic.
Health visitors are linked to Children’s and Family Centres, Health Centres or GP surgeries. To contact your health visitor and find out which health visiting team you have been allocated to, contact your Children’s Centre, Health Centre or GP surgery.
Health visitors can offer baby clinics, health checks and opportunies to talk about any concerns you may have in Children’s or Family Centres. Children’s and Family Centres will also offer parenting workshops and developmental workshops, helping you to understand how your baby develops and how to play and interact with your child. You can also meet other parents with their babies at the Centres.
At six to eight weeks old, the health visitor will assess the baby’s growth and your health, particularly looking out for signs of postnatal depression. This is also an opportunity to find out about the childhood vaccination programme.
As part of your wellbeing and follow-up care your midwives will:
Use the related link below to learn about what you can expect from postnatal care.
