Wellbeing after birth: Postnatal care

The care that mothers and newborns receive in the first few months after childbirth is known as postnatal care. It’s a continuation of the care you receive through your pregnancy, labour and birth, and is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

During your postnatal care, you can expect regular check-ups for you and your baby, education on postpartum health, breastfeeding and formula feeding support, as well as help with any physical or emotional challenges that might arise from your birth experience.

Who provides postnatal care in the UK?

1. Midwives

Through the NHS, you can expect about three postnatal care appointments with your midwife or maternity support worker. You should be visited in the first 36 hours after you’ve been discharged from the hospital or after a home birth. If this doesn’t happen, call your hospital.

Midwife support generally continues for about 10 to 14 days after birth, after which your care is usually transferred to a health visitor. However, the duration and extent of support can vary depending on individual circumstances and local NHS policies.

Your midwife will:

• Check your physical recovery from birth, including any stitches or wounds, and monitor your overall health.
• Check your baby’s weight, feeding and general wellbeing.
• Provide breastfeeding guidance and support.
• Provide emotional support, should you have concerns about your postpartum mood changes or mental health.
• Offer advice and education around newborn care.
• Refer you to other healthcare services, such as lactation consultants or mental health support.

The NHS aims to provide continuity of care when possible, however, resource constraints can mean you’re visited by different midwives from the same team. Your medical records will be seen by each midwife, ensuring consistent and informed care.

2. Health visitors

Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who have a further specialist qualification in public health. They work closely with clinical and public health colleagues to make sure the right support is provided as early as possible, up until your child is around five years old. They also support your health and wellbeing as a parent.

Your health visitor will see you for scheduled visits throughout your baby's early years. If you have a partner, it's great if both of you can be there. This way, you can both ask questions and chat about anything on your mind.

Health visitors will:

• Assess children’s growth and development needs.
• Offer advice on topics such as routines, feeding, immunisations and contraception, breastfeeding / formula feeding, registering your baby’s birth.
• Provide parenting support such as coping with illnesses and when to seek medical support, communicating and playing with your baby, your relationship with your baby.
• Advise on home safety.
• Provide information about bedtime routines and safe sleeping.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles and good nutrition.
• Connect you with local support networks.
• Provide information and advice on minor illnesses.
• Advise on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Support with sexual health and relationships.
• Provide support on the neonatal unit if your baby is premature or unwell.

They can also connect you with specialist help for difficulties such as:

• Postnatal depression and anxiety.
• Bereavement.
• Financial worries, unemployment and homelessness.
• Family conflict.
• An abusive relationship.
• Support with hospital admissions, including your baby being admitted to a neonatal unit or A&E.
• Settling into a new culture for families new to the UK.
• Wider support for you and your family, including housing, finance and access to family help services.
• Where to access support for specific issues, conditions and disabilities.

Your health visitor can visit you at home or you can see them at your local child health clinic, GP surgery or health centre. You’ll be given their contact details in case you need any support outside appointment times.

How many times will I see a health visitor?

Every family is different, but there are some visits from the health visitor service that are offered to all families as part of the national Healthy Child Programme. These include:

• An antenatal visit at about 28 weeks.
• A new birth visit when your baby is about 10 to 14 days old.
• A support visit at 6 to 8 weeks after the birth.
• A development review at 9 to 12 months old.
• A developmental review at 2 to 2 ½ years old.

These visits are in place to monitor your child’s development.

The number of visits you receive comes down to your individual needs and local NHS policies. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you may be offered additional visits. Ask your health visitor about your local service and what you can expect. Health visitor support can also be accessed via phone, or at local clinics.

Most teams have a ‘duty’ number so if you are not able to get in touch with your health visitor you can still call and speak to someone for support.

Be honest with your health visitor about any concerns, including any worries about you or your partner’s physical or emotional health. The more they know, the more they can help.

Weighing your baby

Your baby will be weighed by a health visitor by the time they’re two weeks old. Babies can sometimes lose weight in the first few days after birth but should be at or above their birth weight again by three weeks¹. If your baby does take time to regain their weight, your health visitor will support you with feeding your baby and advise on when to see your doctor.

If your baby is growing and developing well, then they should be weighed by a health visitor no more than:

• Once a month from 2 weeks to 6 months.
• Every 2 months from 6-12 months.
• Every 3 months over 1 year old.¹

Your baby’s ‘red book’

This is your baby’s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR), which will record their growth charts. In some areas, you’ll receive your ‘red book’ at hospital, or it may be available online. It lets you keep a record of your baby’s growth and development, as well as logging immunisations they’ve had. You can also add details yourself about your baby's milestones, any illnesses or accidents they’ve had or any medicines they’ve taken.

Can I ask to change my health visitor?

Yes, you can by asking the team leader of the health visitor team. It’s important to know that there might be a slight delay to your care while this is organised.

It’s an optional service, so if you don’t want to see a health visitor, you don’t have to. However, most parents find it helpful to get the extra support and information that a health visitor can offer, while keeping a close eye on your baby’s growth and development.

How do I get in touch with my health visitor?

Your health visitor’s contact details should be provided when you first meet them. They’ll also be written in your red book. Alternatively, you can contact your GP or search online for ‘health visitor near me’.

Due to staff shortages, there might be times you find it hard to get hold of your health visitor. Some can be responsible for a number of children over a large area. If you’re unable to get hold of your health visitor, then you should be given a number you can call to speak with the duty health visitor.

Important: Your health visitor isn’t an emergency service. If you or your baby is unwell then you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice at any time. There’s also good advice available on the NHS website. As always, in an emergency, call 999.

3. General practitioners

You’ll be offered a 6-week postnatal check by your GP, to assess your physical recovery and discuss any concerns you have.

During this appointment, your GP can identify signs of postpartum depression or anxiety and provide support or refer you to a mental health service that they feel is most appropriate. They can advise on contraception and family planning, and can also refer you to specialists, including physiotherapists and lactation consultants, if you need more targeted support.

Your baby’s health should also be checked around this time by a GP – known as the baby’s 6-8-week check. Your postnatal check can be done immediately before or after your baby’s check, but it can also be at a separate time should you prefer.

The NHS website goes into the finer detail on what to expect during your postnatal check.

Don't forget to register your baby with a GP

Do this as soon as possible, in case you need their help. If you move, register with a GP that’s close to you as soon as you can. If your baby isn’t yet registered with a GP but needs to see one, you can receive emergency treatment from any GP surgery. You can find a GP here.

4. Lactation consultants

These are specialists who offer advice and support on breastfeeding, such as latching and positioning. They address common challenges, such as sore nipples and low milk supply, and offer practical solutions.

Lactation consultants also support complex situations, such as breastfeeding premature babies, and help build maternal confidence through reassurance and advice. They monitor baby growth to ensure effective feeding, and provide emotional support, working closely with healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive postpartum care.

5. Mental health services

Looking after a baby isn’t easy and can feel overwhelming at times. Often called the ‘baby blues’, these feelings don’t tend to last for more than two weeks after giving birth. If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression, which can start any time in the first year after giving birth. It's a common problem, affecting more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth². It can also affect fathers and partners.

>Read more on postnatal depression, in our frequently asked questions.

Other mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and OCD can become exaggerated or triggered during pregnancy or postpartum. Parents can also experience mental health conditions for the first time during these periods.

If you’re feeling sad or anxious, don’t struggle alone. Reach out to your GP, midwife or health visitor for support. Mental health Charity, Mind, also provides a detailed list of useful contacts, from its own helplines to organisations including Action on Postpartum Psychosis, Anxiety UK and The Association for Post Natal Illness.

6. Postnatal support for fathers and partners

Fathers and partners can access various forms of postpartum support, including counselling and mental health services offered by the NHS, which recognise the emotional challenges faced by new parents. For example, extra responsibilities, not feeling as supported or appreciated as their partner, expectation vs reality, returning to work when you don’t feel ready to, financial pressures, a changing relationship with your partner and lack of sleep³.

Many local support groups and charities, such as the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and DadPad, provide resources, workshops, and peer support specifically tailored for fathers and partners.

Additionally, some employers offer paternity leave and flexible working arrangements to help partners adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.

Seeking support from healthcare professionals and local community services can also be beneficial during this transition period.

7. Additional support services and resources

Various charities and organisations are available to provide additional support and resources for new parents, as well as the opportunity to connect with other parents. For example:

• If you live in England, your local Sure Start children’s centre is a good starting place. Your local surgery or clinic can also signpost support services near you.
• Once your child is over five years old, you can always speak to their school, or your GP, if you have any concerns about their development.
• The charity Family Lives provides support and information for parents and carers of children of all ages. Its helpline: 0808 800 2222.
• National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Offers courses, workshops, and local support groups for new parents, covering topics such as breastfeeding and postnatal recovery.
• La Leche League GB: A charity that provides breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards, through local meetups, advice, and resources.
• Mother and baby groups: A quick Google will flag any local community centres that host these groups, providing a space for mothers to connect and share experiences.
• Home-Start UK: A charity offering volunteer-led support to families with young children, including emotional and practical help.
• The Breastfeeding Network: Offers support and information for breastfeeding mothers through helplines and local support drop-in groups, as well as peer support groups. Its National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) and online chat service is open 24/7.
• PANDAS Foundation: A community offering peer-to-peer support for every parent or network affected by perinatal mental illness.
• NHS: Information about your 6-week postnatal check, postnatal depression, and more.
• Emma’s Diary: Pregnancy advice and baby information from its board of GPs and midwives.
• DadPad: A guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.
• The Little Orange Book: Helps parents of under-fives with practical information about common childhood conditions.

Helpful reminders

• Book your postnatal check appointment with your GP for 6 weeks post-delivery.
• Make an appointment to register your baby within 42 days of birth in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, within 21 days of birth in Scotland.
• If you had a straightforward birth, you could start gentle exercise as soon as you feel up to it. This could include walking, gentle stretches, pelvic floor and tummy exercises. It's usually a good idea to wait until after your 6-week postnatal check before you start any high-impact exercise, such as aerobics or running. If you exercised regularly before giving birth and you feel fit and well, you may be able to start earlier⁴. Talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP for personalised advice.
• Ignore any external pressure to physically ‘bounce back’ postpartum. Your body has grown and delivered a new life – be kind to yourself. Embrace your postpartum body, it’s just achieved something incredible.
• You’ll naturally be focused on your new baby’s health and wellbeing but do make sure to keep checking in with yourself, too – physically, mentally and emotionally. Speak to your GP, midwife of health visitor if you have any concerns – big or small – and as always, call 999 in an emergency, or 111 for medical advice or assistance when it’s not an emergency.

Did you know that the physical, psychological and emotional transition a woman goes through when becoming a mother is called ‘matrescence’? And a father’s version is called ‘patrescence’? Find out more here.

References

1. What is a health visitor? – Tommy’s.
2. Postnatal depression – NHS.
3. Can fathers and partners get postnatal depression? – Mind.
4. Keeping fit and healthy with a baby – NHS.