Going home

Car seats

For information about choosing and fitting a car seat, please visit the Child Car Seats website. Your baby is at risk if you do not fit the car seat as recommended, and position and strap your baby in the seat correctly.

Safer sleep for babies

• DO place your baby on their back to sleep, feet to foot, blankets tucked in up to armpits
• DO avoid smoking, especially near your baby
• Breastfeed or feed your baby with breastmilk for at least two months if possible
• DO use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition
• DO place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you in the day and night for the first six months
• DO NOT sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
• DO NOT let your baby get too hot and DO NOT cover your baby’s face or head – use loose bedding, sleep pods or nests for sleeping in instead
• DO NOT sleep in the same bed as your baby. This is very important if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight, or if you smoke, drink, take drugs or medication that makes you drowsy or are extremely tired.

Feeding support in the community

Having access to feeding support for you and your baby can really help you navigate your feeding journey. You can ask your midwife or health visitor for help, or contact one of the services below:

• Breast Buddies Support Groups – for dates, times and venues of local groups, please follow them on Facebook at ‘Worcestershire Breastfeeding Support’. If you would like to attend one of the support groups, please email: [email protected] with your baby’s name, date of birth and postcode. A place will then be booked for you. Partners, grandparents, friends and older children are also welcome. These groups are subject to change and cancellation.
• Breastfeeding Support Workers –  The community breastfeeding support team will contact you within 72 hours after the birth of your baby. If you miss this contact, you can ask for individual breastfeeding support up until your baby is 6 weeks old by emailing: [email protected]. If your baby is over 6 weeks, breastfeeding support can be accessed at the breast buddies support groups above or on the following helplines:

1. National breastfeeding helpline (24/7 service): 0300 1000 212
2. NCT helpline (from 8am-midnight): 0300 330 0700
3. 24 Hour Support: If you require urgent bottle feeding or breastfeeding support overnight, you can call and speak to a midwife on: 01905 760663
4. Breast pump hire –  If you would like information about breast pump hire, please call 01905 520032
5. Infant Feeding Team – For more complex feeding issues, including if you suspect your baby has had a tongue tie, the specialist infant feeding midwives can be contacted by phoning     01905 760507, or by asking your midwife/health visitor for a referral.

Understanding your emotions

As you prepare to take your baby (or babies) home, you may experience a variety of emotions, and that’s perfectly okay. Whether your journey with your baby has been long or short, the transition to home can stir up feelings like:

• Joy and relief: finally, your baby is coming home! This is a moment to celebrate
• Fear and anxiety: you may feel worried about your baby’s care at home or the challenges that lie ahead
• Overwhelm: the thought of juggling your baby’s needs, self-care, and possibly returning to work can feel like a lot
• Sadness or grief: if you’ve spent a significant time in the hospital, you may feel a sense of loss leaving the care of the neonatal team
• Guilt: some parents may feel guilty about not feeling joyful or struggling with the emotional transition. Know that it’s okay to not always feel okay

Tips for emotional well-being during the transition:

1. Take one day at a time – It’s easy to become overwhelmed thinking about everything at once. Break down each day into small tasks and take it one step at a time. Celebrate little wins, like a successful feed or your baby’s first night at home
2. Accept help – reach out to family and friends for support, whether it’s for help around the house or simply someone to talk to. You don’t have to do it alone. Ask your neonatal unit for local resources, such as parent support groups, mental health services, or online communities
3. Be kind to yourself – It’s normal to have difficult moments. Give yourself permission to feel however you feel. Taking care of a newborn is a learning process, and it’s okay to ask for help or take breaks when needed
4. Establish a routine – establishing a simple, flexible routine for feeding, sleeping, and caregiving can help create a sense of normalcy and control. Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly, though—babies have their own schedules!
5. Practice self-care – your well-being matters too! It can be easy to forget about yourself while caring for your baby, but try to find small moments for self-care—take a warm bath, go for a walk, or just rest when possible, and make sure you have plenty of snacks and meals available to keep you going
6. Create a supportive environment – let your home be a place where you feel comfortable and supported. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break in a quiet space and regroup. Surround yourself with supportive, understanding people

Places to get support:

• Post-birth debrief service. GP/Health Visitor – they can listen to what you are feeling and refer you to the appropriate service if necessary
• Worcester Talking Therapies, https://www.talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk/ – you can refer yourself through their website to receive talking therapy for your experience
• The Bliss Charity offers a wide range of free services for the families of premature and sick babies including a video call support service. For more information go to: https://www.bliss.org.uk/parents/support.