Support at home – caring for yourself after birth

Support at home – caring for yourself after birth

This short film will give you important information that you need to be aware of now that you have had your baby.

If you feel generally unwell or have any concerns with your physical health after birth, up until 6 weeks you can call Maternity Triage on 01905 733196.

---

Things to look out for after birth

Call Maternity Triage (01905 733196) if you are experiencing:

• Sudden lower abdominal pain 
• Pain, redness or heat in the breast and other signs of mastitis 
• Redness, discharge or swelling around incisions or stitches 
• Offensive, foul smelling vaginal discharge/blood loss 
• Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating 
• A high or low temperature 
• Headache 
• Feeling generally unwell 
• Sudden heavy bleeding or loosing clots  
• Swelling in one leg/ foot/ Redness / heat or pain in your calf 
• Shortness of breath or chest pain 

---

Emotional and mental health support postnatally 

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is very important. It’s very common for new parents to feel tired, overwhelmed and anxious. 

Mental health problems during pregnancy or after having a baby are common. If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing, or your partner’s, speak to your midwife or get support.  

---

Postnatal exercises and advice 

Having a baby can change your body. The information page on the link below provides advice and exercise to help aid your physical recovery after the birth of your baby:

Postnatal Exercises and Advice – Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 

If you are unable to control urine or bowel leakage, have uncontrolled loss of wind, pelvic girdle pain, sudden vaginal discomfort, backache or bulging abdominal muscles please visit: www.squeezelifthold.co.uk for exercises you can do to help improve these symptoms. 

If your symptoms continue or you need extra advice or support, then your midwife or GP can refer you to our pelvic health physiotherapy team.

You can also self-refer to our Perinatal Pelvic Health Service if you have symptoms of pelvic girdle pain (pain in or around the pelvic area), rectus abdominis (abdominal separation) or pelvic floor dysfunction such as:

• Accidental loss of urine
• Being unable to make it to the toilet on time
• Feelings of increased pelvic pressure or sensation of your pelvic organs slipping down or falling out
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Accidental loss of wind or poo

Self-refer here: https://apps.worcsacute.nhs.uk/PublicSurvey/PSFP

---

Sex and contraception after birth

For more information about sex and contraception after birth, visit:

Sex and contraception after birth

---

NEXT PAGE
Keeping your baby safe

Go back to ‘After your baby is born – support at home‘