Postnatal – after your baby is born

Women’s Health Unit
Level 3
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

If you are 12 weeks pregnant or more and have urgent concerns, call the maternity triage line: 01803 656588.

John MacPherson Ward

This ward looks after women:

during pregnancy if they need extra care
when labour is started (induction)
after their baby is born

What we provide

19 beds for mothers and babies.
Extra care for mothers and babies who need more support.
Help with breastfeeding from a specialist midwife.
A full check of your baby within 72 hours of birth (by a doctor or trained midwife).
Newborn and infant physical examination — watch the UK National Screening Committee video (English).

Transitional care

Some babies are well but need a little extra monitoring:

you will stay with your baby at all times
care is shared with the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)

Visiting

You can find visiting times and restrictions here:

Safety and security

The ward is always secure. You can help keep your baby safe by:

staying with your baby during checks
asking staff to show ID
going with your baby if they leave the ward
telling staff if you see anything unusual

Your baby will usually stay with you. This is called rooming in. Your baby will wear two name bands. Tell staff straight away if one comes off.

Your belongings

Bring only what you need.
Keep items off the floor so cleaning is easy.
Do not bring valuables.

Registering your baby’s birth

You must register the birth within 6 weeks. You can book an appointment at a registry office near where your baby was born.

Going home

How long you stay will depend on your health, your baby’s health, how confident you feel and what support you have at home. Your midwife will plan this with you.

After you go home, a midwife will visit you for up to 10 days. Your care will then pass to a health visitor.

If you need help:

contact your community midwife (up to 28 days after birth)
call triage for urgent problems: 01803 656588
call 999 in an emergency

Car seat

You must use a safe, approved car seat. Please learn how to fit it before your baby is born. The driver is responsible for fitting it correctly.

GP (doctor) check

Your GP will be told about the birth. You should book a GP check-up for 6 to 8 weeks after birth.

Pelvic health support

Support is available during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth for pelvic health concerns. You can refer yourself or ask your midwife for help.

More information is available on the Devon Perinatal Pelvic Health Service website.