Good to be home

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Article Summary

The first weeks at home are likely to be challenging. Not only are you and your baby recovering from birth, you are getting to know each other and building a family. New parents often feel overwhelmed and out of touch with the rest of the world. You can help ease the stress of this time by planning to have some support.

• Who will help you after you go home?
• What will that person do?
• What time of day will that person be available?
• How soon will that person be available?
• For how long will that person be available?
• Who is a good listener and will want to hear your birth story?
• Who can you contact for breastfeeding help?
• Who can give you emotional support and reassure you about your ability to be a good parent?
• How will you maximise your time with your baby and minimise other demands on your time and energy?

Make an appointment to meet your baby's health visitor while you are still pregnant. This will give you a chance to get to know each other. You can also ask any questions you have about your baby's care:

• For example, how soon after being discharged from hospital should you take your baby in for a first visit?
• Does the surgery arrange telephone hours to speak to a health visitor or doctor for non-emergency questions? And remember you can always call NHS Direct for any help (0845 4647).

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