Who looks after you and your baby after the midwife signs you off?
When does the midwife discharge you?
Somewhere between day 10 and day 28 after birth, your community midwife will discharge you and your baby. It can feel abrupt, a bit like being cut loose. It isn't. It is a planned handover of your care to the next healthcare professional.
What does the health visitor do?
Your health visitor takes over from the midwife. Their first visit is usually a new baby review between day 10 and day 14. It covers a whole range of things, including support with feeding, your baby's development and how you are coping.
They will check in with you at various points until your child starts school. You don't have to wait for those check-ins. If you need help or support around or outside them, you can call or message your health visiting team.
Do I need to book the 6 to 8 week check?
You and your baby should each have a check with your GP at around 6 to 8 weeks after the birth. In some areas this is booked automatically, but not always, so make sure yours is in the diary.
Who do I contact between appointments?
Your health visitor for everyday questions about feeding, development and how you are doing. Your GP for your own health or your baby's. NHS 111 if you need medical help urgently and it isn't an emergency, and 999 in an emergency.
Being signed off doesn't mean you stop needing support. It just means knowing who supports you at each stage.