You’ve done it – you’ve got through labour and your baby is finally here. It’s an exhausting and emotional time.

There is the excitement of getting to know your baby but you will also be tired and your body will be recovering from labour and the birth. It’s also a busy time for you and there is lots to learn and do.

The midwives in our delivery suites and birth units will be able to show you the ropes and give you the confidence you need to start your journey through motherhood.

And after you have been discharged you will receive on-going support in the community from midwives initially and later, a health visitor. Our guides to those important early days should help give you an idea of what to expect, but if you still have any questions, please speak to your community midwife.

Visiting Times

 Cheltenham Birth Centre

Partners and baby’s siblings – 9am to 9pm

Other visitors – 3pm to 7pm

The number of other visitors is restricted to two per mother and baby. Please note that women in the birth centre will be able to labour and then rest and recover with their baby in the same room until they are discharged - they will not move to a separate ward.

 

Gloucestershire Royal Birth Unit and Maternity Ward

Partners and baby’s siblings – 9am to 9pm

Other visitors – 2pm - 3pm and 6pm - 7pm

The number of other visitors is restricted to two per mother and baby. Please note that women in the birth unit will be able to labour and then rest and recover with their baby in the same room until they are discharged - they will not move to the Maternity Ward. Women who labour in the Delivery Suite will then rest and recover with their baby in the Maternity Ward.

Support for you and your partner

Everyone needs advice or reassurance at some time when they are caring for a young baby, even if it’s just to make sure that they are doing the right thing. Some problems just need talking over with someone. It’s always better to ask for help than worry on your own. Do talk to your midwife or health visitor.

As you grow more confident, you’ll begin to trust your own judgement. You will be able to decide which advice makes most sense for you and your baby and which suggestions you can safely ignore. You will also want to talk to friends, relations or other mothers in a similar situation.

You’ll meet other parents when you start taking your baby to the Child Health Clinic or if you visit parent and baby groups, such as those run by Sure Start children’s centres. Your health visitor will explain where these groups are and when you should go. The health visitor can also tell you about any mother and baby groups in the area.