Postnatal Information
Welcome to the fourth trimester
Your MAMA Miracle is here – congratulations! The first weeks and months with a newborn are a huge adjustment, and it is completely normal to feel exhausted, emotional and unsure of yourself one day, then confident and glowing the next. There is no “right way” to be a new parent, and there is a lot of support available to you.
This section of our website brings together trustworthy information on the topics new parents ask about most. Everything here is written to help you feel informed, reassured and confident – and to help you spot the signs of when something needs medical attention.
Feeding your baby
Whatever way you choose to feed your baby, we have practical, judgement-free information for you.
Our Breastfeeding pages cover getting started, positioning and attachment, what to do if it hurts, and where to find breastfeeding support services near you.
If you are Formula Feeding, we explain how to make up feeds safely, how much and how often to feed, and how to choose the formula that is right for your baby.
Keeping your newborn safe and well
Those first weeks are all about getting to know each other. Our Safe Sleeping page explains the current guidance on where and how your baby should sleep, including how to keep every sleep safe.
Learn what the Newborn Screening checks involve – including the physical examination, hearing test and blood spot (heel prick) test – and why they matter.
It helps to know which things are normal in a newborn and which need a professional to look at. Our Jaundice page shows you what to watch for, and our Sepsis page could save your baby’s life: knowing the symptoms and acting fast makes all the difference.
Looking after you
Your health and wellbeing matter just as much as your baby’s. Recovery from birth takes time, and your emotions can take you by surprise in the fourth trimester.
Our A Fourth Trimester? page explains why those first three months are such a tender time, and how to make them easier for you and your baby.
If you feel low, anxious or not like yourself for more than a couple of weeks, please reach out – the Postnatal Depression page can help you recognise the signs and find support. If your birth did not go the way you hoped, you are not alone: our Birth Trauma page is there for you.
Baby products and the early days
When you are ready to think about the practical side – like choosing a Pram For Your Newborn – we can help you make sense of it all. Our Screen-Free Early Years Guide is also full of gentle ideas for bonding and playing with your newborn.
You’ve got this
Be kind to yourself. Rest when your baby rests, accept every offer of help, and never be afraid to ask your midwife, health visitor or GP about anything that worries you – however small it seems.