If you have your baby in hospital, you may be able to return home with your baby straight from the labour ward, or you may be moved to a transfer lounge or a postnatal ward where you will be with other mothers and babies.

In any case, if your delivery is uncomplicated, your stay in hospital is likely to be short. It helps if you’ve discussed your postnatal care with your doctor during pregnancy so you know what to expect. Any preferences can then be recorded on your birth plan so that staff on the postnatal ward will be aware of your wishes.

You are likely to need quite a lot of help and advice with your first baby. Whether you are in hospital or at home, the doctors and nurses are there to guide and support you as well as to check that you are recovering from the birth. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

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