Once your surgery has finished you will be transferred to the recovery bay on Delivery Suite. If there are no concerns during your recovery you usually stay here for 1 hour prior to transfer back up to the ward.
A theatre nurse and midwife will be with you during this time, we will be doing routine monitoring but also helping you feed your baby and continue skin to skin contact. Your partner can stay with you in theatre recovery.
As long as you are feeling well you will be able to have a drink whilst in recovery.
Returning to the ward
On return to the ward your observations will continue and support offered by the maternity ward staff.
You usually return to the post-op bay for the first 6 hours after transfer up to the ward.
After this time your catheter and intravenous drip will be removed and you will be moved into your own room (depending on availability).
Your partner is able to stay with you the whole of your stay in the side rooms, and there are some pull out beds available for their use.
All side rooms have an en-suite bathroom for your use. Your baby will remain with you at all times during your stay. There is feeding support available from staff on the ward at all times so please ask for any help and support as needed.
As the majority of the ward is side rooms sometimes it can be difficult to locate a member of staff so please press your buzzer if required and someone will come to you.
We can arrange (if suitable) for you to self-medicate basic pain relief whilst on the ward and this can often avoid any delay in you having pain relief when you need it.
Three meals a day are provided for all patients and toast is always readily available. There is a drinks station on the ward where patients can help themselves to drinks and any snacks available. Partners can bring snacks in with them and also have access to the café in the main building. If you need any food outside of meal times please ask ward staff.
When you are ready for discharge the ward midwife will run through your discharge leaflets and give you a list of contact numbers.
Your baby will have had a first check in the baby clinic by a paediatrician or midwife prior to discharge. Any appointments or follow up needed from this will be arranged prior to your discharge.
You will be sent home with any medication required and this will include injections to help prevent blood clots, which you will be taught to self-medicate.
You will also be advised to wear your support stockings for six weeks after surgery.
A community or your continuity midwife will visit you at home the day after your discharge.