maternity

FAQs >> Postnatal care

What kind of security system do you have?
The Portland Hospital pays vigorous attention to the safety and security of our patients and staff. Staff and Doctors of the hospital are issued with personal tags to allow access to the hospital. All visitors must report at the Front Reception desk at every visit. Additionally a baby tagging system is in operation to provide greater security in the care of our babies. Video cameras are also placed in strategic areas to allow monitoring and recording of movements within the hospital.
Will the baby need to go into the Nursery?
We do highly recommend that you keep your baby with you for most of your stay. This is called 'rooming in'. It helps you feel more confident with your baby and gives you the opportunity to get to know each other and help to prepare you for motherhood when you leave the hospital. However if you would like to have your baby in the Nursery, while you require some rest or sleep, a qualified Nursery Nurse/staff will look after your baby, in conjuction with your Midwife.
Will someone help with breast feeding, bathing etc?
Your Midwife/ Nursery Nurse is there to give you advice, support and help with breast or bottle feeding your baby. The Nursery Nurse will advise and help you with bathing the baby, nappy changing and "top and tail".
Can I bottle feed?
The feeding method of your baby is entirely your choice having been given the required information to make that choice.
Can my partner or husband stay with me once the baby is born?
If your partner or husband would like to stay over once the baby is born then they can do so as we provide a folding bed in the postnatal rooms. There is an additional charge for them to stay.
What are the visiting hours?
Your partner or husband will have open visiting. However, with regards to other visitors the visiting hours are from 10am-2pm and then from 4pm-10pm.
What is the postnatal care after having a caesarean?
You will be fully recovered in the operating theatre and if the Consultant Anaesthetist is happy with your condition, then you are taken to the postnatal floor where a Midwife will check your observations regularly. The Midwife will discuss the care thereafter.
Which specialist will visit me during my postnatal stay?

For mother

A Physiotherapist visits you once to help with postnatal excercises. Your Consultant Obstetrician will visit you daily for checks.

For baby

Your Midwife will arrange for your baby to be seen by a Consultant Paediatrician. The Consultant Paediatrician will routinely visit the ward to check your baby following delivery and until the day of discharge.

Will a Midwife come and see me at home after the baby is born?
Your Midwife will phone up your Local Community Midwife and arrange for a Midwife and a Health Visitor to visit you at home.
How do we register the baby's birth?
The Registrar's office for registering babies born at The Portland Hospital is situated at Westminster Council House on Marylebone Road. You will be given a detailed information sheet before you leave the hospital regarding registration, including the time the office is open. Your baby's birth must be registered within 42 days after the delivery. The hospital will send the relevant paperwork, but you / your husband must register the birth in person.