Post-natal care

I can’t quite believe that Little Sis is 2 weeks old today. The weeks have gone so quickly and I can’t quite believe there was a time she wasn’t around as she has slotted very easily into our little family. My husband was back at work today so it was my first official day as a mum of two. I won’t pretend it wasn’t actually really difficult but I know it will get easier so I’m trying not to beat myself up about it.

I thought I would take the opportunity to write about my postnatal care at the North Middlesex Hospital as it was different to what I expected based on my previous experience there. Firstly I really wanted to have a private room but I wasn’t allowed, instead I had to share a 4 bed ward with other c sections. This was strange as last time I had my own room. I love my own space and didn’t enjoy listening to the constant phone calls of the woman in the next bed but apparently it is now hospital policy to be in a shared ward.

I asked that Little Sis be looked after in the nursery over night as I knew I was unable to move in bed and lift her out of her cot to feed or change her. This might seem a strange request but her Big Brother was taken away to the night nursery as I was unable to look after him. One very sniffy midwife told me this wasn’t routine but a much nicer midwife told me that as it was quiet they would take her – not that I got any sleep as they made my bed with a plastic sheet which made me unbearably hot!

Another thing which changed was that the nursery nurse wouldn’t bath her as it is now recommended that you wait until 5 days before bathing a new baby. We were also advised to moisturise her skin with vegetable oil rather than olive oil.

We were discharged on the second day and our short stay was very busy with visits from doctors and midwives. I was pleased to be discharged so early as I felt fine and wanted to go home. There was no pressure to be discharged and I could have stayed another night if I wanted. Everyone was so much nicer than I had remembered too. All the midwives were lovely, keen to get me back on my feet as soon as possible and I felt like a person, even if I was constantly called ‘mummy’ rather than by my name!

I would definitely recommend the maternity care at the North Middlesex Hospital. It was vastly improved from 2 years ago. I believe my positive experience has made me feel both mentally and physically strong. I only needed painkillers for the first week and I’m back in my clothes (no more tracky bottoms!).