Our maternity services have been accredited by UNICEF as Baby Friendly since 2002 and it is very important to us to support women and their families in their baby feeding choices, and in building a close and loving relationship with their baby.

We recommend feeding your baby responsively. This is responding to your baby when they show feeding cues such as rooting, hand to mouth movements and wriggling. Ways to respond to and comfort your baby are:

• cuddling your baby
• frequent skin-to-skin contact
• offering a breastfeed for comfort as well as for nutrition
• keeping your baby near to you
• touching, massaging and rocking your baby
• talking to your baby

Do not leave your baby to cry.

You may find this link to Building a Happy Baby Leaflet helpful

The maternity unit comprises of maternity triage, midwife led unit, delivery suite, maternity ward and obstetric theatre suite. Please see individual sections for more information.

The Pregnancy Day Assessment Unit provides care for pregnant women who have concerns or complications after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Concerns that may be addressed in the Pregnancy Day Assessment Unit include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes in pregnancy
• Baby’s growth
• Baby’s movements

The purpose of screening in pregnancy is to identify if you are at risk of a particular disease or condition which may impact on you, your pregnancy or your baby. We offer all pregnant women a range of screening tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans of your baby. Screening tests are also offered for babies soon after they are born so they can be given appropriate treatment as quickly as possible if needed.

Screening tests for you and your baby will be explained to you by your midwife when you see her for the first time. You will also be given information about them via a link on your mobile phone or as a leaflet if you prefer. This is also available in other languages, click here to view these, and in an easy read version for people with learning disabilities, click here.

You do not have to have any of the screening tests we offer, but it is important that you understand why they are being offered before you decide against them to make sure you are making a fully informed decision.

The Antenatal Clinic provides mums-to-be with care during their pregnancy.

Here we monitor your health during pregnancy, as well as the health and development of your baby. We can also help predict any possible complications with your pregnancy or birth so we can take care to avoid or treat them.

Our Maternity Outpatient Department runs a number of clinics for women during and after pregnancy. Please use the links on the left hand side to find out more about the different services available.

The experience or perception of birth is a unique, natural and personal journey. It is not defined by style or type of birth.

Some women (or partners) may require a reflective discussion of events surrounding labour and birth which can help bring some clarity, understanding and hopefully resolve any unanswered questions.

Fifty years ago it was commonplace to have your baby at home but, in recent years, fewer mothers have chosen this option as we were led to believe that giving birth in hospital was the safest option. However, the Birthplace Study in 2011 identified that home is, in fact, a safe environment for women who are healthy and having a straightforward pregnancy. There is a very low risk of problems for them or their baby. For more information on this study, please speak to your community midwife.

Our Heath in Pregnancy Support Service (HPSS) works alongside our midwives in community antenatal clinics and can also see women on a one to one basis in their homes, to support women and their families to make healthy choices.

The HPSS service has three key elements; however, they are happy to support you with any health advice/needs within their capacity.

Self refer by telephone: (01384) 244358

Antenatal Information and Support

Please find the link below for a PADLET of information regarding antenatal information and support courses, skin to skin, breastfeeding and building a happy baby.

bit.ly/DudleyANinfo

Postnatal Information and Support

Please find the link below for a PADLET of information regarding essential postnatal information including safe sleeping, responsive feeding and support contact details.

bit.ly/DudleyPNinfo