Welcome to Parenthood
The first few weeks after your baby is born are a time of huge transition, your local maternity team is here to support your physical recovery and your mental wellbeing.
Your Care Timeline
Your postnatal care is a partnership between your Midwife, your Health Visitor, and your GP.
| Timeframe | Who You’ll See | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First 24-48 Hours | Midwife | Home visit to check on recovery, feeding, and baby’s wellness. |
| Days 3 – 10 | Midwife | Monitoring baby’s weight and the “heel prick” (blood spot) screening. |
| Day 10 – 14 | Health Visitor | Handover of care from Midwife to Health Visitor. |
| 6 – 8 Weeks | GP | Full postnatal check for you and your baby’s first immunisations. |
Regional Maternity and Postnatal Contacts
If you cannot find their direct numbers in your “BadgerNotes” app or physical maternity folder, you can use the regional triage and hospital lines below for immediate support.
If you have an urgent concern about your recovery or your baby’s wellbeing, these 24-hour triage and switchboard lines can assist:
| Region | Primary Contact Number | Service Details |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Glasgow & Clyde | 0141 232 4000 | Main Maternity Switchboard |
| Lothian (Edinburgh) | 0131 242 2438 | Pregnancy/Postnatal Support |
| Lanarkshire | 01698 366 210 | University Hospital Wishaw Triage |
| Grampian (Aberdeen) | 01224 552 663 | Maternity Hospital Triage |
| Tayside (Dundee/Perth) | 01382 632 069 | Ninewells Maternity Triage |
| Ayrshire & Arran | 01563 825 300 | Ayrshire Maternity Unit |
| Fife | 01592 729 706 | Victoria Hospital Triage |
| Forth Valley | 01324 567 098 | 24hr Maternity Triage |
| Highland (Inverness) | 01463 704 376 | Raigmore Maternity Triage |
| Borders | 01896 826 897 | 24hr Advice Line |
Please note: Contact numbers maybe subject to change.
Caring for Yourself
Recovery takes time. Your body has been through an incredible journey, and it’s important to listen to what it needs.
Physical Recovery If you had stitches or a C-section, keep the area clean and dry. Contact your midwife if you notice increased pain, redness, or an unpleasant smell.
Pelvic Health You can start gentle pelvic floor exercises as soon as you feel able. These help prevent long-term issues with bladder control.
Rest Sleep when you can. The “Ready Steady Baby” guide recommends letting housework wait—your priority is bonding and rest.
Your Mental Wellbeing
It is very common to feel the “Baby Blues” (feeling tearful or anxious) in the first week. However, if these feelings persist or get worse, you may be experiencing Postnatal Depression (PND).
Signs to look for:
- Feeling persistently sad or low.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Feeling unable to cope or bond with your baby.
Important Note: You are not alone. NHS Scotland provides specialist Perinatal Mental Health services. If you are struggling, please speak to your Health Visitor or GP. They are there to help, not judge.
When to Call for Help
Contact your Midwife, GP, or call 111 immediately if you experience:
- Sudden, heavy vaginal bleeding.
- Severe headaches or vision changes.
- Pain, swelling, or redness in one calf.
- Fever or shivering.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Useful Scottish Resources
- Ready Steady Baby! (NHS Inform) – The definitive guide for Scottish parents.
- Parent Club Scotland – Practical advice on feeding, sleep, and play.
- Breastfeeding Network Scotland – Local support groups and helplines.