Support during labour and birth
Whether you are the baby's parent, a close friend, partner, or a relative – there are many practical things you can do to support your partner during their pregnancy..
Most parents say having a baby is one of the most important things you will do in your life. However things can be stressful and sometimes it’s hard to know where to go for advice and support. Here at George Eliot Hospital we aim to focus our support on all members of the family and we have gathered some support and information pages for you. we welcome all feedback so If you feel there is information you need that is missing from this page or you would like any information adding to the page please email antenatal.education@geh.nhs.uk
Skin to Skin is so important for baby, it helps calm and relaxes baby, regulates baby’s heart rate, temperature and breathing. It also helps stimulate digestion and an interest in feeding. Skin to skin is important for both babies and their care givers as it promotes bonding. We recommend that mum has skin to skin for at least the 1st hour after birth and to give baby the first feed in skin to skin. However when mum goes for a shower is the perfect time for dads/partners to have skin to skin with baby. If you would like to do this, please do not shave your chest as this can cause sharp stubble which may upset baby’s skin.
Here at George Eliot Hospital we recognise the importance of having support during labour and the role of the birth partner. For this reason we recommend that the Birth Partner brings in some items to help them during the labour and birth. Labour can be long and there may be times where mum needs to have a sleep and you may wish to bring in a magazine, book or something to keep you entertained while mum rests. We also recommend you keep hydrated and eat well to prevent you feeling faint so pack yourself and mum some snacks and drinks to have during labour.
More information about what to pack in the hospital bag for mum, the baby and the birth partner.
Don't forget to wear a face mask when you visit. COVID-19 restrictions still apply when visiting our hospital to protect our mums to be and their families.
Please ensure you get a lateral flow test prior to visiting the unit please to protect our mums, babies, fellow birthing partners and our staff.
We are delighted to announce the launch of Dadpad. It is an evidence based app accessible to all fathers living in Warwickshire, Coventry & Solihull and is FREE of charge. It is designed to reduce your anxieties, create a strong bond and healthy attachment with your baby, build stronger family relationships and recognise when you or your partner might need to get help for your mental health. Download the app here www.thedadpad.co.uk/app.
The Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.
The Lullaby Trust’s advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.
The website below gives you advice on different types of car seats, how to fit them, positing your child in the car seat, airbags and car seats and much more advice and information.
If your baby was born in Warwickshire, or you are a Warwickshire resident and your baby was born at the George Eliot Hospital, the birth can be registered by clicking the link here to book an appointment and you will be given information about what you need to take with you
The website below will give you up to date information on what Paternity Leave you are entitled to, employment rights when on leave, planning the start date of your Paternity Leave and much more information about your Paternity Leave Entitlements and attending Antenatal Appointments.
A mother automatically has parental responsibility for her child from birth. However a father usually has parental responsibility if he’s either married to the child’s mother or listed on the birth certificate. Please check out the following website with more information about Parental Rights including unmarried parents and same sex couples.
You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth.
To find out all the information you will need to make a Child Benefit claim and to print off your claim form.
This practical advice website from Warwickshire Council provides useful access to financial support in the community.
Further information can be found on our dedicated support and financial support page below.
Support and Financial Support during pregnancy
Caring for a new-born baby can be very worrying and parents can experience anxieties about what to do in an emergency. If you have any concerns about yourself or baby please call your GP or 111 for advice. It is also good to be prepared for any eventuality. Please check out the St John’s Ambulance website about information about what to do in emergency situations while you’re waiting for an ambulance including: what to do if your baby is choking, head injuries, CPR and many more.
