You might think once you’ve had your baby, that’s the end of the road with your midwives—but not quite! In fact, your community midwives are just getting started.
Now, they may not show up in capes on vintage bikes like in Call the Midwife (sorry to disappoint), but they’re still absolute superheroes when it comes to helping you settle in with your new arrival.
What Do Community Midwives Actually Do?
Shortly after you’re back home—usually within 24 hours—your community midwife will pop round to check on you and your baby. In some areas, you might be invited to a postnatal clinic instead. Either way, the goal is the same: to make sure you’re recovering well and your baby is thriving.
Here’s what they can help with:
- Health checks – for both you and baby. They’ll check things like baby’s weight, signs of jaundice, and how your body is healing—whether that’s after a vaginal birth or caesarean.
- Feeding support – whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both, they’re there to guide and support you (yes, even at 3am when you’re Googling “is cluster feeding normal?”).
- Emotional wellbeing – they’ll ask how you’re doing, and look out for signs of postnatal depression or anxiety.
- Support for the whole family – because adjusting to life with a newborn is a huge change.
- Referrals – if you or your baby need extra care, they can link you up with your GP, a lactation consultant, or mental health support.
They’ll also make sure your little one has their NHS Newborn Blood Spot Test (usually around day 5), and offer advice on safe sleep, contraception, and family planning.
What Happens After?
Most families will see their midwives a few times over the first 10 days after birth. Once everything is looking good, you’ll be transferred over to your Health Visitor—but if there’s anything that needs a little extra attention, your midwife can continue seeing you for up to 28 days.
They’re a vital bridge between birth and the longer-term care you and your baby will receive—making sure no one is left to figure it all out on their own.
