A mum-to-be getting scanned at home

Bump

We’re working together in Birmingham and Solihull to ensure every baby has the best possible start in life. As one of two local maternity providers we are proud to be part of the Birmingham and Solihull United Maternity and Newborn Partnership (Bump), alongside other NHS organisations and voluntary organisations, united by our vision for our local maternity system where:

Every woman will be empowered to access consistent, world-class and holistic care right for them, their baby and their family

Every year, Birmingham and Solihull welcome more than 18,500 babies, and we know that the numbers of babies born are likely to increase over the next few years. Our population is also very diverse, with many factors impacting the support mums and babies require at different stages of their pregnancy journey. Ensuring we are able to not only meet the needs of every woman, baby and family but also exceed those needs, is why we have set out to form a local maternity system, where there are no organisational barriers to care, recognising our efforts and resources are best spent together.

For more information about Bump and the Birmingham and Solihull Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) visit the website.

FAQs

FAQ & Answers

  • What should I bring into hospital for baby and myself?

We would advise you to bring in the minimum you will need. For yourself this would include comfortable clothes, bed wear, slippers, snacks, sanitary towels, general toiletries and anything else to keep you occupied – puzzles, books, tablet etc.

In your baby bag bring nappies, milk, cotton wool/wipes, basic rompers and baby grows.

Partners can drop things off to you at reception if you run out or need anything additional, so don’t pack too much. One tip would be to pack a back-up bag that you leave at home, so your partner knows what else you may need.

  • What should I do if I am becoming increasingly anxious and concerned about the labour, particularly in light of the Covid regulations in place?

Please be assured that it is normal to feel like this. If you feel you have raised anxiety or concerns that are worrying you about your labour, please get in touch with your midwife and the hospital that you are due to give birth to discuss your concerns.  We can make individualised plans to meet the needs of each woman and respond to concerns you may have and put in place additional support where needed.

  • What should I be looking out for with my baby movements if I am concerned?

Baby movements are a really important measure to look out for during your pregnancy. If you are concerned don’t hesitate to get in touch.

If you notice any change in baby movements such as baby moving excessively, movements slowed down, or a change to the normal pattern, then you should contact us immediately  on the number given to you by your midwife for triage service or delivery suite so that you can be assessed – this could include a scan, monitoring of the babies heart rate and observations of the mum. Every time you have a change in the pattern of your babies movements you should contact your maternity unit, do not wait. Regardless of how many times this may happen during your pregnancy please come in so we can monitor the baby. Contact us with any concerns.

  • If I refuse vaginal examination during labour, how will the team know when I am in active labour and when will they call my partner in?

Vaginal examinations are an important part of your labour assessment and helps us to ensure your labour is progressing normally for the health of you and your baby. They are only carried out with your consent and we also use other ways to check how your labour is progressing including: looking at how far down in your pelvis the baby is; frequency and strength of contractions; your physical behaviour and what you tell us which would all be monitored and assessed over a period of time by your midwife in the delivery suite.  Please speak to your midwife regarding your choices around vaginal examinations.

  • Where can I have a cervical sweep carried out?

In the first instance you should speak to your midwife about having a sweep carried out, they may be able to carry this out at your home or at GP Surgery. If this is not possible, you can come into triage to have a sweep.