After your baby is born and you have had plenty of time to start to get to know him or her, the midwives will transfer you to the ward, unless you are going straight home from the delivery suite.

B26 is situated on B Floor.
Telephone: 0115 9249924 ext. 69026

C29 is situated on C Floor.
Telephone: 0115 9249924 ext. 69029

Both wards are divided into bays of four beds, and a number of single rooms. C29 ward is mainly for women who have had their babies (postnatal), whereas B26 accommodates women before and afterwards (antenatal and postnatal).

Who are the staff on the ward?

Some women are admitted to the ward before they have had their baby. This may be for observation and tests prior to the birth. There may be several members of staff involved in your care, whether before or after you have had your baby. For example, in addition to the midwives and auxiliaries on the ward, there are also doctors and physiotherapists. Other members of staff who help in the smooth running of the wards are the receptionists, domestic staff, and staff responsible for your meals. The Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is a teaching Trust, so you may meet student midwives, student nurses and student doctors when you are in hospital.

What happens when I arrive on the ward?

On arrival to the ward, you will be greeted by the staff, who will ensure that you are comfortable. The midwife from the labour suite will transfer information about you and your baby to the ward midwife. Your baby’s cot will be beside your bed, and you will have a locker for your belongings. There will be a folder for you, and this has information about the ward, such as the visiting times, the meals, security on the ward and the photography service.

Can I have a single room?

Single rooms are offered to women who need extra rest or privacy either before or after giving birth, and they are allocated according to priority of care.

Can I have some help to look after my baby?

The staff on the ward will show you how to care for your baby if you need help. Changing nappies, bathing and feeding your baby can be quite daunting, especially if this is your first baby. The staff also care for you; aromatherapy can be very beneficial to you in the early days. The staff sometimes look busy, but it is important that you ask for help or advice when you need it.

Will someone show me how to feed my baby?

The support of breastfeeding is an important part of the care offered at the Queen’s. All midwives are fully trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding. If you do not wish to breast feed, please do not be anxious. The staff will advise and help you whichever method you use.

Will my baby be checked by a doctor?

A neonatologist (baby doctor) or a specially trained nurse or midwife will come to perform a health check of your baby. This also provides you with the time to discuss anything about your baby’s wellbeing. Your baby will be offered a hearing test as soon as possible after birth, even if you are going home quickly. If you go home before this is performed, however, you will be given information about the drop-in session on Thursday afternoons. The test is very quick and painless, and is carried out at your bedside by specially trained staff. Babies who are thought to be at high risk of being infected by tuberculosis are offered the BCG vaccination, and all babies are offered Vitamin K either orally or by injection soon after birth. The midwives will advise you on all of these procedures.

Transitional care

Some babies are born small and/or early, but do not need to go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These babies can be cared for on C29 ward in Transitional Care. Babies are recognised as requiring transitional care if they are born before you have reached your 36^th week of pregnancy, or if they weigh less than 2.3kg. In this area the staff will show you how to care for your baby in a more specialised way. It is likely that you will spend a longer time in hospital with your baby while he or she recovers and learns to feed well and gain weight.