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The Paperwork

After the birth of your baby, there are a few tasks you'll need to do. From registering the birth of your baby, registering with a GP, applying for child benefits to health checks. Below you can find out more.

The Paperwork
First things first

First things first

1. Register birth (within 42 days) 

2. Register with the GP

3. Apply for child benefit

4. Arrange childcare/nursery places

Register birth

For childcare providers in your area, visit ASKLiON and type ‘childcare’ in the search bar.

ASKLiON

Appointments to expect after the birth of your baby

These appointments will be arranged by telephone or post. 

Healthcare professionals will arrange more visits with you if they need to. You are an important part of these appointments. 

Postnatal midwifery appointments 

Postnatal midwifery appointments 

Visits support with feeding, provide you with safety advice and monitor your baby’s weight. 
 

Day 5 midwifery team visit 

Day 5 midwifery team visit 

Your baby may be weighed and a small sample of blood will be taken from their foot. 

For more information, visit NHS.uk and type ‘newborn blood spot test’ in the search bar.
 

NHS.uk
Between 10 and 14 days old - New birth visit

Between 10 and 14 days old - New birth visit

 Your specialist community public health nurse (health visitor) will give you important about how to keep your baby safe and healthy. 
 

6 week GP check 

6 week GP check 

Your baby and baby’s mother will see a GP.  

The GP will:

  • check the health of your baby
  • discuss how your baby’s mother is healing and feeling emotionally after the birth 
  • tell you about your baby’s immunisations
  • review contraception with your baby’s mother if required 
6 week appointment

6 week appointment

Your specialist community public health nurse will:

  • check your baby’s growth
  • give you information about your baby's development
  • support you and your baby’s mother
8, 12 and 16 week immunisations

8, 12 and 16 week immunisations

Your specialist community public health nurse and GP should speak to you about vaccinations and answer any questions you have. 

The first vaccination should be given once your baby is 8 weeks old and can be booked by calling your GP practice. 

Visit NHS.uk and type ‘NHS vaccinations and when to have them’ in the search bar.
 

NHS.uk
This guide will give you the information needed to understand what to expect and how to keep your baby safe.

This guide will give you the information needed to understand what to expect and how to keep your baby safe.

Download here

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