The K&C Mum.

Registering the birth

• Every birth in England must be registered within 42 days.
• You register at the register office for the area where your baby was born, or at the hospital before you leave if it offers this.
• Births at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, or anywhere else in Kensington and Chelsea, are registered at the Kensington and Chelsea Register Office in Chelsea Old Town Hall on the King's Road.
• It works by appointment only, booked online, and appointments are usually available within five working days.

Source: rbkc.gov.uk

Your health visitor's first visit

• A health visitor usually does a new baby review at your home around 10 days after the birth.
• It's a chance to ask about feeding, sleep and how you are feeling yourself.

Source: nhs.uk

The 6 to 8 week checks

• You should have your own postnatal check with your GP 6 to 8 weeks after the birth, to make sure you feel well and are recovering properly.
• Your baby has their 6 to 8 week check with a GP at around the same time.

Source: nhs.uk

First vaccinations at 8 weeks

• The NHS offers babies their first vaccinations at 8 weeks old, including the first doses of the 6-in-1, rotavirus and MenB vaccines.
• Registering your baby with your GP practice early means these appointments are in the diary on time.

Source: nhs.uk

Safe sleep

• The NHS advises always placing your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position.
• Your baby should sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep, for at least the first 6 months.

Source: nhs.uk

The baby blues, or something more

• Feeling down, anxious or irritable for a few days after the birth is very common, and the baby blues usually pass within 2 weeks.
• If the feelings continue, get worse or you're struggling to cope, speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor.
• You can also refer yourself to NHS talking therapies, without going through your GP.

Source: nhs.uk

Claim Child Benefit anyway

• Even if you choose not to receive Child Benefit payments, GOV.UK advises still making the claim.
• The claim gives National Insurance credits towards the State Pension for a parent who isn't working or doesn't earn enough to pay National Insurance.
• It also means your child is sent a National Insurance number before they turn 16.

Source: gov.uk

Your baby's first passport

• A child passport is valid for 5 years.
• The application asks for both parents' details, so register the birth first and keep the certificate to hand.

Source: gov.uk

Your pelvic floor, from the start

• The NHS says pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around your bladder, vagina and bottom, and you can do them lying down, sitting or standing.
• It suggests building up to 10 of each exercise at least 3 times a day, breathing normally and without pulling in your stomach.
• It says a leaky bladder or a heavy feeling between your vagina and anus can mean you need to strengthen these muscles with pelvic floor exercises.

Source: nhs.uk

Easing back into exercise

• After a straightforward birth, gentle exercise such as walking, stretches and pelvic floor exercises can start as soon as you feel up to it.
• The NHS suggests getting advice at your 6-week postnatal check before any high-impact exercise.
• Recovery after a caesarean takes longer, so talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP before anything strenuous.

Source: nhs.uk

Registering for nurseries and schools

• Many London nurseries, pre-preps and prep schools open registration years ahead of entry, and some take registrations from birth.
• Each school sets its own dates and process, so the admissions page of each one you are considering is the place to check, early.