Antenatal and postnatal inpatient ward
Some women might need to come to the antenatal care ward before the birth of their baby. This can be due to problems arising with your pregnancy or for induction of labour.
After the birth of your baby, if you and your baby are both well and feeding is established, you might wish to go home within a few hours of birth. Should you or your baby need to stay in hospital, you will be transferred to our postnatal ward.
We will give you support to make help you to recover from the birth and make sure you are confident with feeding and looking after your baby before you go home.
Our antenatal/postnatal ward has 37 inpatient beds, four transitional care beds and four triage beds.
More on what we do
If you or your baby needs to stay in hospital, we will make sure you both receive the best possible care.
If your baby needs more specialist care, they might be transferred to our Neonatal Unit (NNU) or Transitional Care ward.
Our care does not stop once you leave hospital. You will have contact from a midwife from your community team the day after you come home from hospital. They will plan when you and your baby need to be seen next. We usually discharge you to the care of the Public Health Nursing Team (health visitors) when your baby is about ten days old.
All babies receive a newborn examination (NIPE check) by one of our specialist trained midwives after they are born. This might happen while you are staying with us on the ward or you can be offered an appointment to return for this check.
Our team
The ward is staffed by midwives, maternity support workers and maternity auxiliaries.
Senior and junior doctors visit the ward as necessary to review mums and babies. The teams are supported by two ward clerks and housekeeping staff.
Where to find us
RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW
Centre for Women's Health, Level 1
Contact us
To contact the ward, call 01392 406680, 01392 406684 or 01392 406688.
Visiting times are:
- 9am-8pm for partners (or one nominated person)
- 2.30pm-6.30pm for up to three visitors per woman (including partners)
Patient leaflets and documents
Helpful websites
Videos
Supporting you
The Women’s Health counsellors are part of the team providing care in the Centre for Women’s Health. They offer emotional support for women accessing our midwifery services.
Maternity services also offer a debrief service to discuss your care during pregnancy and birth. This is called Birth Conversations and can be arranged by emailing rde-tr.birthconversations@nhs.net.