New mothers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust are receiving postnatal care in their own homes through a community midwifery service that begins during pregnancy and continues after birth.

Community midwives visit on specific days after the mother returns home: the day after discharge, day five, and day ten. Extra visits are arranged if additional support is needed.

During these visits, midwives carry out checks on both the baby and the mother. For the baby, this includes a full examination, weighing, and a blood spot test. The mother also receives a health review.

The service also provides guidance on infant feeding, monitors physical recovery after childbirth, and offers emotional reassurance. Midwives can direct families to other local services if required.

Cara French, a mother from Lisburn with a ten-day-old daughter, said the care has been outstanding. She noted that having a single point of contact for tips and advice helped build her confidence as she adjusted to caring for her third child.

Community midwife Megan Walker, who has been in the role for two years, said she was inspired to enter the profession after the positive care she received when she had her own daughter. She returned to education to complete her training.

Walker said the continuity of care is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, allowing midwives to build trust with families. She visits the same mothers over the postnatal period, which helps in providing personalised support.