Postnatal Information

 

Congratulations on the birth of your child. We know the first few days and weeks with a new baby can feel exciting, overwhelming, and exhausting all at once. This page brings together the key information you may need after your baby is born, including how to register your baby, what happens next, where to find support, and when to seek urgent medical advice.

What to do to next and what to expect

Register your baby

Please register your baby with the practice as soon as possible after birth.

To register your baby, please follow the instructions on our registration page or contact reception for help.

Register your baby

Telephone: 020 8176 9110

Health Visitor

You can contact your health visitor for general advice and support.

Family hubs are available around Waltham Forest where you can weigh your baby, network with other parents and speak with health visitors.

Health visitor information links

  1. Telephone Health Visitors 0300 033 6200
  2. Waltham Forest Health Visitor - Waltham Forest Council
  3. Waltham Forest Health Visiting - GP care group
  4. Best Start in life

Postnatal and 6-8 week check appointment

Once we receive your maternity discharge summary, or when you register your baby, your details are added to our register for postnatal care and your baby’s 6–8 week check appointments.

We will contact you when your baby is approaching 8 weeks of age to arrange both your postnatal and your baby check appointment. You will receive some questionnaires by text to complete before your appointment.

If you have any health concerns for yourself or your baby before this time please complete an online consultation form

Immunisations

We will invite you to book your child's immunisations separate from the baby check. Your baby will be due from 8 weeks. At your first appointment the nurse will book the subsequent immunisation appointments.

Visit the websites 

  1. NHS website for UK Vaccination schedule
  2. Health Under 5s website for Frequently Asked Questions about immunisations

Proxy Access

Parents or legal guardians can request proxy access to their child’s GP record. This may allow you to:

  • View your child’s medical record
  • Order repeat prescriptions (if needed)
  • Book and manage appointments
  • View vaccination history

To request access please complete the form by visiting our application for online or proxy access page

Baby's Health

Best Start in Life

Best Start Family Hubs activities for children aged 0 to 5 are part of Best Start in Life, a government-funded programme supporting Waltham Forest's parents and carers with their children’s growth.

You can find Best Start in Life services in all four Best Start Family Hubs and other community spaces throughout every neighbourhood in the borough.

Visit the Waltham Forest Best Start in Life website

Health for Under 5s

NHS-backed website designed to support parents, carers, and families from pregnancy through to a child’s early school years. It provides clear, practical guidance on child development, health, nutrition, and wellbeing across key stages—including pregnancy, baby, toddler, and preschool—alongside dedicated advice for parents themselves.

Caring for a newborn baby

NHS guidance on how to look after a newborn baby in those first few days (0 to 12 weeks)

Baby's Health

What to do if your child needs medical help and vaccination guidance.

 

Your postnatal Journey

What can you expect after having your baby. Support and advice to help you manage your own health after giving birth.

Your post pregnancy body

Your body after the birth

Keeping fit and healthy with a baby

Mental Health