https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/royal-surrey-maternity

Royal Surrey Maternity Unit, Egerton Road, Guilford (2026)

02/05/2026

Curious about birth statistics at Royal Surrey Maternity Unit?

You can view our data on vaginal births, assisted vaginal births, planned & unplanned caesareans, inductions, water births, and home births on the Royal Surrey website:

👉 www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/maternitystatistics

You'll also find a link in the Parent Portal Library under the Induction, Labour and Birth chapter.

02/05/2026

Have you heard of Birthing & Peanut Balls?

Birthing and Peanut Balls are fantastic tools for supporting optimal positions and postures during pregnancy, labour and birth. We have both kinds available for you to use on our Consultant Led Delivery Suite and our Midwife Led Royal Surrey Birthing Suites.

But did you know that they come in different sizes?

If you are shorter than 1.60m (5'3") try a 55cm ball/ 45cm Peanut

If you are 1.63m (5'4")- 1.78m (5'10") try a 65cm Ball
If you are 1.63m (5'4")- 1.70m (5'17")try a 50cm Peanut

If you are over 1.80m ( 5'11") try a 75cm ball
If you are 1.74m (5'9") try a 60cm Peanut

Sizes suggested as a guide only, please check the manufacturers instructions.
We recommend using a ball that allows you to comfortably sit with both feet on the floor and your knees positioned lower than your hips. 70cm peanuts are recommended for sitting and straddling positions only.

Looking for more information like this? Check out the Positions for Labour & Birth Page in your Maternity Parent Portal (Library> Induction, Labour & Birth> Labour, Birth and Straight After> Positions for Labour and Birth) or sign up to The Birth Partner Workshop.

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01/05/2026

Being pregnant and bringing a new baby home can be an exciting time for new parents, but it can also be a worrying time, with lots of changes to adapt to.

Anxieties and worries in pregnancy are very common and you may be worried about how a new baby will change your lives, or how you will cope. If you have a pre-existing mental health illness, you may need support to stay mentally healthy, or you may find being pregnant (or the adaption to parenthood) triggers new feelings, worries or emotions that you did not have before.

However you are feeling, the team at The Royal Surrey are here to support you. You are not alone. If you have concerns about your's or your partner's wellbeing please talk to your Midwife or Doctor.

The Maternity Parent Portal contains resources on:

Self care & Self Help.
Information on developing wellbeing plans and ideas about how to support your mental well being in pregnancy and after birth.

Symptoms & Conditions.
Key symptoms of mental health illness all parents should know. a brief overview of mental health illnesses: Tocophobia, PTSD and Postnatal Psychosis.

Mental Health Support.
Information on how you can self refer for mental health support as a pregnant or new parent. Information about our Perinatal Mental Health Team, The Jasmine Team
For more information about Perinatal Mental Health visit the Maternity Parent Portal Library Maternity Parent Portal> Library > Parent Mental Health

You will need to log in to your Maternity Parent Portal* account to access our free* library of midwife created and curated resources. Don't yet have a portal account? Ask your Royal Surrey Midwife, Doctor or Sonographer for a Portal Postcard

*Maternity Parent Portal and Free Classes and Event for Royal Surrey Maternity clients

01/05/2026

Talking, reading and/ or singing to your growing baby and stroking your bump are also wonderful ways to increase yours and your baby's oxytocin and promote bonding and your baby’s brain development.

You can invite your partner, children and other close family and friends to start to develop a relationship with your baby in the same way.

Learning your baby's normal pattern of movements and responding to any changes helps to keep your baby safe.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s pattern of movements don’t hesitate to use the Call a Midwife Triage Line on 0300 123 5473

For more information talk to your midwife or visit the "Bump Bonding & Baby Movements" page in the Maternity Patient Portal
(Library> Pregnancy>Bump Bonding and Baby Movements)

30/04/2026

3 things to do in pregnancy to support your postnatal recovery...

How ever your pregnancy and birthing journey unfolds, it is important to recognise the amazing work your body has done growing a brand-new human from two tiny cells and then birthing them into the world! Whether that be at home or in hospital, vaginally or abdominally, you and your body will have achieved something incredible. It is important to give yourself the time and space you need to recover from pregnancy and birth, both physically and emotionally.
We recommend that you plan and prepare for your recovery in the same way you are planning and preparing for birth.

1. Get informed

2. Build your support network

3. Make Plans

Learn more about postnatal plans in the Maternity Parent Portal Library> Labour and Birth> Preparing for Birth >Postnatal Plans

We recommend that all of our clients sign up to our free physio classes. For more information see the "Free classes & events" page in your Maternity Parent Portal.

30/04/2026

This free online Early Pregnancy & Pre-conception workshop is taught by one of our Specialist Education Midwives.

We recommend you attend this class in pregnancy as early as possible (ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy). For those planning a pregnancy this workshop will provide information regarding general health but not cover fertility advice.

During this 45-60 minute workshop our Midwife facilitator will discuss:

🟢 Diet and exercise for pre-conception and pregnancy

🟢 Foods to avoid

🟢 Vaccinations and screening tests available

🟢 What to expect from your maternity appointments

🟢 Information regarding our free, pregnancy classes

🟢 When to contact for help

There will also be time to answer your general questions.

Visit the "Free courses & Events" Tab in your Maternity Parent Portal to learn more and to book your space.

Planning a pregnancy and not yet registered with the Royal Surrey? Contact the Birth & Beyond Team to book your space rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net

29/04/2026

Are your pregnant?

Have you experienced exceptional care during your pregnancy and would like to let us know?

Do you have concerns about your care or care plan that you would like to discuss?

Come along to our Maternity Feedback Clinic, the Counselling room in Out Patient Department 1 (antenatal clinic) at The Royal Surrey any Thursday between 1300-1730 to discuss with one of our Maternity Matron.

No need to book, just turn up!

Its a dedicated space for you to share any compliments, concerns, or feedback about the care you are receiving from our maternity services.

29/04/2026

Are you planning to collect colostrum and bring it in with you when you birth your baby?

If you're collecting colostrum during pregnancy, please use oral syringes (pictured)—like those included in our packs—and other oral devices to collect, store, and feed your baby. Traditional (usually white) syringes are not food safe and should never be used for oral feeding. For safety and proper care, we cannot support the use or storage of traditional (white) syringes, for infant feeding, within our department.

Each individual syringe needs to be labelled with the pregnant mother's/person's name and date of birth in addition to the date of collection. Our colostrum collections kits- available from our Colostrum Collection Clinic ( see free classes and events in your Maternity Parent Portal) and Maternity Hubs-contain labels for this purpose.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your midwife or a member of our infant feeding team.

29/04/2026

For our final stop on our Maternity Unit tour we’re taking you inside St Catherine’s Ward, where you may stay during pregnancy if you need closer monitoring, extra support or you consent to an Induction of Labour.

🟡 Inpatient Antenatal Care
If you require inpatient care during your pregnancy, you’ll be looked after by our experienced team of midwives and doctors. There are various reasons a hospital stay may be recommended, and your care team will always explain your options and what to expect.

🟡 Planned Assessment Unit
Also located on St Catherine’s Ward (Level G), this unit offers monitoring and support for pregnancy-related concerns. You might be asked to attend for:
✔️ Blood pressure checks
✔️ Repeat blood tests
✔️ Monitoring your baby’s heartbeat

🟡 Acute Assessment Unit
If you call with a new concern or symptom, you may be asked to come in for an assessment to ensure you and your baby are well.

🟡 Supporting Movement & Wellbeing
St Catherine’s Ward includes:
Active birth aids – such as birthing balls and peanut balls to support comfort and positioning
Wellbeing resources – including mindful colouring activities and access to the Portal’s Relaxation Resources to help you feel calm and supported during your stay

Don’t forget to book your place on our FREE* event:
“Your Pregnancy Matters: 2nd Trimester Information & Virtual Tour”
Find it under Free Classes & Events in your Maternity Parent Portal.

Not on the portal yet? Just ask your Royal Surrey midwife, doctor or sonographer for a Portal Postcard to get started.

*Free for Royal Surrey Maternity Clients

28/04/2026

Many parents expect some level of worry when welcoming a baby, but perinatal anxiety goes beyond that. It can show up as racing thoughts, constant fear that something bad will happen, trouble sleeping (even when baby sleeps), trouble concentrating, feeling irritable or constantly on edge. Parents can also experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness or nausea. Unlike typical new-parent concerns, perinatal anxiety can feel uncontrollable and interfere with daily life.

If this sounds familiar, know that you are not alone and support is available. Speaking your Midwife, Health Visitor or GP about support and treatment options, leaning on loved ones, and seeking peer support through groups such as (https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/what-is-pnd/anxiety/ ) can help.

You deserve care too.parenting is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.

For more information on Perinatal Mental Health and Perinatal Mental Health Illness visit the Parent Mental Health Chapter of your Maternity Parent Portal Library

27/04/2026

Made a booking in the Maternity Parent Portal? Visit your profile page!

When you make a booking in the Maternity Parent Portal you will receive an email confirming your booking. Simultaneously, your profile page will update your Upcoming Courses with the new booking. If you don't receive both the email confirmation AND the profile page update please contact the Birth & Beyond Team at rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net.

Once your courses are visible in your profile you will be able to manage the booking and access the class resources from your profile page:

🟢 Click on the course title and it will take you through to an updated listings page for the course. Here you will be able to review all of the course details, (including dates, times, locations), manage your free course cancellations and, where appropriate, access the Teams link.

🟢 From 30 days prior to the start of your course you will be able to access the course folder (where applicable) from by clicking on the course title in your profile and scrolling to the bottom of the page until you reach the course folders in your "Documents". The course folder contains digital resources such as leaflets, PDFs and medical forms that accompany the course.

🟢 When the time comes to access your online course/course element you will be able to access the events Team's link("Go to Teams") from your profile page or from the listing.

For more information about navigating the Maternity Parent Portal see the "How To Use Your Portal" video on the home page. Follow up questions about the portal or our Antenatal Education Programme? Visit the Portal's FAQ's or email the Birth & Beyond Team at rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net

Please note that parent portal access is restricted to Royal Surrey Maternity parents and paying clients

26/04/2026

Join our In-Person Baby Care Workshop!

Expecting a little one? Our 4-hour weekend workshop, led by experienced Royal Surrey Hospital Midwives, is the perfect way to prepare for the arrival of your baby.

✅ Small group setting for hands-on learning
✅ Interactive sessions on baby care basics, including winding, nappy changing, and dressing
✅ Access to an expert Midwife for follow-up questions
✅ Suitable for any stage of pregnancy

What you'll learn:
Baby's first few weeks & brain development
Responsive parenting & secure attachment
Picking up & Holding your baby
Nappy changing & dressing your baby
Introduction to newborn screening

Plus, meet other local parents and get ready for the exciting journey ahead!

🗓 Limited spaces available. Book now through your Maternity Parent Portal!

Royal Surrey Maternity Unit

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