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

Royal Surrey Maternity Unit, Egerton Road, Guilford (2025)

14/11/2025

Looking to support your Pelvic Health during and after pregnancy?
Explore our Pelvic Health resources—free for Royal Surrey Maternity Clients and available now in your Maternity Parent Portal.

Our Resources include:

🟢 Free* Physio-Led Antenatal & Postnatal Classes to help you prepare for birth and recover after pregnancy and birth.

🟢 Perineal Massage & Pelvic Floor Exercise Videos to guide your self-care routine from home.

🟢 Pelvic Health Leaflet Library covering essential topics from bladder care to diastasis recti (DVR- Seperated Tummy Muscles)

🟢 Common Symptoms Checklist to help you know what’s normal—and when to seek help.

Find these resources and MORE in your Maternity Parent Portal

*Free for Royal Surrey Maternity Clients. You must have a portal profile and be signed in to your account to access. Not yet registered? Ask your Royal Surrey Midwife or Obstetrician for a Portal Postcard.

If you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months and live in the Surrey Heartlands area, you can now refer yourself directly to the Perinatal Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service. The specialist team supports women and birthing people with musculoskeletal, pelvic floor, bladder, and bowel concerns linked to pregnancy or birth.

You do not need to see your GP or midwife first, simply complete the short online form and a specialist will review your information. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email (please check your junk folder if you don’t see it). A member of our team will contact you within three weeks to discuss the most appropriate support for you. https://customer.surreycc.gov.uk/pelvic-health-self-referral

Please note: this service is not suitable if your symptoms are not related to pregnancy or birth, or if you have back, pelvis, or leg pain from another cause. In these cases, please speak to your GP for advice or call NHS 111 if you need urgent help. If you need assistance completing the form, your midwifery team, GP, or Health Visitor can help.

14/11/2025

Talk to your midwife about health in pregnancy: Smoking

Did you know that your baby "smokes" with you if you smoke or are exposed to smoke during pregnancy?Carbon monoxide, ni****ne and other toxic chemicals enter your baby’s blood stream, which will reduce your baby’s nourishment and put it at increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, premature birth and other problems.

Smoking around your baby also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death)- your baby should always be in a smoke free environment.

The sooner you stop, the healthier you and your baby will be. Your midwife, GP or obstetrician can refer you or your partner for support in stopping smoking. Alternatively you can access more information at www.nhs.uk/smokefree or visit your Maternity Parent Portal >Library> Pregnancy > Smoking & Second Hand Smoke

13/11/2025

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.

13/11/2025

Complimentary Caesarean Birth Workshop – Free for Royal Surrey Maternity Clients!

Planning a Caesarean birth or want to be better prepared in case your birth plan changes?

Join our Complimentary Caesarean Birth Workshop hosted by experienced Royal Surrey Hospital Midwives, and get all the information you need to confidently plan and prepare for your surgical birth experience.

This online (Teams) workshop is perfect for:
✨ Clients planning a Caesarean birth who don’t wish to attend the full Labour & Birth Course
✨ Expectant parents wanting to build on what they've learned in other courses
✨ Partners who want to feel informed and involved in the process

What you’ll learn:
🟢 Differences between planned & unplanned Caesarean birth
🟢 How our staff will support you through your Caesarean, including pre-op preparation
🟢 Family-focused options for personalising your Caesarean birth plan
🟢 What to expect in theatre & during recovery
🟢 Enhanced recovery plan during your stay on Shere Ward
🟢 Postnatal care at home: pelvic floor health, wound care & more

🎧 Plus, receive exclusive access to our “Birth is Amazing” Caesarean Birth Relaxation Audio to help you prepare mentally for your birth journey.

To register for this workshop log in to your Maternity Parent Portal and visit the "free Courses and Events" tab.

12/11/2025

Introducing: My Rainbow* Pregnancy Webinar 🌈

Are you pregnant again following a previous pregnancy or baby loss?

Navigating this journey can bring a mix of emotions-excitement, hope, and sometimes anxiety. My Rainbow Pregnancy is a gentle, informative webinar designed to support expectant parents through this unique experience.

Co-facilitated by the Parent Education Team and the Bereavement Team at Royal Surrey, it offers a safe, understanding space to access information, guidance, and reassurance.

🟡 Who it’s for:
Expectant parents experiencing pregnancy after a previous loss.

🟡 What to expect:

Introduction to Royal Surrey Maternity Services

Using the Your Maternity Parent Portal

Accessing the Call a Midwife Urgent Triage Line

Understanding baby movements & bump bonding

Managing stress & common emotional experiences

Overview of support services & parent education classes

Opportunities to ask questions via live chat, Q&A, or email

This webinar provides support and signposting without the pressure of general pregnancy classes. Perfect for anyone looking for guidance in a safe, empathetic environment.

Join us and connect with a community who truly understands the rainbow journey. Book your place via the “Free Courses & Events” tab in your Maternity Parent Portal

Already welcomed your rainbow baby and feeling apprehensive about attending baby classes? Why not sign up for our free “My Rainbow Baby & Me” course- a gentle, supportive space to meet other bereaved parents adjusting to the newborn period and get a gentle introduction to baby classes. Our next course starts in January 2026 Email rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net to register your interest.

*”Rainbow baby” or “Rainbow pregnancy” describes a pregnancy or baby after previous loss, symbolising hope and beauty after a dark time.

12/11/2025

Introducing: My Rainbow* Pregnancy Webinar 🌈

Pregnant after a previous pregnancy or baby loss?

Navigating this journey can bring a mix of emotions-excitement, hope, and sometimes anxiety.

My Rainbow Pregnancy is a gentle, informative webinar designed to support expectant parents through this unique experience. Co-facilitated by the Parent Education Team and the Bereavement Team at Royal Surrey, it offers a safe, understanding space to access information, guidance, and reassurance.

🟡 Who it’s for:
Expectant parents experiencing pregnancy after a previous loss.

🟡 What to expect:

Introduction to Royal Surrey Maternity Services

Using the Your Maternity Parent Portal

Accessing the Call a Midwife Urgent Triage Line

Understanding baby movements & bump bonding

Managing stress & common emotional experiences

Overview of support services & parent education classes

Opportunities to ask questions via live chat, Q&A, or email

This webinar provides support and signposting without the pressure of general pregnancy classes. Perfect for anyone looking for guidance in a safe, empathetic environment.

Join us and connect with a community who truly understands the rainbow journey. Book your place via the "Free Courses & Events" tab in your Maternity Parent Portal

Already welcomed your rainbow baby and feeling apprehensive about attending baby classes? Why not sign up for our free “My Rainbow Baby & Me” course- a gentle, supportive space to meet other bereaved parents adjusting to the newborn period and get a gentle introduction to baby classes. Our next course starts in January 2026 Email rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net to register your interest.

*“Rainbow baby” or “Rainbow pregnancy” describes a pregnancy or baby after previous loss, symbolising hope and beauty after a dark time.

12/11/2025

Did you know that the humble flannel (aka a Face cloth or wash cloth) is a really helpful tool for labour and birth? We recommend you pack a couple in your labour bag!

A flannel/face cloth can be used as a;

1. Cool compress to cool you down in labour and to sooth aching heads and tired eyes. Simply soak in cool water and wring out well and place over the area of discomfort.

2. Warm Compress on the lower back or sacrum in labour to soothe backache.
Even better when combined with aromatherapy as the warm water helps to deliver the oils in to your skin. Seek advice from a suitably trained practitioner or learn more on our Birth Partner Workshop.

3. Warm compress in the 2nd stage to reduce the likelihood of episiotomy and significant perineal (OASI) injury. Research has found that a warm compress applied to the perineal area during pushing and crowning can reduce the likely hood of you requiring an episiotomy or sustaining a significant injury involving the muscles of the a**s

4. Cold compress to the perineum post birth if recommended by your midwife. Some studies suggest that cold therapy (cold not frozen) may reduce perineal discomfort in the early days after birth. This can be hard to manage if you are in hospital with no access to a refrigerator or freezer for gel packs. A new clean flannel could work as an alternative.

5. Washable, reusable, wipes for your baby’s top & tail washes and nappy changes. Save money and reduce waste from wipes and cotton wool by using reusable wipes or wash cloths especially in the first 4-6 weeks when only water is recommended for your baby’s skin cleansing

For more information about what to pack in your bag for labour and birth visit the Induction, Labour & Birth tab of the Maternity Parent Portal Library sign up to one of our Birth & Beyond classes

11/11/2025

Exciting news! Our Maternity Parent Portal has been shortlisted for the RCM Innovation in Maternity Care Award 2026!

We’d love your help in giving the judging panel an up-to-date picture of how the portal is making a difference for Royal Surrey parents.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in this short survey: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S50KpDNJ5kO7KQ6NV-pLHARq79WrqTFCjIZwmJzj725URURMSFZFOTFBREZZQVpBUFNNSlVNTTNYNi4u

Have more to say? You can also email us directly at rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net
or leave a comment below. Your feedback really helps us show the impact of this innovation and helps us shape it for the future!

Thank you for helping us celebrate and improve maternity care!

11/11/2025

Grandparents can now have their own Maternity Parent Portal account!
That means:
🟢 Access to a Library of trusted up to date info
🟢 Classes like Baby First Aid & Safe Sleep
🟢 Confidence to support you the way you need

Let them sign up today and take some weight off your shoulders Just share the link to register for their own account.

Please note: To ensure the protection of the Royal Surrey’s intellectual property, the option to share access to the Maternity Parent Portal is intended for your personal support network, such as parents, close friends, and family members. It is not designed for paid professionals (e.g., doulas, antenatal educators, or other birth and postnatal practitioners).

11/11/2025

If you’ve had a Caesarean Birth you might notice numbness around your scar. It's completely normal and happens because small nerves in the skin are affected during surgery, leading to reduced sensation in the area.

For many women/postnatal people, the numbness gradually improves over months, but for some, it can last longer. You may also feel tingling or sensitivity as nerves begin to heal. If you have concerns about your scar or sensation changes, speak with your GP for reassurance and guidance.

Your body has done something incredible. Be kind to yourself during recovery.

10/11/2025

Exciting news for new parents!

From January, our much-loved Online Baby & Me Postnatal Course will be completely FREE for all Royal Surrey parents!

This four-week online group is perfect for families with newborns (ideally before your 6–8 week GP check). Each session is led by our experienced midwives and focuses on your postnatal recovery and your baby’s development, all from the comfort of home.

What’s included:
🟢 4 weekly online sessions (each with a different focus)
🟢 3 midwife-led relaxations
🟢 A virtual information pack full of useful resources
🟢 Access to a named education midwife for follow-up questions

Course topics:
Week 1: Postnatal recovery & infant feeding
Week 2: Baby digestion (colic, reflux, constipation & more)
Week 3: Baby sleep- real research, real expectations
Week 4: Play & brain development

Most of the session end with a calming guided relaxation created by our in-house cognitive hypnotherapist.

Bookings open now for January-March courses!
Log in to your Maternity Parent Portal to reserve your free place.

10/11/2025

Have you explored the Maternity Parent Portal Library?

Sign in to your Portal account to access a treasure trove of information, tips and resources, completely free for Royal Surrey Maternity clients. From pregnancy information, to birth plans and newborn care, we've got you covered. The Library Includes:

🟢 Information on Pregnancy-including maintaining a healthy pregnancy and preparing for your birth

🟢 A Specific area for birth partners to quickly access information and resources specific to their supportive role- The 5 R's(c), massage techniques

🟢 Free Pregnancy and Hypnobirthing resources (videos, audios, affirmations and information)

🟢 Parent Mental Health - including information on symptoms, self help tools and where you can seek more support for yourself or partner

🟢 Induction, Labour and Birth- including information on pain relief and the digital Induction of Labour Tool Kit

🟢 Postnatal Recovery and Baby Care- Includes postnatal information videos

🟢 Special Care Baby Unit and Twins and Triplet information for parents

🟢 Extensive pelvic health resources curated by the Royal Surrey Pelvic Health Physiotherapists

You can also access the Royal Surrey Maternity Guideline our Doctors and Midwives use to plan and provide your care. This is chapter is found in the main tool bar/top menu

Before you Google, check your portal!

Ask your Royal Surrey Midwife, Doctor or Sonographer for a Portal Postcard or scan QR code on the posters in our Maternity Hubs.

Royal Surrey Maternity Unit

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

13/11/2025

13/11/2025

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category