MHD Journey v0.2

The Motherhood Journey

Discover how the MHD Clinic enhances the standard care journey

5. TWELVE MONTHS

4. SIX MONTHS

3. THREE MONTHS

2. SIX WEEKS

1. dISCHARGE

What Happens:

• Discharge paperwork and minimal verbal guidance on postnatal recovery and baby care.
• Mum and baby are typically sent home within 24–48 hours unless there are complications.

How Mum Can Feel:

• Overwhelmed, unsure about recovery steps, breastfeeding challenges, and how to manage their new role.

What Happens:

• One-year health check focused solely on baby (e.g., vaccinations, developmental milestones).

How Mum Can Feel:

• Forgotten about, with unresolved concerns about long-term physical recovery and emotional health.

What Happens:

• Six-week GP check, which often focuses on baby’s development and a brief health check for mum.
• e.g., contraception discussion.

How Mum Can Feel:

• Rushed, under-prioritised, with unresolved recovery concerns (e.g., pelvic floor issues, mental health struggles).

What Happens:

• Little or no formal NHS follow-up. Community health visitor may offer some baby milestone checks if requested.

How Mum Can Feel:

• Isolated and unsure about whether their recovery or baby’s development is on track.

What Happens:

• Baby milestone check by health visitor (if available). No formal maternal check.

How Mum Can Feel:

• Neglected in terms of personal recovery, unsure about managing weaning and baby’s changing needs.

[1] Discharge

Motherhood Clinic Services: Personalised discharge consultation, including:

• Tailored recovery plan (c-section/vaginal birth-specific).
• Feeding support (breastfeeding, bottle feeding guidance).
• Emotional well-being check-in.

Benefits for Mum:

• Feel reassured and prepared for the immediate postpartum period.
• Clear recovery and care pathway.

[2] Six Weeks

Motherhood Clinic Services: Comprehensive postnatal assessment for mum and baby:

• Physical recovery (pelvic floor, diastasis recti).
• Emotional well-being and mental health screening.
• Detailed baby development consultation.

Benefits for Mum:

• Confidence in physical recovery progress.
• Feel supported in emotional and mental health needs.

[3] Three Months

Motherhood Clinic Services: Tailored recovery plan (c-section/vaginal birth-specific):

• Feeding adjustments as baby grows.
• Introduction to mum-and-baby classes (e.g., bonding, physio-led fitness).
• Review of baby’s developmental milestones.

Benefits for Mum:

• Feel empowered with knowledge and tools to manage recovery and parenting.
• Connection to a community of mothers.

[4] Six Months

Motherhood Clinic Services: Focused mum-and-baby care:

• Nutritional coaching for mum and guidance on baby weaning.
• Postnatal physio to address lingering recovery issues.
• Emotional check-in (e.g., stress, postnatal depression screening).

Benefits for Mum:

• Feel confident in managing baby’s nutrition and own recovery progress.
• Renewed sense of well-being and energy.

[5] Twelve Months

Motherhood Clinic Services: End-of-year personalised assessment:

• Comprehensive recovery review (physical and emotional).
• Long-term family planning and health check.
• Baby development guidance and planning for toddlerhood.

Benefits for Mum:

• Closure and confidence about postnatal recovery.
• Feel prepared for the next stage of motherhood.