NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

37 In some rare cases, your baby may need to be transferred to the neonatal unit for a period of time for specialised treatment. This is more common with babies born prematurely, very small, with an infection or through a particularly complicated birth. If this happens to you, you will have plenty of support and help from your maternity team. For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/your-baby-after-birth/ Vitamin K for newborn babies Soon after birth, your midwife will offer to give your baby vitamin K by either injection (once only) or oral drops (which are given in three doses). This is to prevent a rare but serious blood disorder, and can be given by injection or oral drops. If you opt for oral drops your baby will need to receive further doses. For more information visit: • National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk/parenting/vitamin-k Identification for your newborn baby After the birth, the midwife will prepare two infant identity bands. Each band will include the mum’s surname and the hospital number. Details will be checked with the mum and/or partner against the mum’s printed patient identity band before placing it on the baby. A unique NHS number and hospital number will be generated for your baby shortly after birth. The NHS number will remain with your baby throughout its life. For more information visit: • NHS England www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/nhs-number/Pages/what-is- the-nhs-number.aspx Immediately after birth