Countess of Chester Maternity Services

12/08/2025

Coming this September: maternity services within the new Women and Children’s Building✨

💛 Our maternity team provides care for nearly 2,000 pregnant and expectant parents a year – from bump to baby and beyond – with specialised services in antenatal, labour, postnatal care and more.

Our brand-new maternity ward opens next month – and it’s all about comfort, privacy, dignity and personalised care.

We're excited to welcome you to a modern space designed for you:

🏥 Featuring 19 en-suite rooms to provide privacy – we’re one of only a few hospitals in the region offering this level of privacy for new and growing families using our services

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Plus, there’ll be a shared 4-bed space for those patients who prefer a more sociable and supportive setting

💬 You asked, we listened: expanded visiting times – birth partners can visit anytime, which means overnight stays are coming your way soon!

Claire Davies, Head of Midwifery said: “We’re incredibly proud that the design of our new maternity unit has been shaped by the voices of our service users and their families. Every detail was chosen to make each family's experience the best it could be."

(Photos: one of the 19 en-suite rooms. More news and photos to follow soon of the new internal gardens, which are overlooked by the balcony on the ward)

➡️ Read more here: https://ow.ly/lr4550WEy49

08/08/2025

💖 July was full of tiny new beginnings! 💖

In July 2025, our maternity team welcomed 127 beautiful babies into the world – 60 girls and 67 boys. 🌸💙

A special mention to 15th July, our busiest day of the month for new arrivals!

If you welcomed your baby with us in July, pop a photo or your story in the comments – we’d love to celebrate your little one with you. 📸👶

07/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week – Day 7 🌍
Breastfeeding Out and About

It’s completely natural to feel a little nervous about breastfeeding in public, but no one should feel they have to hide or stop feeding because of it.

🤱 You have the legal right to breastfeed your baby anywhere, anytime.
If you're ever asked to leave or stop, you have the right to challenge it - because it's illegal to discriminate against breastfeeding in public spaces.

If you're feeling unsure, here are some helpful tips:
👭 Bring a friend or partner along for support the first few times
👶 Practise feeding at a local breastfeeding support group to build your confidence
👕 Wear loose, stretchy tops or layers for easy access
🧣 Use a muslin, scarf, or sling if you prefer a bit more coverage

Breastfeeding out and about is your right, and with a little preparation, it can become second nature. Every feed matters, no matter where it happens 💛

06/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week – Day 6 🌍
Returning to Work or College? You Can Still Breastfeed!

Breastfeeding doesn't have to end when you return to work or education. With a bit of planning and the right support, many parents continue to breastfeed successfully after returning.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

📞 Talk to your employer or college early
Let them know you plan to continue breastfeeding. They should carry out a risk assessment before your return.

🕒 Ask about flexible working options
This might include adjusted hours or extra breaks for feeding or expressing milk.

🚪 Request a private space
You’re entitled to a clean, private space (not a toilet) where you can express or breastfeed comfortably, plus access to a fridge to store expressed milk.

👶 Choose childcare close to work if possible
This can make it easier to breastfeed during breaks or before and after your shifts.

💡 Know your rights
Visit Maternity Action for detailed advice and support:
🔗 maternityaction.org.uk/advice/continuing-to-breastfeed-when-you-return-to-work

With the right support, you can continue your breastfeeding journey with confidence, even after returning to work or study 💼🤱

This page contains information on: Maternity leave and pay Benefits for families Your legal rights if you are breastfeedingBreastfeeding supportWhere to go for more helpMore Maternity Action information sheets January 2023 This guide covers your options for continuing to breastfeed your baby on retu...

05/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week 🌍
Support from Family and Friends

Breastfeeding is more likely to succeed when mums feel supported, and partners, family, and friends can make a huge difference 💛

Not sure how to help? Here are some simple but powerful ways to support a breastfeeding mum:

👨‍👩‍👦 Partners – how you can support:

💬 Encourage and support her decision to breastfeed
🎓 Attend breastfeeding or parenting classes together
🛋️ Make sure she’s comfortable while feeding - bring pillows, drinks, and snacks
👶 Take on baby care tasks like changing nappies, winding, and settling
🤗 Bond in your own way - skin-to-skin and cuddles work wonders!

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Friends – how you can help:

❤️ Respect and support her feeding choices
🛒 Run errands or help out around the house
🍲 Cook healthy meals to keep her nourished
🧸 Look after older siblings so she has time and space to feed the baby

Every bit of support counts! Together we can create a nurturing environment for every breastfeeding journey.

04/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week – Day 4 🌍
Support from Your Starting Well 0–19 Service

🤱 Whether you're just starting out or facing challenges along the way, your Health Visitor is here to support your breastfeeding journey.

Here’s how we can help:

🤱 Feeding assessments at your birth visit and again at 6–8 weeks — plus anytime you need extra support.
👩‍⚕️ Direct contact with your Health Visiting Team via duty phone lines or our CHAT HEALTH text messaging service.
📍 Signposting to our friendly Koala Breastfeeding Groups held in Children’s Centres across Cheshire West.
👶 Referral to Infant Feeding Clinics run by our Infant Feeding Lead for more complex feeding concerns.
🎓 Access to our FREE Womb to World Antenatal sessions, delivered alongside your midwifery care.
🌐 Plus, our Starting Well website is packed with information and links to trusted support.

📞 Contact us Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays):
Chester & Rural Duty Team: 01244 397412
Ellesmere Port & Neston Duty Team: 0151 488 8036
Northwich & Winsford Duty Team: 01606 555285

💬 CHAT HEALTH – Parents & carers can text us for advice:
📱 07312 263156

🖱️ Find out more: www.startingwell.org.uk

Let’s build a circle of support around every breastfeeding family 💛

03/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week 🌍
This week, we’re celebrating the power of peer support in your breastfeeding journey.

🤱 Breastfeeding peer supporters are mums who’ve been there – they’ve breastfed their own babies and received training to support others. They offer practical help, trusted information, and a listening ear when you need it most.

In Cheshire West, peer support is provided by Koala North West, who offer:

🐨 Womb to World antenatal sessions through the NHS Starting Well 0–19 service
🐨 Weekly breastfeeding groups at local Children’s Centres
🐨 A supportive Facebook group and Messenger service
🐨 A website full of helpful resources and advice

💬 Join the Bosom Buddies Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/bosombuddieschester
📍 Find your nearest group or get support online: koalanw.co.uk/breastfeeding-support-groups

Together, we’re building a community where every mum feels supported 💛

02/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week 🌍
We’re the Infant Feeding Team, and we’re here to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey - from pregnancy to the early days and beyond. Whether you need guidance, reassurance, or specialist care, we’re just a call away.

Here’s how we can support you:

🤱Infant feeding workshops during pregnancy – If you would like to book a place call 01244 363646 or email coch.parenteducation@nhs.net

🤱One to one feeding discussions in pregnancy for families anticipating a more complex feeding journey - referral is via a health care professional.

🤱Antenatal Colostrum harvesting – You can collect a kit from your community midwife, antenatal clinic, the day unit or infant feeding team.

🤱Early feeding support – we’re here to help you get breastfeeding established and to work through any early challenges.

🤱Breast pump hire - speak to the team for more information.

🤱Lactation Clinic – for families needing more specialist support, including tongue-tie assessment. Referral is via a health care professional.

🤱Our dedicated neonatal feeding team, including a lactation consultant, provides tailored support for babies in neonatal care.

📞For further information on any of the above, call our infant feeding team on 01244 365401 or 01244 363646.

Because every family deserves the support they need to feed their baby with confidence 💛

01/08/2025

🌍 World Breastfeeding Week | 1–7 August 🌍
The theme for this year is:
“Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”

Breastfeeding is a journey best taken with support — from family, friends, healthcare professionals, workplaces, and the wider community.
🤱 This week, we’ll be sharing helpful posts about when, how, and where to access breastfeeding support, and how everyone around you can play a part in helping families to thrive.

📚 Learn more at:
🔗 nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding

📞 Need help now?
The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24/7:
0300 100 0212

Let’s work together to create a supportive, informed environment for every breastfeeding journey 💛

31/07/2025

Coming in September 2025: a bold new beginning for labour care in the new Women and Children’s Building! ✨

We’re so excited to announce that our brand-new modern labour ward is opening this summer – designed with you and your growing family in mind. 💛

Each year, our incredible labour team supports nearly 2,000 families in welcoming their new additions, offering expert midwifery and medical care 24/7 – whether that’s in the hospital or, when possible, from the comfort of your home.

🌿 For those giving birth in-hospital, we’re bringing the “home-from-home” experience to life – combining a calm, personal atmosphere with the latest medical technology to make every birthing journey safe, supported, and special.

Here’s what’s waiting for you this summer:
🏥 A new labour ward
• 8 modern birthing rooms with en-suite facilities
• 2 dedicated obstetric theatres
🛁 3 brand new upgraded birthing pool rooms
• 2 midwifery-led pool rooms and 1 consultant led with en-suite facilities
• user-friendly, supportive, and with safety in mind
• Designed for comfort with easier movement, better grip, and improved temperature control
• New cots
• Adjustable features to enhance comfort and make it easier to access your baby post-birth.

💬 You spoke, we listened:
• 🎉 Additional facilities for birth partners to stay with you
• Individualised visiting agreements for your wider support network
• No more visiting time restrictions!
• 🎉 Partners can now stay overnight, to support bonding and provide extra support.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space. A labour experience should feel like it’s made for you – and it will be. 💛

(photos: new birthing pool rooms; new cots; new birthing rooms)

24/07/2025

📢 Preparing for industrial action – What you need to know

From 7am tomorrow (Friday 25 July) until 7am Wednesday 30 July, resident doctors across Cheshire and Merseyside (and across England) will be taking part in industrial action.

At the Countess of Chester Hospital, we’re working hard to keep services running safely and support those in greatest clinical need.

💬 Key reminders:
✔️ Have an appointment? Please attend as planned unless we contact you to reschedule
✔️ Emergency care – A&E and maternity services will remain open
✔️ Need advice? Use NHS 111 Online, your pharmacy or GP first for non-urgent help
✔️ Helping loved ones? If someone you care for is ready to leave hospital, please support their safe and timely discharge
✔️ Stay informed – Check our website and social media for local service updates

Thank you for your support and understanding

24/07/2025

🚨 Big News! 🚨

We’ve officially got the keys to our brand-new Women and Children’s Building! 🏥✨

After years of planning, hard work, and community input, we're thrilled to announce that we’ll be opening our doors in September 2025! 🎉

This new building represents a new chapter for patient care, designed with you in mind – brighter, bigger, and better than ever. More space, comfort, privacy, and support for families and staff. 💛

We can’t wait to welcome you all!

A huge thank you to our construction partners IHP for their incredible work, and to CCL Solutions for their project management support.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to our grand opening! 🗝️✨

Read more: https://ow.ly/vRNC50WuzV3