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

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

11/05/2026

Need to cancel a free course? Click on cancel in the class listing

No-shows not only waste opportunities for others who could have attended in their place, they can also be disruptive to the teaching session, as our facilitators wait for the expected number of attendees. For this reason, we kindly request that you cancel any workshops/classes you are unable to attend.

We retain the right to withdraw free education services from people that repeatedly do not attend their booked classes.

If you are cancelling with notice, you can do so by visiting the class listing and clicking on the cancel button beside the date you have selected.

Access the Course Listing by either:

🟢 Clicking on the class link in your confirmation email (while signed in to the portal) or,

🟢 Clicking on the name of the course in your "Upcoming/Previous Bookings" found at the bottom of your profile page or,

🟢Finding the course in the “Free classes and events"

If you need to cancel a paid course or a free course at short notice you will be directed to contact the Birth & Beyond Team at rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net

As per our class terms & conditions you can cancel paid courses up to 30 days prior to the start of your class/workshop and receive a full refund.

We are unable to provide refunds for courses (whole or partial) where there is less than 30 days to the start of the course unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please take note of the recommended gestation for the courses. attendees are welcome at any gestation, but we recommend that you book your classes in good time. Going in to labour at term (37 weeks+) will not be considered exceptional and no refunds will be issued.

If you are unable to attend a single session of a larger package, for example due to illness, please contact your facilitator.

Have another question about how to access antenatal education or use the class portal? Visit the Portal FAQ's or email the Birth & Beyond Team at rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net

10/05/2026

Looking to bond with your little one in a fun, relaxing way? Our Baby Yoga course is the perfect opportunity to enjoy gentle movement and relaxation, while supporting your baby’s physical development.

What’s Involved:

🟣 4 in-person classes for you and your baby-Gentle stretches & holds to aid development (head control, rolling & more!)

🟣 A digital pack of resources to continue your practice at home

🟣 Opportunity to meet and connect with other local parents

Potential benefits for your baby:

🟣 Boosts bonding and relaxation

🟣 Supports balance, coordination & developmental milestones

🟣 Fun, physical interaction between you and your baby

No prior yoga experience needed! You just need to be able to lift, carry, and support your baby, and get down on the floor.

Younger Baby Yoga suitable for babies aged 8 weeks+ (must have had 8-week GP check). Older Baby Yoga from 22 weeks.

Spaces are limited! Sign up today via your Maternity Parent Portal.

09/05/2026

Had an Epidural?

Don't watch the clock, move round it!

One of the advantages of the Mobile mix we use is that it enables you to maintain your mobility* for as long as possible so that you can still utilise movement and gravity to support your baby’s journey to birth. However, if you find that you have a heavier block, can no longer weight bear, or you just need to rest, this simple sequence of movements will work with your physiology and may help to assist your baby as they navigate your pelvis.

When you are awake spend about 20- 30 minutes in each position before moving on to the next. If you or your baby can’t tolerate a particular position, ask your midwife for adaptations or move to the next suggestion.

Side lying positions can be simple (directly on your side) or exaggerated (leaning your belly button towards the mattress) depending on your circumstances and comfort.

Asymmetry can be incorporated in to most positions to help your baby rotate in the mid pelvis e.g, using a peanut ball under one leg while lying on your side, sitting or kneeling (fire hydrant).Split your time so that you work both sides.

Adjustments that include internal or external rotation of the hip can be included if your baby is at the inlet or outlet (see 08/02 post about knees). Your midwife can provide further guidance and suggest adjustments depending on your baby’s position in the uterus and engagement in the pelvis.

Don’t have an Epidural? This sequence may also be useful in labour if you need to rest or if your baby is in a less optimal position.

This move around the clock post is inspired by Penny Simkin’s roll over method.

If you would like to learn more about biomechanics, positions for labour and ways your birth partner can support you during labour and birth sign up to our Birth Partner Workshop. More information can be found in the Paid Classes tab of your Parent Portal.

*Please ask your midwife to assess your mobility after each top up prior to mobilisation. Positions shown for inspiration and are not intended to replace individualised advice.

08/05/2026

Portal Resources for Special Care Families

🟢 Neonatal Journey Cards Video Guide:
Learn how these cards can guide you through the neonatal journey and help you feel empowered in your baby’s care

🟢 Free Online Course: In Our Place
Explore the emotional impact of having a baby in SCBU/NICU. This digital course supports reflection, self-help, managing stress, parenting tips, and more.

🟢 Podcasts for Parents:

• Unexpected Beginnings
The Neonatal Unit: Created by parents, in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals. (Please note: episodes may discuss pregnancy or baby loss.)

• The NICU Dad:
Dedicated support, information, and a podcast especially for Dads.

🆕 New Royal Surrey created content also includes:

🟢 Supporting Siblings

🟢 Taking Care of Yourself – Practical advice from our Neonatal Community Outreach Team & Jasmine Mental Health Team

Visit the Parent Portal now to explore these valuable tools, stories, and support aids.

The Parent Portal is regularly updated with new resources. If you have suggestions for helpful content get in touch with the Parent Education Team rsch.birthandbeyond@nhs.net

08/05/2026

Birth & Beyond Complete is more than an antenatal course.
It’s ongoing support for your whole journey.

Join us for 8 in-person, hands-on sessions, 8 interactive virtual workshops, and up to 8 months of midwife-led guidance and support, from pregnancy, through birth, and well into life with your baby.

You’ll build real skills, ask real questions, and feel genuinely supported every step of the way. Evidence-based information, practical preparation, and a community that gets it. All led by experienced midwives who are with you beyond the classroom.

Because preparing for birth is just the beginning

08/05/2026

Talk to your midwife about health in pregnancy: Healthy Eating

Did you know that “eating for two” is a myth?

Your body is so well adapted in pregnancy that very few people need to increase their calorie intake.

Instead make sure that you eat a balanced and varied diet to ensure that it provides you with enough energy for your baby to grow and develop, and for you to cope with the changes taking place.

If you take a supplement ensure that it is one designed for pregnancy.

Particular care should be taken with:

Folic Acid: helps to prevent abnormalities in the baby. If possible it is recommend that you start taking folic acid a few months before trying to conceive until you are at least 12 weeks pregnant.

Vitamin D: regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to take a daily Vitamin D supplement containing 10 micrograms (mcg) to ensure that they have enough.

Vitamin A: should not be taken during pregnancy and food products containing high levels, such as liver and some fish oils, should be avoided. Likewise cosmetics containing Retinol (Vitamin A) should not be used in pregnancy.

Caffeine: is found naturally in lots of foods such as coffee, tea and chocolate. It is also added to some soft and energy drinks and cold and flu remedies. It is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake to 200 milligrams (mg) a day as high caffeine levels can adversely affect the baby.

Alcohol: It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol in pregnancy as experts are unsure exactly how much, if any, alcohol is completely safe in pregnancy. Drinking heavily during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, prematurity, low birth weight as well as your baby developing fetal alcohol syndrome.

You should avoid or take care with some fish & fish oils

To learn more visit the Pregnancy information pages in the Maternity Parent Portal (Library>Pregnancy> Diet and Exercise) or talk to your Midwife

07/05/2026

3 ways water can help in labour:

1. Hydration

2. Hydrotherapy

3. Compresses

Talk to your midwife or doctor about benefits and risks of water emersion and/or waterbirth for your individual circumstances.

Want to learn more about Waterbirth? Take a look out our Instagram Research hi-light or visit our "Paid for Courses" Tab in the Maternity Parent Portal

07/05/2026

Get • Birth Trauma: Examples of Symptoms

* Intrusive memories that pop up unexpectedly
* Flashbacks (feeling like it’s happening again)
* Nightmares about the birth
* Feeling constantly “on edge”
* Panic attacks or sudden waves of fear
* Racing thoughts, especially at night
* Avoiding talking about the birth, hospitals, doctors, or anything that reminds you
* Wanting to block out or forget what happened
* Persistent sadness or tearfulness
* Feeling numb or disconnected
* Replaying “what if” scenarios
* Trouble sleeping & fatigue and exhaustion

If you have had a baby and are experiencing these symptoms, please speak to your doctor, midwife or health visitor.”

07/05/2026

We are delighted to team up with Royal Surrey's Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team to provide a series of classes to support you to have a healthier pregnancy and a smoother postnatal recovery.

We recommend attending the Antenatal (pregnancy) class from 12 weeks of Pregnancy. During the session our specialist physiotherapists will cover topics including:

🔵 How your body changes in pregnancy

🔵 Tips to stay comfortable during pregnancy

🔵 Exercise advice for pregnancy

🔵 Antenatal pelvic floor exercise advice

We recommend attending the postnatal (after birth) class at least four weeks after birth. During this postnatal class our specialist physiotherapists will cover topics including:

🔵 Post pregnancy and birth healing

🔵 Returning to exercise

🔵 All things pelvic floor!

These classes are free for Royal Surrey Maternity Clients the "Free Courses & Events" tab in your Maternity Parent Portal to learn more and to book. Your will also find additional Pelvic Health resources in the Maternity Parent Portal Library

Don’t have portal access yet? Ask your Royal Surrey Midwife or Doctor for a Portal Postcard

07/05/2026

Get • What is a Mother and Baby Unit?

A Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) is a specialised psychiatric ward designed for mothers who experience severe mental health difficulties from late pregnancy and after having a baby.

The defining feature of an MBU is that it allows the mother to be admitted for treatment without being separated from her baby. MBUs are necessary because, in standard adult psychiatric wards, babies are generally not allowed to stay due to safety and logistical reasons.

MBUs address these issues by providing a safe, clinical environment where the mother’s health and the infant’s development are both prioritised. These units are equipped with nurseries, play areas, and private bedrooms designed for both mother and child.

Care is provided by a specialised multidisciplinary team. This team typically includes psychiatrists, mental health nurses, nursery nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

07/05/2026

Yesterday the Jasmine Team visited our maternity wards to connect with new parents, raise awareness of maternal mental health, and share some well-deserved refreshments

Each family received a wellbeing pack filled with supportive resources, including information on NHS Talking Therapies, mental health support for dads through Dad Matters, emotional wellbeing guidance with access to the parent portal, positive affirmations, and some generously donated goodies.

Supporting the emotional wellbeing of parents is such an important part of the journey into parenthood

Royal Surrey Maternity Unit

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