Can I look around the Maternity Unit?
We are not currently offering physical tours of the Maternity Unit. To view our short video about the unit please click this link

How can I register for antenatal classes?
Antenatal classes in Plymouth are booked through your local Children's Centre.
Antenatal classes in Cornwall or Devon need to be booked through your midwife.

Can I be seen by a woman doctor if I need to see a doctor during my care?
We will always try to accommodate your request to be seen by a woman doctor; however, in an emergency situation this may not be possible.

Do I have a choice if a student midwife or medical student would like to be involved in my care?
As a teaching hospital we support the learning of both student midwives and medical students. If a student would like to be involved in your care, they would do so under the supervision of an experienced midwife or doctor. Your wishes will always be respected if you would prefer that a student was not involved in your care.

Who can I talk to about having a home birth?
If you have a healthy pregnancy and there are no anticipated problems during the labour and birth, then a home birth may be a safe option for you and your baby. Speak to your community midwife if you would like to consider this option. You are also welcome to contact a supervisor of midwives if you need to discuss home birth in greater depth.

What are the visiting times, and are there any special rules about visiting?
Friends and family 4pm - 7pm
Partners and siblings - open visiting during daytime
Ward closed to all visitors 12noon - 2pm
Maximum of 3 visitors at any time

Transitional Care Ward:
Friends and family 2pm - 7pm
Partners and siblings only 10am - 12noon, and 7pm - 8pm
Ward closed to all visitors 12noon - 2pm
Maximum of 3 visitors at any time

Central Delivery Suite (Labour Ward):
You are welcome to attend with up to 2 birth partners
No additional visitors

How long will I stay in hospital after I've given birth?
After a normal birth you and your baby can be discharged home to the care of our Community Midwives as early as 4 hours after the birth providing you are both well.

After a caesarean section with no medical complications, most women stay for 2 to 3 days

What if my baby is sick or needs special care?
Babies needing special care are cared for on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Occasionally if NICU is full you and your baby may need to be transferred to another hospital.
The transitional care ward is for babies requiring additional, but not intensive care. The doctors will let you know what level of care is appropriate for your baby.

Will I be given help to breastfeed my baby?
Yes, all staff bave been trained to ensure they are able to help and support you with breastfeeding.
The maternity unit at Derriford Hospital has achieved stage 1 of the UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation scheme. For more information on Breastfeeding from the Baby Friendly Initiative web site click here

What if I choose to bottle feed my baby?
It is important that you make an informed choice about how you will feed your baby. We acknowledge that breastfeeding is the most appropriate method of feeding babies; breastfeeding offers health benefits to both mothers and babies in both the short and long term. Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision, so if you choose to bottle feed we will respect and support your choice.

How do I register my baby after the birth?
The law requires that all births be registered within 42 days (6 weeks).
The registration can be done by either parent if they were married to each other at the time of the birth, by the mother if parents were not married, or both parents if they were not married but the father is to be named and gain parental responsibility.
A birth must be registered in the district where the baby was born. Babies born at Derriford Hosiptal are registered in the registers held at Plymouth Register Office.
An appointment system operates at Plymouth Register Office. Please telephone 01752 268331 to arrange an appointment.
Appointments are available:
Monday 9am to 4.15pm
Tuesday 9am to 5.45pm
Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 4.45pm
Friday 9am to 3.45pm

Alternatively, you may wish to book an appointment to see your local registrar who will take the details and forward them to the Plymouth Register Office. Birth certificates will then be forwarded to you by post.
To book an appointment in Devon call 0845 1551002
To book an appointment in Cornwall call 0300 1234181

The registrar will ask you the following information, which is required by law:
The name you wish to call your child
The date and place of birth
Parents names (including past names) and their date and place of birth
Parents occupations
Parents address(es)
Whether the parents were married to each other at the time of the birth, and if so the date of the marriage.