Meet our team

There are many members of our maternity team, and we work together to create a positive experience for all those who choose to have their care with us. The information below describes the different people and teams you may meet throughout your maternity journey.

 

Midwife

A midwife is an expert in normal pregnancy and birth. Midwives are specially trained to care for mothers and babies throughout normal pregnancy, labour and after the birth. They provide care in hospital or at home. The name of the midwife responsible for your care will be in your pregnancy notes. A midwife will look after you during labour, if everything is straightforward, they will help you to birth your baby. If any complications develop during your pregnancy or birth, you will see a doctor as well as being cared for by your midwife. After the birth, you and your baby will be cared for by midwives and maternity support workers. 

 

Obstetrician

An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth. If there are any concerns about your pregnancy – for example, you had a previous complication in pregnancy or have a long-term illness, your midwife will refer you to see an Obstetrician. You can ask to see an obstetrician if you have any concerns you want to discuss.

 

Midwifery Support Worker (MSW) and Maternity Assistants (MA)

Midwifery support workers and maternity assistants are part of our team but are not registered practitioners.  They are highly trained for their roles and can help support you in many aspects of your care, for example, feeding support.

 

Sonographer

A sonographer is trained to carry out ultrasound scans. If you choose to have scans, sonographer or midwife-sonographer will perform your 12-week scan, 20-week scan, and screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

 

Anaesthetist

An anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises in providing pain relief and anaesthesia. If you decide to have an epidural for pain relief during labour, it'll be given by an anaesthetist. If you require a caesarean section, an anaesthetist will provide the appropriate anaesthesia. They'll also be present if you require an epidural for an instrumental delivery – for example, with forceps or a vacuum device that helps deliver the baby's head (ventouse).

 

Paediatrician

A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children. A paediatrician may check your baby after the birth to make sure everything is OK, and they'll be present when your baby is born if you've had a difficult labour. If your baby has any problems, you'll be able to discuss these with the paediatrician. If your baby is born at home or your hospital stay is short, you may not see a paediatrician at all. Your midwife or GP can check on you and your baby.

 

Neonatal nurses and Nursery Nurses

Neonatal nurses and Nursery Nurses are specially trained to care for babies who are premature or unwell when they're born. They usually work within specialist neonatal units in the hospital or in the community. They also have an important role in providing support for parents whose babies need neonatal care.

 

Obstetric Physiotherapist

An obstetric physiotherapist is trained to help you cope with physical changes during and after pregnancy and childbirth. After the birth, they advise on postnatal exercises to tone up your muscles.

 

Health visitor

Health visitors are trained nurses or midwives who support and educate families from pregnancy through to a child's 5th birthday. You may meet your health visitor before the birth of your baby and in the first few weeks after the birth. You may continue to see your health visitor or a member of the team at home, or at your child health clinic, children's centre, health centre or GP surgery.

 

Dietitian

If you have any concerns about special diets or eating healthily – for example, if you develop gestational diabetes – a dietitian can give you the advice you need.

 

Cleaning, Portering and Admin Staff

We have a wonderful team of cleaners, porters, and admin staff that help to ensure you receive excellent care.

 

Students

The Countess of Chester Hospital supports the practice education of students who are undertaking medical and health care professions' education and training programmes. Students get practical experience by contributing to the care, under the supervision of our staff. All students should wear an identification badge that identifies that they are a learner, and they should also introduce themselves to you as a learner. Students’ uniforms vary according to their training programme.

Please tell your midwife or health care professional if you do not want students to be involved in your care. Students will request your consent prior to them contributing to your care and they will respect your decision if you choose to refuse and have your care provided by a member of hospital staff instead. Your treatment will not be affected by your decision.

 

Fetal Medicine Team

The Fetal Medicine Team care for families who are expecting a baby who has higher chance of having a problem. The team is made up of specially trained obstetric doctors and midwives.

 

Perinatal Mental Health Midwife

Our specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife aims to provide additional information and support based on any concerns you may have regarding your Mental Health.

Pregnancy and childbirth are a major life events. Although many people have good mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy, this is a time of increased anxieties and emotional adjustment. Some may experience ongoing anxiety and/or depression which can lead to more serious mental illness if untreated/unsupported.

Those with a previous history of mental health problems have an increased risk of recurrence during this time, even if they have been well for many years.

This service gives you the opportunity to discuss any mental health concerns you may have. If required the Perinatal Mental Health Midwife will inform you of the various support networks available, including self-help strategies, peer led support groups, the Primary Care Mental Health Team and/or the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team.

 

Diabetes Team

Our Diabetes Team care for those who have type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. The team is made up of doctors, nurses, midwives, and dietitians who specialise in caring for people who have diabetes.

 

Infant Feeding Team

We provide a full range of services to help you feed your baby with confidence. We aim to empower you to understand your baby and build knowledge in your chosen feeding method. Our Infant Feeding Team is made up of lactation consultants, midwives, midwife support workers and administrative support, alongside the Bosom Buddies who are a group of peer support volunteers who we have trained. We have a Specialist Infant Feeding Clinic which you can access via referral from a health professional.  In this clinic, the Infant Feeding Team see infants with tongue tie, some of whom require division and others who may not need the procedure.

 

Antenatal Education Team

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) provides our pre-birth education. You can attend these classes for free to find out information about what to expect in pregnancy, birth and the time after birth; they are also a way to meet other families going through the same as you. In addition, we also offer an Infant Feeding Workshop and a Relaxation Session.

 

Lavender Midwives

Our Lavender Midwives provide practical guidance, information and emotional support to families affected by baby loss.