Newborn Family

Newborn Family is a doctor-led women’s and family health service founded by Dr Sadif Rafiq and Dr Moona Aslam – two experienced GPs, mothers and passionate advocates for better postnatal care.

We believe postnatal care should start before the baby arrives and it shouldn’t end at six weeks. Our unique approach begins during pregnancy, with personalised postpartum preparation consultations that help women understand and plan for the physical, emotional and practical realities of life after birth. We help expectant mothers prepare for recovery, feeding, sleep, emotional wellbeing, relationships, contraception, support at home, returning to exercise and work, and the changes that come with becoming a parent.

Once baby arrives, we provide comprehensive, private GP-led care for the whole family.

This includes:

• Postnatal checks for mothers, covering physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, birth recovery, pelvic health, feeding, contraception, sexual health, sleep and the transition into motherhood.
• Postnatal checks for dads and partners, recognising that partners also experience significant physical and emotional changes but are often overlooked by traditional postnatal services.
• Newborn baby checks, giving parents access to an experienced GP to assess their baby and answer questions about feeding, sleep, development, health and anything that concerns them.
• Whole-family consultations, bringing together the health and wellbeing of mother, baby and partner rather than treating them in isolation.
• Ongoing follow-up for up to two years, recognising that postnatal recovery and the transition into parenthood don’t magically end at the six-week check.

We also host luxury postnatal retreats, bringing together expert-led health support, restorative wellbeing, nourishing food, childcare and community to give new mothers the opportunity to pause, recover and feel cared for during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

Our model is designed around continuity. Rather than seeing a woman once and sending her on her way, we can support families through the changing stages of early parenthood from pregnancy preparation, through the newborn period and into the first two years.

Alongside our clinical work, we deliver education, workshops and wellbeing experiences for women, parents, businesses and organisations. We are particularly passionate about maternal wellbeing, the mental load of parenthood, reproductive health, returning to work and helping women feel informed and confident about their health. What makes our approach different is the combination of clinical expertise, medical education and lived experience.

We are experienced GPs and mothers who understand both the medicine and the reality of becoming a family. We are passionate about moving postnatal care from reactive to proactive, preparing women before birth, supporting mothers after birth, checking in on partners, assessing newborns and providing continuity as families navigate the first two years.

Ultimately, we want to create the kind of postnatal healthcare that families deserve: personalised, comprehensive, clinically led and genuinely centred around the whole family. Because when a baby is born, a family is born too and that family deserves support beyond the six-week check.

QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS:

Dr Sadif– MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC IUD, LoC SDI

Dr Moona – MBChB, MRCGP, FHEA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

FAQ 1. Can I see you before my baby is born?

Answer: Absolutely. We believe postnatal care should start before birth. Our pregnancy-to-postpartum preparation appointments help you understand what to expect after delivery and create a practical plan for your physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, feeding, sleep, support network, contraception, relationships and return to work.

FAQ 2. What does a postnatal check with you involve?

Answer: Our postnatal checks are much more comprehensive than a traditional six-week check. We look at your physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, birth experience, pelvic health, feeding, sleep, contraception, sexual health, exercise, relationships and how you are adapting to life as a parent. Most importantly, you have time to talk about what matters to you.

FAQ 3: Do you provide checks for dads and partners too?

Yes. Dads and partners are an important part of the family unit but are often overlooked by traditional postnatal services. We offer dedicated postnatal checks to give partners an opportunity to discuss their own physical and emotional wellbeing and any concerns they may have.

FAQ 4: Do you provide newborn baby checks?

Yes. Our experienced GPs can provide a comprehensive newborn check and give parents the opportunity to ask questions about their baby’s health, feeding, sleep, development and anything else they are concerned about.

FAQ5: How long do you support families for?

Our model is designed around continuity rather than a single appointment. We can support families from pregnancy preparation through the newborn period and provide followup for up to two years, recognising that recovery and the transition into parenthood continue well beyond six weeks.

FAQ5: How long do you support families for?

Our model is designed around continuity rather than a single appointment. We can support families from pregnancy preparation through the newborn period and provide follow up for up to two years, recognising that recovery and the transition into parenthood continue well beyond six weeks.

FAQ 6: What if I’m struggling emotionally after having my baby?

You don’t need to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for help. We provide a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about your emotional wellbeing, including anxiety, low mood, difficult birth experiences and the challenges of adjusting to motherhood. Where appropriate, we can also help you access further support.

FAQ 7: Do you offer support with contraception and sexual health after birth?

Yes. Postpartum contraception and sexual health are an important part of our consultations. We can discuss your options based on your individual circumstances, including contraception, changes in libido, intimacy and concerns about sex after birth. Dr Sadif can fit copper coils, Mirenas and Implants.

FAQ 8: What are your postnatal retreats?

Our postnatal retreats are half days designed to give new mothers something that is often missing after birth: time for themselves. They combine expert-led health and wellbeing support with nourishing food, relaxation, childcare and the opportunity to connect with other mothers in a supportive environment. They are designed to help you pause, recharge and feel cared for.

FAQ 8:  Is this a replacement for my NHS postnatal check?

No. Our assessment complements your NHS care and gives you additional time with an experienced GP to discuss your health, recovery and wellbeing in greater depth. Do I need to have a problem to book? Absolutely not. Many women book simply because they want reassurance, have questions about their recovery or want dedicated time to talk through how they are feeling and adjusting to motherhood.

FAQ 9: Can you examine me?

Yes. Where clinically appropriate and with your consent, your GP can perform a physical examination as part of your assessment.

FAQ 10: Can you prescribe medication?

Where clinically appropriate, your GP can discuss treatment options with you and prescribe medication in line with the usual requirements of private medical care.

FAQ 11: Can you refer me if something needs further investigation?

Yes. If your assessment suggests that you need further investigation, treatment or specialist input, we’ll explain your options and discuss the appropriate next steps with you.

FAQ 12: Can I bring my baby?

Yes. We completely understand that arranging childcare isn’t always possible and we don’t expect you to leave your baby at home. Your baby is welcome to attend your appointment.