Postpartum & Newborn

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.”

Osho

Whether this is your first baby or your sixth, each new addition means adjusting to your growing family, changing body, fluctuating hormones, and evolving emotions. Our midwives believe that the postpartum period is precious, and should be nourished, protected, and cherished.

Postpartum visits

After an uncomplicated birth, most families stay at the birth center for 4-6 hours to rest, recover, and bond with their newborn. After discharge from the birthing center, we follow up with you closely to ensure both mom and baby are happy and healthy. Postpartum visits include, at a minimum:

• Phone call on postpartum day 1 (24 hours after birth)
• An in-home visit from the Registered Nurse on postpartum day 2 (48 hours after birth) for both mother and newborn
• A postpartum visit at the birth center for mother and newborn at 2-3 weeks postpartum
• A final postpartum visit for mom at 10 weeks postpartum

Newborn Care

Certified Nurse-Midwives are able to care for well babies up to 28 days of life. At our practice, we see newborns at 2-3 weeks of age, after which we transition baby’s care to the pediatric provider of your choosing. We’re happy to offer all of baby’s recommended screenings, including:

• Comprehensive newborn exam at birth
• Newborn screens for metabolic disorders (at 2 days, and at 2 weeks)
• Hearing screen
• Congenital heart defect screen
• Weight check
• Evaluation for lip and tongue ties
• Jaundice assessment
• Breastfeeding support