Two Rivers Midwifery Postpartum Care
Most women in America give birth in the
hospital. Their doctors and midwives leave the
room shortly after the birth. A succession of
strangers cares for the new mother and baby. Each
nurse may give different advice about infant care
and breastfeeding. Sometimes mothers and babies
are unnecessarily separated. Just 48 hours after the
birth most women are home with their newborns,
overflowing with questions and waiting for their
milk to come in. It may be weeks before they see
their doctors or midwives again.
The Best Care
We believe that new families deserve the best care. We know that the early postpartum period is a critical time for emotional adjustment, breastfeeding success and family bonding.
We Stick Around
We stay for at least two hours after the birth (usually longer). There is a lot to do. We do much more than examine mothers and babies, administer tests and procedures, and monitor vital signs. If there are no helpers in the kitchen we make a meal for the new family. Labor is hungry work. We tidy up around the house and start the laundry. We make sure that the new baby is off to a good start with breastfeeding. After the new family is fed and safely tucked into bed we continue to be available by telephone 24 hours a day to address whatever comes up. We are still on-call after the birth.
We Keep in Touch
We visit the new family 24 hours after the birth to check on the health of the new mom and baby. We help with breastfeeding. We patiently answer questions about newborn care. No question is insignificant. We take the time to discuss matters of the heart. New parenthood is filled with strong emotions. If all is well we visit three times during the first week. Sometimes we come more often. The postpartum visit schedule is flexible - different families have different needs
. We typically visit two or three weeks after the birth and then again six to eight weeks after the birth.
The Last Postpartum Visit
The last visit may include a pap test for mom and information about family planning. The last visit is bittersweet for us. It is the end of our formal relationship. Although, we often keep in touch. We see confident new parents and a growing baby who are in some ways the same people we knew throughout the pregnancy and in other ways completely transformed. We love our work.
© 2000-2010
