What You Need to Know About Postpartum Care
Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful experience. However, there is no denying that it takes a physical and mental toll on the body as it grows and adjusts to welcome a new life.
This is where the importance of postpartum care comes in. Adequate support and nourishment to the body during this time can do wonders for your recovery. It also enables you to perform better for yourself and your baby without neglecting yourself.
At Birthways, we make sure our clients know that we are here to support them even after they have had their babies. We encourage them to come in for their postpartum appointments so we can help them navigate through this time with ease.
How many postpartum visits do I have?
You will have about one to four postpartum visits. However, we can see you more often or less often depending on the circumstances.
The first visit is during the first 24-48 hours after you give birth. This helps us check in with you and the baby to ensure you’re doing okay.
We then see you again at 1-3 weeks and at 6-8 weeks postpartum. And if needed, we can schedule additional visits.
What happens in a postpartum appointment?
During these visits, we discuss how your family is functioning, how you’re getting along with the baby, and whether you’re taking care of yourself during it all.
We talk about:
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum recovery
- Emotional well-being
- Sleep
- Appetite
Our midwives provide you with the support, information, and guidance that you need. We also assist with breastfeeding challenges and refer you to lactation specialists if needed.
What if I need more support?
Postpartum doulas are a wonderful addition to the postpartum healing journey. If more home support is required, we recommend a postpartum doula, especially if family members aren’t available or able to help as much as you need them to.
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained individual whose primary responsibility is to provide you with additional support during your postpartum period. They know postpartum healing and can assist you better.
They can help with:
- Breastfeeding support
- Newborn care
- Assisting family bonding
- Taking care of small chores
- Providing emotional support to the parents
If you have any other questions regarding postpartum care, just ask us!