Postpartum care

Postpartum care begins the day after the birth when I journey to the client's home once again.  I check the mother for involution of the uterus, her blood pressure, pulse and temperature.  I want to know that she has eaten, replenished  fluids and is resting.  I like to talk to the moms about breast-feeding also.  I like to check the vitals of the baby and want to know that s/he is urinating, moving meconium through the system and nursing well.

The next visits are scheduled at five days, two or three weeks and six weeks after the birth.  I continue to monitor the vitals of both mom and baby, and I like to weigh the babies at each of these visits.  I also perform the metabolic screening on the baby as well as submit a birth certificate.

The Details:

• Day after visit at the home

• Health assessment of mother and child

• Breast feeding help/discussion

• Future visits at 5 days, 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks

• Baby's and mother's health is monitored at each visit

• Birth certificate is submitted