Immediate Postpartum

+A-a

We protect the “golden hour”
How long do you stay after the birth?
How messy is a birth in the home?
Newborn Exam
What if I need stitches?

We protect the “golden hour”

When uninterrupted, the mother-baby microbiome can do its work.

The bonding between family and baby is enhanced.

Breastfeeding can be established more easily.

Experience fewer interruptions.

How long do you stay after the birth?

We typically stay 4hrs after your birth.

Within this time frame, your team has done a complete Newborn exam, both mom and dad have been able to eat a good warm meal.

Vitals have been taken periodically for both mom and baby.

Before we leave your home, we review the Postpartum Instructions Sheet with dad (or another specified family member or friend). Both mom and baby are left in their capable hands.

How messy is a birth in the home?

Midwives know that every part of a birth is essential to the whole. We do not see birth as messy.

We are prepared for the little spills and thrills that happen along the way. We have a clean-as-you-go method of operating.

We teach you how to prepare your bed so that after the birth, with a little midwifery “slight of hand” you can climb back into nice clean sheets with your baby.

We do a thorough clean-up before we leave.

Your home looks pretty much the same as before we came, except for the new family member in your arms!

Newborn Exam

After the “golden hour”, your midwife team will perform a complete newborn exam of your baby from head to toe.

The newborn exam is done right on the bed next to you after the first breast feeding.

We check to make sure that all things are normal for your baby. We assess gestational aging using the standard Ballard Scale.

What if I need stitches?

We have been trained in perineal repair and will bring everything necessary, should it be required.

San Diego County Midwives have either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.

Disclaimer of Medical Advice: All users of this website are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All of the content provided on the website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the providing of medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.