Create a custom environment
Bring items from home that will enhance your feeling of comfort at the birthing center, such as your favorite pillows or blankets.
Midwife & More understands that a woman’s childbirth experience isn’t limited to only labor and delivery. The childbirth journey proceeds along a continuum, passing through the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal phases.
Postpartum care services focus on providing support for the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the mother and her newborn in the period after childbirth. Our comprehensive postpartum care package provides mothers with the valuable information and support they will need to enter this exciting new adventure with confidence.
About the Postpartum Care Period
The postpartum, or postnatal, period of childbirth refers to the initial weeks and months following delivery. It unfolds in three distinct stages:
- Acute phase. The acute phase is the period immediately following the birth and lasts for 6-12 hours. During this period, the mother is closely monitored for any complications such as excessive bleeding.
- Subacute phase. After the acute phase has concluded, the subacute phase ensues lasting 2-6 weeks. During this phase, the mother may be at risk for constipation, hemorrhoids, deep vein thrombosis, and bouts of depression.
- Delayed phase. The delayed phase of postpartum follows the subacute phase and lasts up to six months. During this period the mother’s muscles and connective tissues return to pre-pregnancy state.
It is helpful to be aware of the various changes in the body that occur during the postpartum period. These changes include:
- Uterus size change. As the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size, cramps and vaginal discharge (lochia) occur.
- Breast engorgement. As the breast milk comes in, the breasts will become swollen and somewhat painful.
- Hormone changes. As hormone levels normalize, symptoms like headaches, hot flashes, and mood swings are common.
- Exhaustion. Caring for a newborn immediately after giving birth results in fatigue and exhaustion that may last for weeks.
What is Postpartum Care?
Midwife & More helps new mothers gently transition from pregnancy into the postnatal period. While true that a mother’s attention is mostly centered on the pregnancy and delivery, we understand the importance of the mother receiving ample postpartum support. After giving birth, most mothers experience physical discomfort and exhaustion and may feel frustrated and moody as a result.
To assist mothers during this period, our postpartum treatments feature medical interventions and support services to help reduce any discomforts and health risks. These support measures allow the mom to heal safely and comfortably while she focuses her energy on bonding with her newborn baby.
Prenatal
Throughout the prenatal phase, our midwives share valuable information and guidance. During each prenatal visit, they educate you about the childbirth process, nutrition, exercise, and psychological well-being. As the due date approaches, you learn pain management techniques to assist with labor. We encourage family members to attend prenatal visits and actively participate in your journey.
Labor and Delivery
At our birth center, we treat childbirth as a natural process rather than a medical condition. Once labor begins, your midwife actively provides labor support, comfort, and monitoring. Mothers can move freely, take a shower, or enjoy a meal as they wish. To create a relaxed environment, we encourage you to enjoy soothing music, candlelight, or aromatherapy. Loved ones are welcome to join and share in the labor and delivery experience.
Postpartum
Once you welcome your newborn into the world, you will rest for several hours before discharge. Your midwife and nurse will stay with you during the postpartum period. We offer the services of a board-certified lactation specialist to assist with breastfeeding if needed and provide follow-up daily phone calls or visits.
Midwife & More Postpartum Care Package
To address the wide range of common postpartum issues that new mothers experience during the weeks following childbirth, Midwife & More has created a comprehensive postpartum care package. Postpartum care Thousand Oaks includes:
- Health Monitoring. We schedule regular check-ups with the mother to continually assess her recovery. This includes monitoring uterine health, vaginal healing, C-section incision care (if applicable), and overall physical recovery.
- Lactation Support. We provide mothers with assistance on breastfeeding techniques, latching issues, milk supply concerns, and potential complications such as mastitis.
- Mental Health Support. We screen and provide support for postpartum depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, including counseling or referrals to mental health professionals.
- Newborn Care Guidance. We provide mothers with education on infant feeding, sleeping patterns, diapering, bathing, and overall newborn care.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy. We guide mothers on the practice of rehabilitation exercises for urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or weakened pelvic muscles that may occur after childbirth.
- Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance. We provide new mothers with advice on proper postpartum nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness to aid the recovery process.
- Family Planning and Contraception. We offer guidance on birth control options and future reproductive health considerations.
- Sleep and Fatigue Management. We provide effective strategies for managing sleep deprivation, balancing rest with newborn care, and addressing exhaustion.
- Support Groups and Community Resources. We provide connections to local support groups, parenting classes, and community networks to help new mothers navigate postpartum challenges.
- Partner and Family Involvement. We provide education for partners and family members on how to effectively support both mother and baby.
Wellness Tips for the Postpartum Period
While a mother’s focus after delivery will be on her new baby, it is important to integrate self-care actions into daily routines. Here are some helpful wellness tips for mothers during the postpartum period:
- Be willing to accept help. It’s okay to ask friends and family members for a little help during the early weeks after childbirth. You will be surprised at how happy they are to run errands for you or to help with light housekeeping.
- Keep follow-up appointments. Keep up with your postnatal appointments to ensure that you are healing properly, and any other doctor appointments as needed.
- Get some light exercise. Your postpartum care provider can provide guidance regarding safe levels of physical activity after giving birth. However, taking a daily walk is very safe and can yield many health and mental health benefits.
- Rest when you can. When your baby naps, take full advantage of that opportunity to rest as well. Avoid the temptation to use that time cleaning house or doing laundry.
- Eat nutrient rich foods. Fuel your postpartum recovery with nutritious meals and healthy snacks while also limiting sugary and processed foods.
- Join a support group. If this is a first child, a mom support group can be very helpful. There you will connect with other new moms and be able to share your motherhood challenges and joys together.
Midwife & More provides postpartum care services in Thousand Oaks, helping to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood while addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum recovery.
Questions? Call Us Today!
877-537-3240
