Nurturing You and Your Newborn
The postpartum period is a time of adjustment and transformation, and we are here to help you in your journey. Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of postpartum care, offering not only medical expertise but also a warm and understanding environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and celebrate the joys of motherhood. We look forward to supporting you and your growing family during this incredible chapter in your life.
Postpartum Visits
Routine postpartum care begins with a follow-up visit, six weeks after your delivery. During this visit our experienced obstetricians will assess your physical healing, discuss any concerns you may have, and address any questions related to newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum well-being. Our goal is to provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate the early stages of motherhood.
We may encourage visits earlier in the postpartum period for high risk pregnancies and deliveries. We also would like to visit with you earlier if you have any questions or concerns prior to your six week postpartum visit.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and beneficial way to nourish your newborn. Providers at our clinic can work with you to address any breastfeeding challenges, and provide valuable tips to enhance your breastfeeding experience.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
There are many benefits of breastfeeding including:
- Breast milk is easy for your baby to digest and has the right amount of fat, sugar, and protein for you baby’s growth. Your breast milk also changes as your baby grows to further support your baby’s development.
- Breast milk contains antibodies from your body to help your baby fight infections and illness as a newborn and as long as you choose to breastfeed.
- Breastfed babies have a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Breast milk can help lower many long term health problems of premature babies
- Breastfeeding may make it easier for you to lose the weight gained in pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding may also lower your risk of future breast and ovarian cancer.
Breastfeeding basics:
- Your should breastfeed your baby as soon after birth as possible.
- Breastfeed your baby as often as they get hungry. During the first weeks of life this can be 8-12 times a day.
- When breastfeeding you need an extra 400-500 calories a day. You should also drink plenty of fluids.
- The more often you breastfeed your baby the more breastmilk you will make. If you are having problems making enough milk for your baby, the first thing to do is feed the baby more often. It may take up to 48 hours to see an increase in milk supply. If you still are having difficulty, please contact our office or make an appointment with a lactation consultant and we can help give tips and advice to help.
Contraceptive Management
Family planning is an essential aspect of postpartum care. We offer a range of contraceptive options and will work with you to choose the one that aligns with your family’s goals and your individual health needs. Our team will provide you with detailed information and support to make the best choice for your lifestyle and future plans.
Options for contraception after delivery include:
- Natural Family Planning
- Progesterone only pills
- Progesterone IUD
- Copper IUD
- Progesterone arm implant
- Progesterone injection
- Oral Contraceptive pills (if not breastfeeding)
Postpartum Depression and anxiety Care:
Postpartum depression can affect many new mothers, and we take this condition seriously. Our healthcare providers are trained to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and offer support, resources, and treatment options if needed.
Some signs of postpartum depression include:
- Persistent sadness or mood swings
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt
- Irritability or anger
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances, unrelated to your newborn
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts about harming yourself or others
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities
If you have feelings of harming yourself or others including your baby, please seek immediate help. You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Help is available.
Postpartum depression differs from postpartum blues. Postpartum blues often occurs within 2-3 days of giving birth and goes away within 2 weeks. If your symptoms last longer or are more severe, you may have postpartum depression.
Treatment options for postpartum depression:
- Medication called antidepressants
- Counseling by a certified counselor
Please reach out to our clinic if you are feeling the symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety. Your mental and emotional well-being are as important to us as your physical health, and we are here to help you navigate this sensitive issue with care and compassion.
