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Postpartum Care

The postpartum care a midwife provides is just as important as prenatal care. It is ensuring that mother and baby are thriving, breastfeeding is going well, and that no complications develop after the birth. It is the personal continuation of midwifery care, even after your baby is born. 

Postpartum care and follow-up with mother and baby are very important to me. I stay in contact with you via texts and phone calls during the first few days after the birth, making sure everything is going well and answering any questions you may have. Two days after you have given birth, I return to your home to check on you and the baby, make sure breastfeeding is going well, and no complications have arisen. 

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You receive postpartum visits in your home at two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks after the birth, or whatever is needed. These are to ensure healthy growth for baby and healing and return to normal for the mother. 

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I care for healthy newborns from birth to six weeks. This care includes:

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  • A full newborn exam after birth

  • A congenital heart defect screening two days after the birth (with a pulse oximeter)

  • Infant weight, growth, and development checks

  • Filing with the State of Texas for the baby's birth certificate and social security number

  • Taking baby's footprints for a keepsake if desired by parents

  • Offering up to 2 newborn metabolic screens (formerly known as the "PKU test"). See this list of the 55 conditions that are screened for in Texas. 

  • Monitoring of newborn temperature, heart rate, and lungs

  • Counsel regarding newborn care and breastfeeding, evaluation of a lip or tongue tie

  • Referral to a pediatrician for any complications or concerns that develop

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Postpartum care for the mother includes:

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  • Monitoring mother's vital signs, to make sure that they remain normal

  • Recognition of any medical complications that develop during the postpartum period

  • Ensuring that breastfeeding is going well, counseling the mother regarding any complications that arise

  • Monitoring the healing and return to normal of all the mother's body systems and the healing process of any perineal tract trauma or abdominal muscle separation. 

  • Counseling the mother regarding a good diet while breastfeeding and recovering from pregnancy and birth. 

  • Offering the mother emotional support and guidance through any postpartum blues or depression.

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