Postpartum Care Plan
You are so close to meeting your sweet baby! Before that time comes we’d like to review what our care looks like after you have given birth. We’ve included some resources for you as well.
We LOVE caring for you and part of that care is ensuring that you are supported and cared for during your postpartum period. Please remember, we are still on call for you! Your postpartum care will consist of a 1-3 day appointment, a 2 week appointment, and a final 6 week appointment. If you are due for a pap we can do one at your last visit. Will will discuss family planning and birth control choices if desired at this appointment as well.
For your first appointment we will support you with breastfeeding, complete the 1st Newborn Screen, complete the Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening(CCHD), assess for jaundice and ensure all vital signs are normal for both you and baby. This is an important visit! We know you are exhausted so we offer this as a HOME VISIT if you are within 15 miles of the birth center.
Information for Parents of Newborns
First Pediatrician Appointment: We recommend you finding a pediatrician before baby arrives as some require you to pre-register with them so when baby is born they have most of the information needed to get baby seen in a timely manner. There are several great pediatricians in the DFW area. Let us know if you need some help finding one.
Some things to consider when choosing a pediatrician is:
Are they respectful of your parenting choices?
Distance? Well visits are frequent the first year!
Concierge vs Practice
Sick Visit practices
Ease of scheduling
You should call your pediatrician after your baby is born to schedule their first appointment. Many of our clients call after the first visit with us.
Hearing Screens: It is recommended your baby have a hearing screen within the first month of life. Some pediatricians offer this service. You can find additional facilities here.
Baby Blues and Postpartum Mood Disorders: It’s normal to feel emotional the first few days. You had a sudden drop in hormones and you’re most likely are sleep deprived. It’s important to continue taking your supplements, nourish your body with healthy foods, stay hydrated, sleep when you can and lean on your support system. If you are crying or sad more than you are happy, feel disconnected, notice an increase in anxiety or anger please reach out to us. It’s important for you and your partner to be aware of postpartum mood disorders. Postpartum Support International is an incredible resource. After reviewing the materials don’t hesitate to bring any concerns up to your midwives. We have some wonderful referrals for those needing additional support beyond what we can provide.
There is so much planning that goes into the birth and arrival of your baby that many forget to plan for postpartum. This week take some time to schedule the Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents Class through Postpartum Support International. On this page you can find a short list of downloads that are excellent tools for you and anyone supporting you to keep on hand.
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas
Breastfeeding: You can find resources on this page
Books: The First Forty Days, The Fourth Trimester, Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Instagram: MilkyMamaLLC, SafeInTheSeat, TheWonderWeeks
Car seats: It is so important that you know how to use your car seat. Countless times your midwives have struggled along side new parents watching YouTube videos before discharging home trying to figure out how to tighten, open, fold, snap together, twist… ok you get the point! Here’s some local resources for you:
Child Safety Seat Checkup Events and Inspection Stations
Children’s Health Car Seat Program
CPR/First Aid Classes:
American Red Cross Online Only Baby First Aid/CPR/AED
Moms on Call Online Child Infant Choking, CPR, and First Aid Online Course
North Dallas Doulas Infant & Child CPR
Birth Certificates: We will file your birth certificate for you. You will be given a worksheet to fill out before the birth of your baby. A few days after your baby is born you will receive a “Verification of Birth Facts” through your portal. Be sure to read it over thoroughly before approving it. After that is approved, it is sent to the state. You will receive your baby’s social security card in the mail in 2-3 weeks after their birth. Once that is received you can order their birth certificate online here or purchase a copy at your local vital records office. We do not receive a copy.