• Prepared Homecoming

Once you are no longer pregnant, your body works hard to get back to it’s pre-pregnant state. Your nurse will be monitoring you closely to identify any complications that may arise. You will be encouraged to soak in the tub if you deliver vaginally and assisted with a shower if you deliver by C-section. Many women feel aches and pains after delivering. We have a number of options to help you with this, including heat packs, ice packs, pillows for comfort, medications as ordered by your practitioner, rest, massage by our Massage Therapist, and aromatherapy to name a few.

The nurses in the Birth Center will help your family prepare for homecoming. You will receive a Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care book as a resource when questions and concerns arise at home. Throughout your stay in the Birth Center, nurses will help you to feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about caring for yourself and your newborn in a variety of ways including demonstrations, discussions, and DVDs.

Before you leave the Birth Center with your new bundle of joy, your nurse will help you schedule an initial postpartum follow up appointment for you and your baby.

This appointment is held in the Birth Center and will include:

· Addressing any health concerns you have about yourself or your baby

· Weight and jaundice check for baby

· Assessing your risk for postpartum depression

· Breastfeeding assistance, including latching, feeding, and pumping, from a lactation specialist

· Feeding assistance for formula feeding mothers and infants

· Connecting you with additional resources that you may need at home

 

Mother’s and newborns who are breastfeeding are invited to join the RAMC Birth Center Milk Vine private facebook group that offers a forum for discussion.

Families are encouraged to follow the RAMC Birth Center facebook page stay current with the latest happenings in the Birth Center!