Postnatal care
What does postnatal care with me look like?
Postnatal care is often a very neglected part of maternity care in modern systems, but it’s one of my favourite aspects of my job. It’s such a precious time, and I feel uniquely privileged to witness the new mother and father (or partner) growing into their new roles. I can’t think of anything more touching than seeing the tenderness of a mother’s touch, and the love in a father’s eyes. Every mother, every father, every baby and every family is unique, so postnatal care is different for everyone. But I will certainly visit frequently during the first few days and then I gradually space out my visits. I usually visit regularly for four weeks, then take the notes and come back a couple of weeks later to discharge you and give you a copy of your notes (handwritten, not digital). I am on call (or arrange another midwife) night and day throughout the entire six week postnatal period and parents often use WhatsApp or other messaging apps to ask questions or seek advice or share happy moments. During visits:
I’ll check on your wellbeing, making sure you’re recovering well from the birth and helping you to optimise your health.
I will (with consent) gently examine baby, to ensure baby is well and thriving. This can include weighing (but I’m not obsessed with weight as is only a very small part of the whole picture) and doing the heelprick test on day five if you want it (and not giving you any hassle if you don’t want it). From very early on, you’re the expert in your baby and I will help you to gain confidence in your instincts. If you’re worried, I will listen. And if medical help is needed, I will make a direct referral to the appropriate professional.
I will be really thorough and gentle with my postnatal check of you. I will listen to you and if any problems arise, I can help you find the best approach for you. We can consider nutrition, herbal and homoeopathic remedies, osteopathy or chiropractic referrals, sitz baths and/or yoni steaming (I have a beautiful wooden stool to help with this healing practice), and many other approaches. If necessary, I can refer to a medical professional.
I will help with feeding, whatever feeding method you choose. I have many years of experience in supporting mothers to breastfeed even under challenging conditions; I can help with mixed or bottle feeding too. I will be with you every step of the way.
And of course, I provide support with caring for your baby. We will have prepared for his or her arrival during the antenatal period but now I am on hand to support you and your partner to give baby their first bath, and with tailored advice about sleeping. Babies are all individuals, and I can help you to discover the best sleep and comfort options for your family. I will be non-judgemental and supportive of your choices, including attachment parenting and co-sleeping and whether or not you choose to participate in the NHS immunisation programme.
Wrapping you in a cocoon of care
My doula partner, Sarah Marsden, and I will help to arrange the care that you and your family needs at this special time. We can give you lots of ideas to ease you into family life. How about a circle of family and friends to bring food? Sarah and I will also bring some food for you in the early days. Additionally, we have training and skills in postnatal rebozo (sometimes called ‘closing the bones’), herbal sitz baths or yoni steaming, and even a ‘rebirth’ ceremony if the birth took an unexpected turn.
