What to Expect at Your Postpartum Visit | Erie PA Doula
After completing your pregnancy and conquering childbirth, you might think it’s time to get back to “life as usual.” However, the postpartum period is a time when you should carefully ease yourself back into everyday routines instead of returning to all your responsibilities at once. Your body needs a chance to relax and recover after doing all that hard, important work!
the postpartum visit
Your birth doula team will check in with you 1-2 times in person after you have your baby to make sure you are adjusting well, and to answer any questions you may have. You can expect this visit to be much less formal than your prenatal visit. We follow your lead as far as what you want to talk about and what needs you may have. You can expect this informal meeting to last 1-2 hours.
examples of what might happen at your postpartum visit:
…helping you get comfortable with your baby carrier.
…answering questions about baby poop (is this color, amount, texture normal?!)
…answering questions about cloth or disposable diapering (how does he always pee out of it?!)
…talking about how bottle-feeding is going.
…answering questions about engorgement and establishing or diminishing milk supply.
…help with basic latch and positioning for breastfeeding.
….outlining what normal postpartum physical recovery looks like.
…discussing postpartum mental health.
…help with brainstorming ideas for quick and easy meals.
…talking your partner through how to put together your new stroller.
…teaching you and your partner different swaddling methods.
…discussing what normal & safe infant sleep looks like.
…helping to entertain older siblings and make them feel included.
…we can make suggestions and referrals to lactation counselors, chiropractors, postpartum massage therapists, pelvic floor therapists, therapists specializing in maternal mental health / postpartum depression, food and catering services, etc.
…if you have the desire, you have the time and space to talk about your birth experience without any judgement .
…if you wish, we can hold the baby while you take a shower.
…if you wish, we can hold the baby while you eat a meal (with both hands!)
your doulas want you to know…
The last thing we want, is to add any unnecessary stress to your life during this time of tremendous change and transition. We encourage our clients not to run the vacuum before we arrive or worry about the dishes piling up in the sink, or think we are paying attention to when the last time was that you washed your hair!
We like to show up and see you cuddling on the couch with baby, both of you in some comfy pajamas and with your favorite drink/snack close by!
after your postpartum visit…
After our visit, you are encouraged to continue texting and calling when you need extra support, referrals, or have any questions (questions about breastfeeding are especially welcomed at any time!). We know that reaching out when you have a newborn can be tough, so you can be sure we’ll check in with you from time to time as well!
why this meeting is important
After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you typically won’t see your doctor for a checkup for 6 weeks. After an uncomplicated cesarean birth, you typically won’t see your doctor for a checkup for 2-4 weeks.
The first few weeks after having a baby are a crucial time for support. You are establishing feeding, bonding, dealing with a roller coaster of emotions, your body is changing (yes, still!), you are learning to live with less sleep, you are struggling to keep up with your nutrition, etc.
Local doctors have been happy to hear that we are supporting their patients during this crucial, sensitive, and vulnerable time. You are not alone.
postpartum doulas
If we are sticking around a little longer in your life to support you as your Postpartum Doulas, we will schedule your first couple shifts at this time. Learn more about how a Postpartum Doula can help your family here.