Postpartum Care

Your Postpartum Health - What to Expect

After delivering your baby, you will be moved from Labor and Delivery into our Postpartum Unit where you will spend your time until discharge. As soon as your physician allows, you will be able to order food from our room service menu and get much needed rest. Nurses will bring your baby from the nursery to be with you in your room and then return to the nursery when you need to rest.

If you have other children, you may elect to have a sibling cake delivered to your postpartum room to help brothers and sisters celebrate the arrival of your new family member. This is also a time to learn about your baby; how to dress, bathe and feed your infant. If you are breastfeeding, you will meet with our lactation consultants to learn about and become comfortable with nursing. Lactation consultants are available by phone to answer any questions you may have after you have been discharged from the hospital.

Our nurses, education department and patient advocates are here to answer your questions and help you transition from hospital to home.

To learn more about Postpartum Health services, please call 859.967.5705.

girl outside on bench

Your Successful Transition Home

Taking steps to prepare for the postpartum period can help make the transition home easier. We recommend the following:

  • Prepare clothing for the next two to three months. Attractive postpartum clothing can be a good morale booster for Mom. Remember, your waist will take awhile to return to pre-pregnant size and breasts are larger when breastfeeding.
  • If you have a two-story home, prepare baby care and rest areas on both floors.
  • Prepare extra food and freeze meal-size portions for use during the first two weeks. Make menus for simple, nutritious meals and shop ahead for necessary ingredients and other staples.
  • Arrange for help with housework for at least the first week.
  • If at all possible, postpone moving or making other significant lifestyle changes until the baby is at least three months old.
  • Locate a reliable babysitter in your area.
  • Have a good supply of sanitary pads on hand.
  • If you have other children, begin preparing them for the new brother or sister by at least the 7th month of pregnancy. Prepare a special treat for the children during mother's hospital stay, like new toys or an outing with dad or grandparents. Make a list of instructions for childcare and household operations during your hospital stay.
  • Discuss role changes and anticipated changes with your spouse, friends, relatives and grandparents. Identify potential sources of conflict and try to work these out before your baby arrives, so everyone can relax and enjoy the baby and other family members as much as possible.
  • Limit visitors and phone calls during the first week. If close friends and families must visit, ask them to all come together and stay a short period while baby is awake. Don't worry about feeding and entertaining guests. If you overdo it the first week, you'll be exhausted and baby might be fussy from being handled so often. Your rest and sleep is critical during the first three to six weeks after birth.
  • Become familiar with local health services and emergency care. Keep phone numbers readily available (including your personal physician and pediatrician).

To learn more about Postpartum Health services, please call 859.967.5705.

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