Postpartum services after baby's birth

Having a baby can be an exciting experience. You may have questions about baby care or what to expect during your early weeks postpartum. We’re here to help smooth the transition to having a new member of your family.

Our doctors and nurses can teach you about things like bathing and feeding your baby. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula or a mixture of both, we’ll offer information about making it work.

We offer convenient breastfeeding support to help you with things like latching technique, breastfeeding positions, pumping and breast infections. We can also give you tips to help with continuing to breastfeed after a return to work.

Postpartum care instructions

While you’re in the postpartum unit, our nurses will be available to answer your questions about caring for your baby and caring for yourself. Once you get home, concentrate on caring for your baby, eating healthy food and getting as much sleep as you can.

Part of your postpartum instructions from the hospital will include tips about caring for your perineum. You may have stitches in your perineum or it may feel sore and be swollen. After a cesarean birth, you’ll be given instructions about caring for your incision.

Sitz baths

A sitz bath – a shallow bath that you sit in – can be soothing for stitches and soreness. You can take a sitz bath in a bathtub with a couple of inches of warm water in it. There are also kits available that include a bowl that fits over your toilet to hold the warm water. Your doctor or midwife may suggest adding medicine or other substances to the water.

Taking a sitz bath is a great way to encourage healing and ease cramps, itching or soreness. It’s helpful for cleansing your perineum gently. It can also help cleanse and heal any hemorrhoids that may have developed during your pregnancy or labor.

You’ll sit in a sitz bath for about 10 minutes at a time and should try to do it four times a day. When you’re done, dry the area gently with a soft towel.

Postpartum bath

You’ll also get instructions about when it’s OK to take your first postpartum bath. Your birth attendant may suggest waiting a few weeks for your first bath after giving birth. If you had a cesarean birth, you’ll need to take care not to get your incision wet.

Showers are often a better, quicker choice in the early weeks. When you’re done with your shower or bath postpartum, gently pat dry any stitches or sore areas with a soft towel.

Moods & emotional changes after birth

Emotional ups and downs are natural after birth, but some new mothers find it more difficult to cope than others. It's important to seek support from one of our experts if you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or if you think you may be at risk.

We offer:

• Risk assessment and screening
• Telephone support
• Group support
• Educational classes
• Inpatient hospital support
• Referral to appropriate health providers

Symptoms of "baby blues"

"Baby blues" are common and are influenced by the hormonal changes that occur after birth. About 50% to 80% of new mothers are affected.

Symptoms of "baby blues" may include sadness, anxiety, crying and mood swings. These feelings usually pass by about two weeks. If these symptoms continue or get worse after two weeks postpartum, they may indicate a more serious condition, and you should talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression symptoms and the severity of symptoms are different for everyone. It typically appears anywhere from two weeks up to one year after birth.

Symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

• Sense of despair
• Feeling hopeless
• No energy or interests
• Sleeping too much or insomnia
• Scary thoughts about your baby or family
• Weight loss or gain
• Guilt or shame
• Hypochondria
• Feeling inadequate
• Suicidal thoughts

Treatment for postpartum depression may include medications, therapy or both. Many medications for postpartum depression are considered safe for use while breastfeeding. It’s important for both you and your baby to get treatment for this disorder. Talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling.

If at any time you believe you're experiencing an emergency situation, call 911 right away.