Maternity Services

After your baby is born

Postpartum care for you
Right after you've given birth to your baby, your labor and birth nurse will show you how to hold your baby and help you with the first breastfeeding. This is a time to rest after birth and get to know your newborn. You and your baby will have matching identification bands that are checked every time you are given your baby. Your nurse will bring you and your baby in a wheelchair to a postpartum room on the 10th or 11th floor of the Children's Hospital, where you can relax and bond with your baby.

Between two and six hours after birth, your nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, uterine firmness and vaginal bleeding. If you have an IV, it will be taken out. Let your nurse help you out of bed the first time you get up.

You will be asked to fill out a patient teaching form that will identify your learning needs. Your nurse will answer your questions, and help you practice baby care skills and care of yourself. On occasion, some women need extra care after childbirth in the Maternal Special Care Unit on the 10th floor of the Children's Hospital (West Pavilion).

After a cesarean birth
Your recovery will be slower than a normal delivery, so take your time and be patient with your body. You may have been catheterized to remove fluids from your bladder. It is common to have mild discomfort voiding at first. Because your chance of a urinary tract infection increases with a catheter, drink lots of fluids--especially water and cranberry juice.

Sometime during your first day, your nurse may get you up to sitting, then out of bed. Once you are out of bed, you may shower and will be encouraged to walk.

Check with your doctor or midwife as to when you can start exercises after you return home.

Last revised: Oct. 16, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.