Northern Midwifery Care

Postpartum Services

Free for BC Residents

Check our our sister site at www.confidentbeginningspg.com

What can I expect?

Midwives provide care for you and your baby for the first six weeks postpartum and we remain on-call for you and your baby in case of emergency. Usually we make three postpartum visits in the first week, generally in your home, followed by check-ups in the clinic. If you live more than 20 mintues from Prince George you may need to come to clinic for all your postpartum care.

Around 6 weeks postpartum, we will see you and your baby for your last visit and then discharge you both back to your family physician for ongoing care. If you do not already have a family physician, we can help refer you to one.

Postpartum visits include a thorough assessment of the mom and new baby in your own home for the first week or so, then back in our clinic. Our visits will offer the opportunity to identify and treat common maternal and newborn problems during a time when they might otherwise go unnoticed. We will work closely with your providers so that you can have all of the support you need without leaving home. We offer six to ten postpartum visits to monitor the wellbeing fo you and you baby.

Home care will optimize your baby’s introduction to the world and the mother’s recovery after birth. We provide a holistic perspective and a wealth of information to all members of the family to assure a healthy start. Clients can expect a comprehensive exam for both the recently delivered mother and newborn baby. Our exams will screen for common maternal problems such as postpartum depression, high blood pressure, and infection of either vaginal lacerations or cesarean section wounds.

The newborn exam will screen for common newborn problems such as jaundice, dehydration and poor weight gain. In addition, a Registered Midwife will assist with breastfeeding, providing instruction on appropriate latch, milk production and breast comfort. Families can expect a better understanding of infant development which will assist in calming fussy babies and meeting general needs of the newborn. Finally, our Registered Midwives in the Prince George community and can refer you to a variety of resources to meet the needs of the entire family during the delicate transition from hospital to home.

Services for Mom:

• comprehensive postpartum exam

• support of breastfeeding

• instruction and education in self and infant care

• evaluation of emotional well being

• assessment and support of family adaptation and bonding

• screening for common postpartum complications

• assistance with c-section recovery

• addressing parents’ questions and concerns• providing referrals in the community as needed

Services for Baby:

• comprehensive physical exam

• assessment of fetal well-being