Postpartum Care
At Hatch Midwifery, we know that the real work starts once the pregnancy is over and you find yourself caring for your healing body and the needs of your newborn baby. Despite this being the time when you have the most questions, postpartum care is almost non-existent in the U.S. medical system.
We want to change that. Our comprehensive postpartum care provides in-depth care and support when and where you need it.
Why Choose Hatch Midwifery for Your Postpartum Care?
The postpartum, just like some many other phases of the parenthood journey, is unique to each person. We understand that your needs during the postpartum may be very different from your neighbor, your friend, or even your own sibling.
To help us understand your needs, your postpartum care starts while you’re still pregnant (but if you find yourself already in your postpartum needing one-on-one support, don’t worry, just reach out and we can talk about options).
Your prenatal care visit will focus on getting to know you and your family and learning about your birth and postpartum care plans. The goal of this visit is to create a postpartum care plan that is tailored to your needs. If you are already a prenatal care client, the content of this visit is included in your care.
You’ll also be automatically enrolled in our prenatal lactation prep classes. In this session you’ll learn the basics of how lactation works, how to position the baby for feeding, common concerns that come up in early nursing and how to manage them, how to best use a pump, and more.
Once your baby arrives, you’ll let us know and we will arrange your first visit. This typically happens the day after you arrive home. However, if you end up with an extended stay in the hospital or have complex needs that would benefit from a hospital visit, we are available to do that too. You will have a total of three home visits (or hospital visits if needed) spread across the first week of life or the first week after you return home from the hospital.
Your postpartum care will continue with two home visits (around the 2-3 week point and the six week point). The focus of these visits will continue to be on the birthing person’s healing and emotional health, lactation support, newborn care, and adjustment to life with the new baby.
Your Postpartum Care: What to Expect
Assessment of the birthing parent’s healing
This includes inspection of the vagina and vulva (for vaginal births) or surgical incision (for cesarean births) for appropriate healing. If you require any resuturing of any perineal or vaginal lacerations, we can typically perform this in your own home or at the clinic.
Wellness checks for the birthing parent
Wellness checks for the baby
Lactation support
Birth story listening
It can be really empowering to share a positive birth story and healing to share an experience that had some rough parts. We will review the details of the birth, address any questions you may have about what happened, and discuss ways to emotionally heal from any parts of your birth that felt difficult.
Sleep support
Womb Healing
Pelvic floor health
Family planning
What Testing Is Included
Your care will include routine monitoring and any specialized testing as needed:
In-home testing.
Vital sign checks for both the postpartum person and the baby. We will also monitor the baby’s weight.
Lab tests.
There are no standard lab tests during the postpartum. However, we can draw follow-up labs if you have any health concerns that warrant testing.
Our Supportive Community
At Hatch Midwifery, we believe there is nothing more important than community during the early weeks and months of your parenting journey.
Our postpartum care includes access to many opportunities to connect with other families in your local community.
These offerings include:
- New Parents Group. This 8-session group is hosted in our group space and offers an opportunity to discuss topics important to young families. The format is casual and built to accommodate the needs of new parents with young babies (partners are always welcome).
Ongoing Support
We know that your questions and concerns aren’t always limited to business days. Your postpartum care includes phone, text, and email access to a midwife seven days a week. If you need urgent care, we can see you on an as-needed basis or help coordinate a visit with a hospital provider if that is more appropriate.
No matter what, our goal is to make you feel supported throughout your entire postpartum journey.