Postpartum Care with Auburn Birthing Center

Immediately after birth

You and your baby will stay with us at Auburn Birthing Center for the first 4 to 6 hours following the birth. During that time, you will each be thoroughly physically assessed for normal recovery from birth and eligibility for returning home. We will observe and assist you as needed through at least one, preferably two, nursing sessions prior to discharge (unless you have chosen to formula feed). We will also review your comprehensive teaching on self care, newborn care, and nursing that you receive during your prenatal visits and childbirth education classes. Your nurse-midwife will ask you for your contact information so that she can speak with you 12-24 hours after leaving the center. During this call, she will have a thorough conversation with you about how you and your baby are doing, and whether you will need a home visit sooner than the typical 3 to 5 days post birth.

After discharge from the center

Your birth center care includes a home visit by one of our registered nurse birth assistants, usually when the baby is between 3 to 5 days old. (If your home is more than 45 miles away, then you would return to the birthing center for this visit). You and your baby will each be thoroughly assessed at this visit. We will ask to observe a nursing session during this time so that we can help you with troubleshooting as needed. This will also be the time when we plan to complete the newborn screenings (hearing, oxygenation, and metabolic screenings such as PKU testing) that are required by the state of Indiana.

Usually, you will see your midwife in the office for a checkup at about 4 to 6 weeks after the birth. We offer earlier postpartum visits in the office for lactation assistance, postpartum depression evaluation, or any other concerns you may have.

Our midwives are available by phone any time for lactation support and questions. In addition to nursing instruction during classes, during your stay at the center after the birth, and at the home visit, we also offer appointments for lactation visits at our office.

We strongly encourage clients and their partners to reach out to the certified nurse-midwife as needed for any concerns, especially those related to postpartum depression (PPD). PPD manifests for different people in different ways, from tearfulness and sadness, to anxiety and nervousness, to irritability and anger. Please do not suffer in silence. You are not alone, and you deserve to enjoy this time with your new baby as much as possible for you.