Baby is here! Once baby has arrived, you will never be separated. We respect the perfect design of mother and baby together and the need for it to stay that way. Delayed cord clamping is our norm and when the time comes, you choose who will do the honors of cutting (or burning) it. Once stable, if in the tub, you are moved to the comfort of your bed and placed skin to skin with your newborn. Initial vital signs are done every 15 minutes on mom and baby for about an hour, more often if needed. Breastfeeding will be encouraged and you will be offered a light meal. Trust us... You will be starving! Afterwards, you and your family are given the chance to have some private time, alone, with your baby. This is a very sweet time that we feel is important, often called the sacred “Golden Hour” after birth. 

Finally, the work of labor is done and you are free to soak up this little one that you have waited so long for. Such a magical time! Before the team departs, which is typically 3-4 hours after birth, we will continue to check vitals, perform a perineal exam and complete any repair needed. We will help you to the bathroom and possibly a nice warm shower and then straight back to bed! A full newborn exam is done bedside, which includes weighing the baby with a fish scale, a favorite photo op! The birth certificate is filled out, foot prints are done and postpartum instructions are reviewed so you and your family feel comfortable caring for you both. Of course clean up is a must! A load of laundry will be put in, the trash taken out and birth pool deflated. You’ll never know we were there!

In 24-36 hours, we will return to your home to do another full physical on both mom and baby, breastfeeding help, as well as the Newborn Metabolic screen. A CPM's scope of care allows her to care for normal healthy newborns in the first 6 weeks of life. If there are any concerns, you will be encouraged to have you baby seen by a pediatrician or family practice physician of your choice.  Of course you are welcome to take your baby for a check up any time you desire. Three additional postpartum visits are scheduled, typically at 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks post partum. A pap smear at 6 weeks will be offered as well as discussion regarding family planning. As always we are available, by phone, text, email or messaging at any time.

What to Expect