Following a successful, intimate home birth, it’s natural for first-time parents to have questions about infant care in the days and weeks that follow. As you prepare your living space and mothers heal their bodies after pregnancy, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts midwives frequently share with clients. 

Do:

Establish a routine. 

After welcoming your bundle of joy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with visitors, tasks, and ongoing care. While it may not be ideal to set a schedule in the early days due to the unpredictable nature of newborns, establish a routine with your partner and baby so that it becomes familiar for all. This may involve establishing feeding times, naps, baths, and a sleeping schedule.

Accept help from family and friends. 

During your home birth, you accepted love and support from your partner and your midwife. In the transition into parenthood, continue to embrace help when offered. Whether it’s as simple as cooking a meal or watching your little one so you have time to shower or nap, leaning on your community for support can help you find peace and added joy in the experience of raising your little one. 

Don’t:

Neglect scheduling a checkup. 

While your midwife is an invaluable resource during home birth and in the immediate hours following delivery, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician immediately for a physical examination and to undergo necessary testing. Generally, newborns born at home should visit the pediatrician within 24-48 hours of delivery. 

Ignore cues from your newborn. 

While your baby won’t yet have the skills to communicate with you verbally, pay attention to their cries and visual cues indicating they may be hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or in need of a diaper change. Staying in tune with their physical and emotional reactions can help guide the care process. 

Are you interested in serene, intimate home birth with the help of an experienced midwife? If so, Home Birth with Love is an invaluable resource. Based in Suffern, NY, and founded by Certified Nurse Midwife, Leah Marinelli, this compassionate and caring organization has helped expectant mothers have babies through natural births for over 17 years. To schedule a consultation, call (845) 641-5058. For more information on their services, visit their website.