sect ion 08 q & a for a Midwife
Postpartum & Newborn Care
38 What postpartum care do you provide? When? How many appointments? Where? Generally midwives will come to your house on day's 1, 3, 5, and each week for about bout 6 weeks. However you might have to go into the office. 39 What does newborn care consist of? Under what circumstances would my newborn need to be taken away from me for treatment? It is always good to have the facts and know what could happen. 40 Are you comfortable with me declining bathing, vitamin K, heel poke, eye ointment, vaccinations? You need to find this out from your midwife and your pediatrician as well. Especially if you transfer to the hospital, once the doctor deliveries the baby these things are up to the pediatrician. 41 Can you help me initiate breast-feeding? Most midwives have lactation consultants to help you with this.
Backup Midwife
42 What is their perspective on routine hospital interventions? It's a good to know this because though they may be part of the same practice midwifes might have very different outlooks on these things then whom you've chosen. 43 How likely is it that one of your partners will attend my birth? Midwifes in training might be invited or you might have medical reason why two extra midwifes might be there. 44 How much time do you allow for each prenatal visit? Most midwifes offer about an hour for each visit and unlimited calls or emails.