Home Birth Postpartum & Newborn Care

   I visit with my clients between 1-3 days, 1 week, 3 weeks and through the 6th week after birth to assess the mother and baby’s wellbeing.  My responsibilities include ascertaining that the mothers uterus is returning to normal position and correct level with no signs of infection. I want to assist with breastfeeding if there are any questions or concerns and make sure she is getting adequate rest and support. I assess and verify the infant is alert, stable with vital signs within normal range, the umbilical cord is healing, weight gain is adequate and assess for newborn jaundice.

   At 24-48 hours of birth I obtain a small amount of blood from the baby for the State of Tennessee Newborn Screening and CCHD as required by law. This can be refused by the mother in writing as desired. At this time I can file a birth certificate application with the State of Tennessee. For Rh negative mothers I obtain cord blood at birth to  check for infants Blood type and Rh factor for the infant and administer Rhogam to the mother within 72 hours of birth as indicated.

   I am available for my clients by telephone through 6 weeks postpartum with any questions or concerns at times other than our appointments.