​Clients who birth in the hospital can opt for early discharge from the labour ward 2-4 hours after birth to enjoy the comforts of home in their early recovery. The midwife will follow up with a home visit after all births or discharges from the hospital in 24-48 hours and are available by pager for any urgent concerns for the full 6 weeks after birth. In the first two weeks, clients are offered 3 visits at home or in the hospital plus an additional phone check-in. At four weeks there is a phone check in and a final physical exam in the clinic at 5-7 weeks. A pap smear can be done at this appointment if it is due.

​The focus of postpartum care is to monitor the health and wellbeing of the parent as they recover from the birth and transition to life with a new baby. The midwife will check vitals, look for signs of infection, monitor healing and assess blood loss. Breast/chestfeeding support, teaching and trouble-shooting is also an important component of the care provided when parents opt to give baby their own milk. Adjustment to new parenthood or a growing family is an emotional time and midwives also assess and provide guidance to support mental health. Midwives also support the development of the parent-infant bond and empower you with the knowledge and support you need to feel confident and comfortable caring for your baby. If a consultation with a physician is required in the postnatal period, we will arrange it.

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