After Delivery
Andrews Women's Hospital represents the next generation in thinking when it comes to focusing on the special postpartum needs of women and their babies. Our specialized care, breastfeeding education and support after the delivery of your baby are centered on escorting you and your baby gently and safely into ongoing family life.
Personalized Postpartum Care For After Delivery
Postpartum care and education begin immediately upon entering our 64-bed Postpartum Care Unit, because new moms have personal needs, as well as a new baby to care for. Education and personal care - from instruction on physical and emotional changes to breastfeeding and postpartum depression - are provided by our compassionate, specially trained nurses. As you prepare to go home, we arm you with education and resources on how to comfort a newborn to improve the baby's digestion, sleep and weight gain and what to expect at home.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression includes a wide range of emotional and physiological reactions to childbirth (mood swings, irritability, sadness, anxiety).
About 10 percent of all mothers experience postpartum depression. We counsel all family members on how to recognize the symptoms, what to do and when to consult a physician.
Risk factors include:
- Previous postpartum depression (50-80 percent risk)
- Depression not related to pregnancy
- Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Limited circle of close family members or friends
- Stressful life events or major life changes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Complications during labor/birth
- Problems with baby's health
- Lack of sleep
- Poor diet
- Lack of help at home
We also provide:
- Lactation consultants and breastfeeding education
- Nutritional education for mothers, including adjustments for optimal breastfeeding
- Many amenities, including breast pumps for sale or rent in our mom's store
- Information about a postpartum check-up - what to expect and what to ask your physician
- Counseling in all areas of health maintenance
Our staff is here for you:
- Dedicated pediatric nurse practitioners and other highly trained nursing staff
- Educators specially trained in postpartum care
- Board-certified lactation consultants
- Registered dietitians
- Neonatologists and speech and physical therapists for special needs babies