Madison Birth Center staff provide continuing mother/baby support after delivery, with special emphasis on supporting the breastfeeding relationship. Babies stay skin-to-skin with their mothers from the moment of birth and are never removed for routine weighing or other procedures. All assessments of vital signs are done with the baby in the mother's arms.
We like to see newborns self-attach at the breast within the first hour of life, but we'll assist if there are special needs such as flat or inverted nipples. The new mother will have the opportunity to nurse in several different positions before discharge from the birth center. Women who have had home births may have less postpartum time with the midwives, but we make sure the infant has had one good nursing session before we leave.
Our program includes two home visits and frequent telephone contact after birth center discharge. This care is provided by nurses or midwives with additional certification in breastfeeding. Office visits are offered at two and six weeks postpartum.
