What to Expect After Birth

Around the clock care for you and your newborn

The length of your stay at Bryan will be determined by the type of birth you have, along with other factors. During your stay, our mother-baby nursing staff are available around the clock to answer your questions and monitor the well-being of you and your baby.

You will schedule a follow-up appointment with your health care provider four to six weeks after birth (or sooner if you have a cesarean birth). We'll also share information with you on warning signs of potential problems and when to call your doctor right away.

Care for Your Baby Following Birth

• A nurse will examine your baby soon after birth
• Your baby’s doctor will arrive to perform a complete check-up within 24 hours and will examine your baby each day she or he is in the hospital
• Plan to room-in with your newborn
• There is a secure nursery always available when you are in need of rest
• Your baby’s vital signs will be taken periodically during your stay
• Your mother-baby nurses will complete all state required newborn screening and testing during your stay
• If you are having your baby boy circumcised, please discuss this with your baby’s doctor
• You will receive a list of warning signs when you leave the hospital that would require a call to your baby’s doctor
• If your baby is premature or has certain health problems, she or he might spend time in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our advanced neonatal team will create a specific care plan with your for your baby. We also provide continued care for your baby in our NICU Developmental Clinic

New-Mom Supply List

You can soothe your post-birth aches and pains with the right supplies. Bryan Family Birthplace provides the essentials during your hospital stay, but be sure to have the following items on hand at home:

• Sanitary napkins/pads
• Antiseptic pain relief spray (you'll receive a bottle during your stay)
• Sitz bath kit
• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
• Any other medications recommended by your doctor

Newborn Supply List

Your baby’s most important supply is you. However, the following supplies are what a new parent considers “new baby essentials". We will provide much of what you need for your baby’s stay at Bryan Family Birthplace, but we encourage you to consider gathering these items ahead of time.

Helpful newborn supplies:

• Diapers (eight-10 per day)
• Receiving blankets
• Newborn clothes (onesies and sleep sacs are easy in the beginning)
• Thermometer
• Bulb syringe
• Mild baby soap

Five Ways to Restore Your Body

Here are some simple ways to take care of your body and have the energy you need to care for your baby:

1. Sleep or rest whenever possible to improve your emotional and physical health
2. Drink a lot of water and eat fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation
3. Keep quick, healthy snacks on hand to maintain your energy
4. Take walks outside with your baby to refresh yourself and get some light exercise
5. If you're feeling down, or not like yourself, you may be experiencing post-partum depression. It's okay, you're not alone. Talk to your nurse or take a free online screening to assess your feelings
6. Don’t try to lose weight rapidly or engage in high-impact exercise for a few months (or before talking to your doctor)

Ways to Connect with Your Newborn

• Respond to your baby’s cries
• Wear your baby in a sling or carrier
• Play, read and talk to your baby when she or he is alert
• Use physical touch, including holding baby skin-to-skin and massage