PREPARING FOR DELIVERY

Before Delivery

  • Practice self care through the end of your pregnancy. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, hydrate, and walk regularly.
  • Read through the Understanding Pregnancy book we provided for you and watch the videos on the included app.
  • Look into local childbirth classes and doulas
  • Watch the St Charles Family Birthing Tour.
  • Learn about pain management options for labor.
  • Read below about kick counts
  • Begin packing and have a plan to get to the hospital when it is time. 
  • Look into a pediatrician for your baby after delivery

Labor Instructions

After Delivery

  • Eat a fresh and clean diet
  • Drink at least 80-100 ounces a day
  • Rest when baby is resting
  • Enjoy skin to skin bonding time with baby
  • Breastfeed on demand
  • Take ibuprofen or Tylenol if needed for pain
  • Take a walk every day
  • Follow up with lactation as needed
  • Allow family, friends to help with housework and meals
  • If you have a vaginal delivery you will be seen by your provider at 6 weeks postpartum for a follow up. If you had a C-Section you will be seen at 1-2 weeks postpartum and again at 6 weeks. We will call you after delivery to set up these appointments. 
  • Call the clinic if you have a fever, your pain is not well managed, or soak through a pad in less than an hour
  • Reach out to your provider or postpartum support services below if you have concerns about anxiety or depression
  • Don't forget to resume Kegel exercises

ACOG Postpartum Birth Control

Postpartum Nurse Home Visit