Postpartum Support

Midwives Provide Post Partum Support for New Moms

The transition into motherhood is one of life’s most profound changes, bringing joy and wonder – as well as challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers. The physical recovery from pregnancy and childbirth, the emotional adjustments to new responsibilities, the practical demands of newborn care, and the navigation of breastfeeding or bottle feeding create a complex landscape that many new mothers struggle to navigate alone. At the practice of board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI, Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP provides comprehensive postpartum support that helps new mothers thrive during this critical transition period.

While family and friends offer valuable emotional support and practical help, the specialized medical knowledge, clinical assessment skills, and experienced guidance that midwives provide fill crucial gaps that loved ones cannot. Understanding what postpartum support from midwives entails and how it differs from typical obstetric care helps new mothers appreciate this valuable resource and advocate for the comprehensive care they deserve during the challenging weeks and months after childbirth.

The Unique Role of Midwives in Postpartum Support

Midwives bring a holistic, woman-centered approach to postpartum support that differs from the traditional medical model focused primarily on identifying complications. While monitoring for serious postpartum issues remains important, midwives also address the normal but challenging aspects of postpartum recovery that significantly impact quality of life but may not constitute medical emergencies. According to research in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, midwifery care during the postpartum period improves maternal satisfaction, breastfeeding success, and emotional wellbeing.

The midwifery philosophy emphasizes continuity of care, with the same provider following mothers through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum months. This ongoing relationship allows midwives to recognize changes in physical or emotional health more readily and understand each mother’s unique circumstances, values, and goals. Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP knows her patients’ medical histories, birth experiences, family situations, and personal preferences, enabling truly personalized postpartum support.

Midwives typically spend more time with patients during postpartum visits compared to traditional six-week obstetric checkups. This extended time allows for thorough physical assessment, detailed discussion of recovery progress, comprehensive breastfeeding support, mental health screening, and addressing the myriad questions that new mothers have about their babies and themselves. The unhurried approach to postpartum support creates space for mothers to raise concerns they might otherwise dismiss or forget in brief appointments.

The emphasis on education represents another hallmark of midwifery postpartum support. Rather than simply telling mothers what to do, midwives explain the reasoning behind recommendations, discuss various options, and empower women to make informed decisions about their recovery and newborn care. This educational approach builds confidence and competence that serves mothers well beyond the immediate postpartum period.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn Heights, MI provide comprehensive postpartum support through the collaborative care model that combines medical expertise with the holistic midwifery approach.

Physical Recovery & Postpartum Support from Midwives

The physical recovery from pregnancy and childbirth involves healing from vaginal tears or cesarean incisions, uterine involution as the uterus returns to normal size, hormonal shifts as the body transitions from pregnancy to lactation, and adaptation to the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Midwives provide thorough assessment and guidance for all aspects of physical postpartum recovery, identifying issues early and providing evidence-based interventions.

Perineal healing after vaginal birth requires careful attention, as tears or episiotomies can cause significant discomfort that interferes with basic activities and bonding with the baby. Midwives assess healing at postpartum visits, provide recommendations for managing pain and promoting recovery, and identify complications like infections or poor healing that require intervention. According to research in maternal health, appropriate perineal care significantly improves comfort and prevents long-term complications during the postpartum period.

Cesarean incision care involves monitoring for signs of infection, ensuring proper healing, and addressing concerns about scar tissue formation. Midwives examine incisions, provide guidance on activity restrictions and when to resume normal activities, and discuss long-term implications for future pregnancies. The postpartum support includes practical advice on managing incision discomfort while caring for a newborn who needs to be lifted and held frequently.

Uterine involution and lochia (postpartum bleeding) follow predictable patterns, but variations can indicate problems requiring attention. Midwives assess uterine size and position, evaluate bleeding patterns, and identify warning signs of postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental tissue. The postpartum support includes education about normal versus concerning bleeding patterns so mothers can recognize when to seek care between scheduled appointments.

Musculoskeletal issues including back pain, pelvic pain, and abdominal muscle separation affect many postpartum women. Midwives evaluate these concerns, provide recommendations for safe exercises and activities, and make referrals to physical therapists when appropriate. The comprehensive postpartum support addresses the whole body’s recovery, not just reproductive organs.

Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP at the practice of Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI provides thorough physical assessments and personalized postpartum support addressing all aspects of maternal recovery.

Breastfeeding Support in the Postpartum Period

Breastfeeding, while natural, often proves challenging and requires skilled support for success. Midwives receive extensive training in lactation support and can address most breastfeeding concerns that arise during the postpartum weeks. Common issues including sore nipples, engorgement, poor latch, low milk supply concerns, and oversupply all benefit from expert assessment and intervention that midwives provide as part of comprehensive postpartum support.

Evaluating infant weight gain, elimination patterns, and feeding behaviors helps determine whether breastfeeding is going well or requires intervention. Midwives weigh babies at postpartum visits, assess hydration and nutrition status, and identify feeding problems early before they compromise infant health. This monitoring provides reassurance when things are going well and prompts timely intervention when issues arise during the critical postpartum period.

Latch assessment and correction represents a crucial component of breastfeeding postpartum support. Poor latch causes nipple pain and damage while also preventing efficient milk transfer that can lead to inadequate infant nutrition and low milk supply. Midwives observe feeding sessions, provide hands-on help with positioning and latch technique, and suggest interventions like nipple shields when appropriate. According to lactation research, professional breastfeeding support significantly increases breastfeeding duration and satisfaction.

Pumping guidance helps mothers who need to express milk for work, medical reasons, or infant feeding difficulties. Midwives discuss pump selection, optimal pumping schedules, milk storage guidelines, and troubleshooting pumping challenges. This practical postpartum support proves essential for mothers navigating the complex logistics of maintaining milk supply while separated from their babies.

When breastfeeding problems exceed midwife scope of practice, referrals to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants ensure mothers receive specialized help. The collaborative approach to postpartum support means mothers have access to the appropriate level of expertise for their specific situations.

Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn Heights, MI provides expert breastfeeding postpartum support helping mothers overcome challenges and achieve their infant feeding goals.

Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Postpartum Support

The emotional and psychological adjustments to motherhood receive significant attention in midwifery postpartum support. Baby blues, affecting up to 80% of new mothers, cause mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and overwhelm that typically resolve within two weeks without intervention. Midwives normalize these experiences while also monitoring for progression to more serious postpartum mood disorders requiring treatment.

Postpartum depression affects approximately 10-20% of new mothers, causing persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby, and in severe cases, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. According to research in maternal mental health, early identification and treatment of postpartum depression significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and infants. Midwives screen for depression at postpartum visits using validated tools, provide counseling and resources, and coordinate care with mental health professionals when needed.

Postpartum anxiety, sometimes overlooked compared to depression, causes intrusive worrying, racing thoughts, physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, and sometimes panic attacks. The constant worry about the baby’s safety or one’s ability to be a good mother can be debilitating. Midwives recognize postpartum anxiety, validate mothers’ experiences, and provide appropriate referrals and support as part of comprehensive postpartum care.

The emotional impact of birth experiences, particularly traumatic or complicated births, requires processing and support. Some mothers experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress after difficult births, including flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. Midwives create space for mothers to discuss their birth experiences, validate their feelings, and provide referrals for birth trauma counseling when indicated during the postpartum period.

Relationship adjustments as couples navigate new roles and responsibilities benefit from anticipatory guidance. Midwives discuss common relationship challenges during the postpartum months, provide communication strategies, and normalize the strain that sleep deprivation and lifestyle changes create. This proactive postpartum support helps couples maintain connection during a stressful transition.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn Heights, MI prioritize maternal mental health as an essential component of comprehensive postpartum support.

Practical Guidance and Problem-Solving Postpartum Support

New mothers face countless practical questions about infant care, their own recovery, and managing daily life with a newborn. Midwives provide evidence-based guidance on topics ranging from newborn sleep safety to when mothers can resume exercise, sexual activity, and other normal activities. This practical postpartum support addresses the real-life concerns that arise daily during the challenging early weeks of motherhood.

Infant care questions about bathing, diapering, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, sleep patterns, crying, and normal newborn behaviors receive expert answers during postpartum visits. First-time mothers particularly benefit from this education, as they lack experience to distinguish normal from concerning infant behaviors. The reassurance and information midwives provide builds parenting confidence and reduces anxiety during the postpartum period.

Returning to work, managing childcare arrangements, maintaining milk supply while working, and balancing competing demands create significant stress for many mothers. Midwives discuss these transitions, provide practical strategies, and help mothers develop plans that honor their values and circumstances. This anticipatory postpartum support helps mothers prepare for upcoming challenges before they become overwhelming.

Contraception counseling ensures mothers can make informed decisions about family planning when they’re ready. Midwives discuss all contraceptive options including those safe during breastfeeding, help mothers weigh benefits and drawbacks of different methods, and provide prescriptions or referrals for preferred contraception. This important component of postpartum support empowers mothers to control their reproductive futures.

Self-care strategies often fall by the wayside as new mothers focus entirely on their babies’ needs. Midwives encourage adequate nutrition, hydration, rest when possible, and activities that support maternal wellbeing. The message that caring for yourself enables better care for your baby provides permission to prioritize self-care during the demanding postpartum months.

Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP at the practice of Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI provides comprehensive practical postpartum support addressing the full spectrum of questions and concerns new mothers face.

The Importance of Postpartum Support Beyond Six Weeks

Traditional obstetric care focuses on the six-week postpartum visit, after which mothers are considered recovered. However, research and clinical experience demonstrate that postpartum recovery extends far beyond six weeks, with many physical and emotional changes continuing for months or even a year after childbirth. Progressive midwifery care recognizes this reality and provides extended postpartum support tailored to individual needs and recovery timelines.

Breastfeeding challenges often peak around three to four months when many mothers return to work and navigate maintaining milk supply while separated from their babies. Growth spurts, teething, and infant developmental changes create new feeding challenges throughout the first year. Ongoing access to lactation support during these later postpartum months significantly improves breastfeeding success and duration.

Pelvic floor recovery and core strength rebuilding take months of dedicated work. Midwives provide guidance on safe progressive exercise, screen for issues like urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, and make referrals to pelvic floor physical therapists when appropriate. This extended postpartum support prevents long-term complications and supports mothers’ return to full physical function.

The emotional and psychological adjustments to motherhood, identity changes, and relationship evolution continue well beyond the immediate postpartum weeks. Having ongoing access to a trusted healthcare provider who knows your history and can provide continuity of postpartum support throughout the first year proves invaluable for many mothers navigating this major life transition.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn Heights, MI provide postpartum support that extends as long as mothers need, recognizing that recovery and adjustment happen on individual timelines that exceed the traditional six-week model.

Postpartum Support | Dearborn Heights, MI

Becoming a mother changes everything, and navigating the physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and practical demands of early motherhood requires support from people with expertise, compassion, and time to provide comprehensive care. Midwives offer a unique model of postpartum support that addresses the whole person, honors individual circumstances, and provides the education and guidance that empowers mothers to thrive during this challenging transition. The combination of medical expertise and holistic, woman-centered care creates the ideal foundation for healthy, confident motherhood.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn Heights, MI are committed to providing exceptional postpartum support that helps new mothers recover, adjust, and flourish. If you’re pregnant and planning ahead or currently in the postpartum period and struggling with any aspect of recovery or adjustment, schedule an appointment to experience the comprehensive, compassionate care that makes all the difference in your journey into motherhood.

Dearborn Heights  | Postpartum Support: 313.561.2200