Care After Birth for Mom & Baby
Enjoy attentive, gentle care from the VHC Health team. You'll get medical support and guidance to help you recover comfortably. This will make it easier for you to adjust to your baby’s early days.
Support for Recovery & Bonding
Once you deliver your baby, you’ll move into a private mom-and-baby suite to recover and bond. Rely on your care team to help you:
- Feed your baby
- Give your baby a bath
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin
- Spend time with your baby
- Learn about your postpartum care
Breastfeeding Support
If you decide to breastfeed, seek help from a breastfeeding support specialist.
Your Care Plan
Find out what to expect each day on your room's communication board. Your nurse will update your board every day. This helps you, your family, and your care team stay informed about your hospital stay.
Pediatric Visit
Your pediatrician will visit you and your baby in the hospital. Your baby will have newborn tests and other healthcare services every baby needs. If you haven't chosen a pediatrician, we can provide one for you.
- If your pediatrician is not part of VHC Health, the Children’s National Medical Center pediatricians will take care of your baby. They'll also provide a care summary for your pediatrician when you leave the hospital.
- A pediatrician should see your baby within 24-48 hours after going home.
Birth Certificate & Social Security
You’ll receive forms to request your baby’s birth certificate and social security number. A birth registrar is available if you have questions. A staff member will pick up the paperwork from you before you leave. They'll submit it to the Virginia Department of Health.
Patient Portal Access
Fill out the birth certificate registrar form in the hospital. This will allow you to access your baby’s medical information on the MyVHC patient portal. Our patient portal is a secure, online platform where you can:
- Schedule appointments for your baby
- Communicate with your baby’s pediatrician (if VHC Health medical staff)
- View your baby’s test results
Going Home
Depend on your care team to help you prepare to take your baby home. Expect to leave the Hospital between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day your doctor says you can go home.
If you have a vaginal birth, you’ll usually go home within one to two days after delivery.
If you deliver your baby by Cesarean, you’ll go home two to three days after you have your baby.
If your doctor gives you a prescription, you can fill it at the VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy before leaving the hospital.
Postpartum Depression Support
Emotional changes after childbirth are more common than you might think. If you feel overwhelmed, unusually sad, anxious, or unlike yourself, you're not alone. Many people experience postpartum depression after having a baby.
You'll find compassionate professionals at VHC Healthwho can help you understand your feelings and get the care you need to feel like yourself again.
