Home visits for mothers and new babies
As
mothers and Registered Midwives we understand the joy and excitement
you will feel at bringing home your new baby. But we also appreciate
that you may feel a little overwhelmed by the reality of motherhood and
by the changes your new baby will bring to your life. The support
given to new mothers in developed countries like the United Kingdom and
the Netherlands is exemplary – community care midwives visit new
mothers at home in the first few days after discharge from hospital and
this often continues for a few weeks after the baby is born, especially
when the mother is experiencing problems.
This kind of support is missing in South Africa where mothers are
discharged after only two or three nights in hospital. The majority of
new mothers do not see their primary care givers until six weeks after
birth.
During the first weeks at home, many new mothers feel completely
overwhelmed and often do not know who to contact for help and support.
Early opportunities to empower and encourage, alleviate anxiety, assist
with breastfeeding problems or pick up early warning signs of other
potential problems are missed and can lead to longer term problems for
the mother and baby.
Lynn Keck, a Registered Midwife and International Board Certified
Lactation Consultant, assists new mothers with home visits,
or at her breastfeeding clinic in Claremont (Cape Town). She will
discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing as a new mother and
work with you to find the best solution. This includes breastfeeding
advice as well as weighing baby and newborn care.
She is assisted in her home visit service by Registered Midwife, Tanya Moffat. |