Postpartum Care
In the hours, days and months after birth, depend on St. Bernards for the support you need to take care of yourself and your baby.
Recovery & Rooming In
You and your newborn will likely transition from the Birthcare Center to our quiet mother/baby unit on the hospital’s fourth floor. Relax in a private, homelike room with your infant and enjoy support from pediatricians, nurses and nurse practitioners specially trained in newborn care. A nursery is nearby in case your baby needs a minor procedure, or you want to rest. Your little one is in safe hands in this unit, which has the same security system as the Birthcare Center on the fifth floor.
How Long Will We Be in the Hospital?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthy, full-term newborns born vaginally stay in the hospital for 48 hours after birth. During this time, we’ll:
- Make sure your baby is feeding well
- Look for signs of jaundice, infections and heart defects
- Check your infant’s hearing
- Take a few drops of blood to screen for genetic conditions
Your baby may stay more than two days if he or she is born early, born by C-section, has a health condition or needs neonatal intensive care.
Breastfeeding Support
During your hospital stay, you’ll receive a visit from an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She’ll teach you how to start nursing your baby and help you feel prepared to take care of your little one on your own. After you return home, you can continue to take advantage of breastfeeding support from St. Bernards at our outpatient clinic.
Postpartum Depression
If you feel the “baby blues” after giving birth, you’re not alone. About 80% of women develop postpartum depression due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep and other factors. But rest assured; help is available. Talk to your doctor or a behavioral health professional if you experience:
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
- Moodiness and irritability
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Feelings that you can’t care for yourself or your baby
Staff at St. Bernards Counseling Center have special training in maternal mental health. Call them at 870.930.9090 to ask for guidance to:
- Manage emotions and improve your mood
- Navigate the changes a newborn brings to your life and relationships
Need Help Right Away?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact:
- Arkansas Lifeline Call Center: 988
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.TALK
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 800.4.A.CHILD
You can also call these numbers if you’re concerned about someone you love.
Safe Sleep for Your Newborn
Protect your infant by following the ABCs of safe sleep:
- A: Baby should sleep alone.
- B: Baby should sleep on his or her back.
- C: Baby should sleep in a crib or pack-and-play.
Keep blankets, pillows, stuffed toys and bumpers out of the sleep space. Babies can suffocate if soft items accidentally cover their nose or mouth.
To learn more, download a safe sleep guide [PDF] from the Arkansas Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education.
Safe Sleep Certification
St. Bernards Medical Center is recognized by Cribs for Kids’ National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification program. That means your family will learn about safe infant sleep from specially trained nurses.
Connecting You to Community Resources
All new parents need help caring for their babies. Let us know if you’re concerned about childcare, transportation, finances or something else. Our dedicated social worker will connect you with valuable community resources.
