Until the end of the 4th month, you have the possibility of meeting either a midwife from our establishment’s consultations, from the private sector or from the PMI, or a gynecologist for a privileged moment of exchange with a birth professional, alone or in couple. This meeting should allow you to welcome your child with serenity, and answer your questions and concerns.

• A nursing assistant or a childcare assistant will welcome you and take care of the admission formalities.
• One of the three midwives on duty in this area will examine you.
• A student midwife will usually be present at their side.
• A multidisciplinary team (gynecologist-obstetrician, midwife, anesthetist, pediatrician) is on call 24 hours a day.

Depending on the progress of your labor, you will be installed in your room located in one of the hospitalization units, in the pre-birth room or directly in the birth room.

If the conditions are required, the midwife will suggest that you walk around, use the postures that seem most appropriate to you, and possibly take a bath in the pre-birth room.

The father is always welcome in the delivery room. In his absence, only one person of your choice may accompany you during your delivery.

For reasons of hygiene and comfort, visitors are not allowed in the delivery room. Other people in your entourage are therefore invited not to stay in the maternity ward.

Your accompanying person must respect the instructions and hygiene rules in force in the service (wearing a uniform, washing hands, etc.)

The father has the possibility, if the condition of your child allows it, to cut the umbilical cord.

Then, if you and your child are well, you will remain in “skin-to-skin” contact under the discreet supervision of the team.

Your child will show you if he or she is ready to take his or her first feed or bottle. If you do not wish to breastfeed, the team can offer you a so-called “discovery” feed.

An identity bracelet will be placed on his wrist.

First care will be provided at a time that you and the team feel is most appropriate. The father may participate.

During this time and for your safety, medical surveillance is carried out regularly, for a legal and therefore mandatory period of 2 hours.

After a final medical examination, you will be accompanied to your room where you will be offered a meal or a snack.

The person accompanying you is invited to wait near the operating room;

When you leave the operating room, and if possible, you will find the father and get to know your child together, before being taken to the post-operation surveillance room for the 2 hours of medical surveillance;

As soon as possible, the father will be involved in the first care of your child and will remain at his side, possibly in “skin-to-skin” contact, until he returns to his room;

In case of transfer to the pediatric sector, he will have the possibility to join him in the department.

A postnatal examination within 2 months (or 8 weeks) of your delivery should be scheduled with a midwife, gynecologist or general practitioner.

The midwife will give the father or the person who attended the birth the birth certificate, and possibly a double name choice form that you will have to sign together.

For unmarried couples, it can be done by the father alone or the mother alone or the father and the mother in front of a civil registrar of any town hall (bring an ID and the family booklet if there are already one or more common children).

Recognition at the time of the declaration at the Poitiers Town Hall (within 3 days after the birth):

If there was no recognition before the birth, the father can recognize and declare the child in the same act at the Poitiers Town Hall.

Recognition after birth:

If he did not do so before the birth or at the time of the declaration at the Poitiers Town Hall, the father may acknowledge the child at the town hall of the child’s place of residence or at the town hall of his choice.

Declaration of birth:

The father or the person who received the birth certificate must go to the Poitiers Town Hall (Place du Maréchal Leclerc) within three days in order to declare the child and obtain copies and extracts of birth certificates.

The choice of a double name:

It is allowed if the following conditions are fulfilled:

– First child in common,

– Paternal recognition before birth or at the time of the declaration (if this recognition has not been made beforehand),

– Document of choice of name (TO BE ASKED TO THE MIDWIFE) filled and signed by each of the parents in the room of birth, to be returned to the town hall of Poitiers with the certificate of birth and the reminder of the rules to respect for the declaration of birth.

An inventory will be done upon your arrival.

Early morning: breakfast service

The nursing assistant, the auxiliary or a student will take your temperature and blood pressure.

Morning: baby bath with the help of the assistant.

Obstetrical monitoring will be performed by the midwife.

Lunch will be served between 12:30 and 2:00 pm, respecting feedings and your availability.

The afternoon is devoted to rest, feedings, diapers, advice, medical surveillance, visits…

Dinner is served around 7pm.

The night team (a midwife and a nursery assistant) takes over.

Visits are allowed in the afternoon.

Your partner can be present at any time.

He or she may stay overnight if you have a private room.

We advise you to space out your visits in order to preserve your rest.

The menu is chosen with you the day before for the next day.

You can personalize your menu, according to your tastes and your diet.

During the first hours of life, your baby does not always regulate his temperature well, so it is best to warm him up with a sleeping bag, a blanket, a hat, pyjamas, a bodysuit and socks.

The first bath (temperature 37° C) is given the day after the birth, with the help and advice of the auxiliary, then once a day.

The temperature and weight are checked once a day. Weight loss is normal for the first 3 days.

The nursery assistant will explain the changing and care of the cord several times a day.

The first two days, the stool (meconium) is brown-black and very thick.

The pediatrician will examine your child twice during your stay.

You will be able to stay with your child during the day as long as you wish. The maternity team will organize your meals. Professionals from the pediatric ward will also accompany you.

If you are breastfeeding, the lactarium is at your disposal. Talk to the team to be well oriented.

This test is a systematic detection of several rare diseases. It is performed on the 3rd day by taking a blood sample.

Vitamin D will be given from the 3rd day. It is necessary to prevent calcium deficiency. Dose 1 (for breastfeeding) and dose L (for formula feeding) should be given every morning until 18 months.

Vitamin K1 prevents bleeding in infants. All newborns will have an oral dose on the day of birth and on the third day. Breastfed children will have one dose per week until breastfeeding stops.

Every day, the midwife will perform a clinical monitoring (breasts, uterus, perineum, etc.)

In case of episiotomy, you must follow the hygiene advice given by the midwives. Absorbable threads must be kept clean and dry.

In the case of a caesarean, daily monitoring of the healing process will be carried out and half of the staples will be removed on the third day. The remaining staples will be removed on the day of discharge.

The midwife will discuss with you any other aspects (lifestyle, nutrition, social support, psychological support) that you would like to discuss.

• Daily hygiene

It should be the same as during menstruation. You should wash normally and change your sanitary towel often.

• Physiological changes

The uterus retracts little by little under the effect of contractions. Ask for a painkiller if it is too unpleasant.

You may feel a little depressed or overwhelmed during your stay. Don’t hesitate to talk to a member of the team…. This natural baby-blues is frequent and temporary.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.

Skin to skin is recommended from birth. Take pleasure in cuddling… your child will not become capricious!

A special bond, tender body-to-body contact, a scent recognized by your baby, mutual trust: you fulfill your baby’s needs, you learn to listen to your child, and above all you must have confidence in your own competence as a mother.

Milk evolves and covers all your child’s needs.

It is very digestible, protects against microbes thanks to your antibodies, against allergies and prevents obesity.

Breastfeeding speeds up the contractions of the uterus, allowing it to return to its normal position more quickly after delivery.

Your body prepares itself for breastfeeding – all you need to do is TRUST YOURSELF…!

Colostrum is the first milk that evolves into mature milk after a few days.

Very rich in proteins and antibodies, and perfectly adapted to the first days, it is a food of choice that you can give without restriction and as soon as possible.

If your baby does not suckle for one reason or another, it is always possible to extract it and give it to him other than at the breast.

The “milk surge” occurs around the 3rd day, with a significant increase in the volume of milk produced. The breasts may feel more or less tense.

Normally, breastfeeding should not hurt, but it can happen.

Most often, it is related to a bad breastfeeding position that makes the baby not take the breast well. Professionals are there to help you identify the problem and give the appropriate advice.

Special hygiene ? No… a shower a day and a careful washing of the hands are enough.

“I have a caesarean”: this is not a contraindication to breastfeeding! You will need a little more help and support because you will be a little less independent at first.

“My baby is premature”: your milk is perfectly adapted to your child’s stage of development and is easier to digest than any other milk

“My baby is in hospital, I am separated from him”: it is important to stimulate your lactation with a breast pump every 2-3 hours and if possible more than the baby needs. This will allow him to receive your milk.

“I have twins”: Have confidence in yourself and above all get help to avoid being overwhelmed. It is important to discuss your wishes and possibilities with the team.

Milk conservation : 4 hours maximum at room temperature (20-25°C), time between the beginning of the collection and the end of the consumption by baby (48 hours in the refrigerator or 4 months in the freezer (-18°C)).

At the maternity ward, ready-to-use bottles are provided. You can give them at room temperature and throw them away after use.

The nursery assistants will advise you on how to adapt the quantities according to your child.

Get yourself comfortable

After feeding, remember to keep your newborn upright against you for at least 20 minutes.

• It is also preferable to wait about 3-4 hours between each bottle to facilitate digestion.

Prepare a bottle (preferably a glass bottle):

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

Cleaning the equipment

• Wash the bottle and accessories with hot water and washing-up liquid, using a brush.
• Rinse well. Let dry without wiping.
• It is not necessary to sterilize the bottle.
• If you have a dishwasher, wash all accessories using a full cycle at 65° C, except for the plastic nipples.

Reconstitution of artificial milk

• Choose bottled water, make sure it is suitable for feeding infants.
• Respect the dosage: 1 measure of powder for 30 ml of water (Example: for a 60 ml bottle: 2 level spoons of powder).
• Shake well to avoid lumps.

Reheating

The bottle can be given at room temperature.

• If necessary: warm it in a water bath in a saucepan or in a bottle warmer.
• Do not warm it in the microwave (beware of burns!).
• Check the temperature by pouring a few drops on the inside of your forearm.
• Once warmed, the milk should be consumed within ½ hour.
• If it is at room temperature, it should be drunk within the hour.

Transport

Do not prepare the bottle in advance.

• If necessary, carry a bottle of water and the powder separately, to mix them just before feeding.

Memo

Storage of milk: Infant formula: 24 hours in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

The discharge date is determined by the midwife or obstetrician-gynecologist in agreement with the pediatrician, after a medical examination of the mother and the child.

On average, the duration of your stay varies from 3 to 6 days.

An early discharge organized in advance with your independent midwife may be considered.

The necessary prescriptions for your return home will be given to you. This is an opportunity to discuss your future contraception with the midwife.

A situation report can be issued if needed.

• You can gradually resume your activities, depending on your fatigue and your delivery.
• Prioritize taking naps at the same time as your child.
• Take the time to go for walks.
• Make sure you have a balanced and hydrated diet.
• This postnatal period is an opportunity to recharge your batteries.
• Taking a shower is preferable to taking a bath before your return of menstruation, to avoid infections.

Lay your child on their back, in a “sleeping bag” or “gigoteuse” appropriate to their size.

• The temperature of the room should be 19°C.
• The use of a cot bumper is not recommended.
• If you are breastfeeding, it is also preferable to have your child in your room during the first few weeks, to better monitor their waking moments.

Weighing the baby, supporting breastfeeding and monitoring the healing of the scar will be possible with different professionals or associations:

• The PMI service
• Independent midwives
• Your general practitioner
• Support associations (breastfeeding, twins…)

The perinatal network of Poitou-Charentes provides a list of these providers.

4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, the post-natal visit allows you to review your perineum, your contraception and the possible resumption of sports activities.

The medical follow-up (once a month is recommended) of your child can be provided by the person of your choice (pediatrician, general practitioner).