ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the adjustment from a structured, organized workday to sleepless nights and trying to heal while caring for a newborn. Select topics in maternal health are covered, including the importance of consistent postpartum medical care. Signs and symptoms of serious maternal health complications are reviewed. Steps to support maternal health are discussed.
Select topics in infant health, including NICU stays and how to navigate them, establishing feeding, infectious disease prevention, SUID, and how to reduce the risk are reviewed. Personal and workplace boundaries are discussed. Communication and keeping in touch with the workplace during leave are included as well. Practice profiles highlight stories around having a baby in the NICU, the differences between maternity leave at two different practices, and some advice on all of the physical changes mothers go through after giving birth.
