Selection Guide for the Right Postpartum Care Specialist
Studies show that the postpartum period is one of the most critical phases in the lives of mothers and newborn babies. Generally , it refers to the first six weeks after birth, although it can extend as far as four to six months due to physical and psychological issues and complications. It is quite a vulnerable time for both new mothers and their newborns since most maternal and infant deaths have been proven to occur during this time. It is therefore important for one to obtain thorough medical care during this period to ensure their well-being as well as that of their newborn. To achieve this, you may need to seek the services of an experienced and reliable postpartum care specialist. A good postpartum caregiver will ensure that potential issues are caught in the early stages before they become life-threatening. With proper postpartum care, you will be assured of faster recovery as you will be able to enjoy motherhood. Such care also helps to reduce fatigue and feelings of exhaustion, and also improve milk supply which in turn improves the health of the baby. Finding a postpartum care specialist you can rely on may, however be quite daunting as they are quite many in the industry. For a hassle-free search, you may need to follow some guidelines as will be highlighted below.
Certification is one crucial aspect you should look at when choosing a postpartum care specialist. Since you will be entrusting your well-being and that of your newborn with the postpartum caregiver, you should ensure that they have the right certifications. Certification is an indication that the specialist is credible, has undergone extensive and rigorous training in postpartum care and therefore qualified to offer such services. The postpartum care specialist should also be a member of a reputable regulatory board such as the International Childbirth Education Association as well as the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association. With such a specialist, you will rest easy knowing that you and your newborn baby are in safe hands.
When choosing a postpartum care specialist, you should also consider the cost of the services you are looking to get. The cost of postpartum care varies from one specialist to another depending on your location and the services offered. It is therefore important to understand your postpartum care needs and set a budget. Since there are plenty of postpartum care specialists in the industry, you can get several quotes and carry out a comparison. This will help you to find one that most affordable for you. While at it, be sure to make quality a priority as cheap can cost you a lot in the end. To be on the safe side, you should go for a specialist that is highly reputable as they tend to offer quality services at reasonable rates as well as discounted packages.
The level of education and training should also be one of your concerns when choosing a postpartum care specialist. To be assured of your well-being and that of your newborn, you should hire a postpartum caregiver that has completed training and certification programs before practicing. The specialist should also engage in continuing education to keep his or her knowledge and skills fresh. You can establish this by checking the specialist’s credentials and track record.