When to call during the postpartum period

A lot happens in the first week after giving birth. You suddenly have your newborn baby in your arms and a whole new phase begins. If you gave birth at home, maternity care is there from the time of delivery. If you gave birth in the hospital or birth center, you should call maternity care as soon as you go home or from the morning onwards if so indicated. We as midwives will leave approximately two hours after the birth. From that moment on, we will be available 24/7 for emergencies and urgent questions or concerns. There are a number of things to keep an eye on and with which you can always reach us through the emergency number. We have listed these below.

Mother

Fever: if you have a temperature above 38°C measured rectally
Too much blood loss or clots: with 2 or more clots the size of a fist or if your maternity pad is completely full within half an hour
Inability to urinate within 6 hours after giving birth
Feeling generally unwell or sick

Baby

A temperature that is too high (>37.5°C) or too low (<36.5°C). If, despite adjustments to improve the temperature (skin to skin, preheated bed or hat on/off), the baby does not have a temperature between 36.5°C and 37.5°C after 1 hour, we’d like you to call us.
Not pooped/urinated within 24 hours after birth
Not being able to drink effectively from the breast or bottle 24 hours after birth. It may be that the baby drinks less or not as effective for one feeding. If it happens more feedings in a row that’s a reason to call us.
Blue lips while feeding or sleeping
Not being alert