Postpartum & Newborn Care

The excitement and challenges of having a newborn are easier to navigate when you and your baby are in good health. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health delivers comprehensive postpartum and newborn care that optimizes well-being. Our services span the entire fourth trimester, from your baby’s birth through their first 12 weeks of life.

Most women receive postpartum care from the same provider team that delivered their baby. All our providers are in regular communication, so you won’t have to keep track of the details of your pregnancy or birth experience. These efforts help us tailor postpartum care to your needs.

Highlights of postpartum care include:

• Compassion: Our team cares deeply about any difficulties you are experiencing, and we’re here to help. We help you get relief from physical issues such as vaginal discomfort, bladder control concerns, and hemorrhoids. If you are experiencing challenges feeding your baby, on-site breastfeeding support may be available.
     
• Mental health support: We offer a drop-in support group (Balance After Birth), which provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for new parents to discuss emotional changes and challenges.
    
• Education and resources: We provide information about newborn and postpartum topics, like nutrition and sexual health, during each visit. You also have access to a range of family education resources. We offer parenting classes and can connect you with community resources that make it easier to support your growing family.

From the moment your child is born, you want to keep them healthy and safe. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we have the same goal. Our team delivers high-quality newborn care that helps babies thrive. We form trusting relationships with you and your child to build a solid foundation for a healthy life. 

Highlights of our program include: 

• Family medicine providers: These providers care for your entire family, and some deliver babies. If you already have a family medicine provider, this option enables your baby to receive care from someone you already know and trust. Your baby can receive care from the same provider through all phases of childhood and into adulthood.
    
• Pediatricians: You may also opt for one of our pediatricians. These providers have in-depth knowledge of children’s physical, mental, social, and developmental needs. Pediatricians are an excellent choice for families who prefer a provider that specializes in working with children.
    
• Comprehensive care: We are attentive to your baby’s development and progress toward milestones like crawling. When your baby is sick, we quickly determine a diagnosis and recommend appropriate therapy. Providers also discuss important newborn topics, such as safety, immunizations and when to contact us for help.
     
• Convenience: Family medicine providers and pediatricians are available in clinics throughout the Puget Sound. Many of our experts offer online scheduling and video visits, making it easier to access care when your baby needs it.

Nationally recognized postpartum care
St. Francis Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital are among America’s Best Maternity Hospitals according to Newsweek magazine. In addition to high-quality maternity and childbirth services, we also deliver exceptional postpartum care. We are among a select few programs in the region to maintain this honor.

There will be regular postpartum and newborn care visits during your fourth trimester. Here’s what to expect:

The Postpartum Wellness and Recovery (PWR) Program at St. Anne Hospital provides support, guidance and education during the “fourth trimester,” a time when women and birthing individuals face increased risk for complications.

Navigating the postpartum period can be overwhelming, with physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and new responsibilities, making specialized care essential for supporting new mothers and parents and ensuring their wellbeing.

Participants in PWR receive specialized, preventive, and high quality care in the critical first year after birth. A nurse navigator provides customized care by guiding participants through their health journey, tailoring support and resources to their unique needs and preferences. The nurse navigator coordinates all aspects of care with the health care team, including referrals to specialists, medication management, and connecting participants with community resources and support.

Find out more about our pregnancy and childbirth services or make an appointment.