Postpartum Support at Piedmont Piedmont Newton
Taking Care Of You
At Piedmont Newton, we're committed to supporting your new family's well-being throughout your journey - physically and emotionally. The birth of your baby can trigger a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to feeling overwhelmed, fear and anxiety. It can also result in something most don't expect; anxiety and/or depression.
It is common for new moms to experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which can include mood swings, crying episodes, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. "Baby blues" typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
Though these symptoms may subside over time, some new moms experience a longer-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression and, in extreme circumstances, postpartum psychosis. Mothers and families must understand that this is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes, it's simply a complication of pregnancy and birth.
Post-Birth Warning Signs
These could be signs of very serious complications. If you can’t reach a healthcare provider, go to the emergency room. Be sure to tell them you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.
Post-Birth Warning Signs Fact Sheet
Lactation Support
You may know that breastfeeding has benefits for your baby. By choosing to breastfeed, you're providing the best source of nutrition for your new baby. Plus, breastfeeding promotes bonding and contributes to your baby's emotional development.
Breastfeeding Facts
Taking Care Of Your Baby
Childbirth Preparation
These prenatal classes cover preparation for labor and birth, including labor stages and phases, relaxation and breathing, comfort measures and interventions such as medications, epidurals, induction and C-section delivery. Includes practice sessions during class.
Attend at Piedmont Newton
Breastfeeding Basics
Overview of basic breastfeeding is given, including: how breastfeeding works, common challenges and what to do about them, latch, when to feed the baby, nutrition for breastfeeding moms, and hands-on practice of positioning. Participants given the printed Understanding Breastfeeding book with online content. This class fulfills the prerequisite for Breastfeeding and Pumping for Working Moms Class, and participants receive a 50% discount on that class.
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NICU Parent Handbook
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team provides subspecialty care and comprehensive services for at-risk and medically fragile newborns a comfortable, supportive environment. It features advanced technology, enhanced space around incubators for ease of access, and special lighting controls. Neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, specialized nurses, and respiratory therapists help newborns gain the strength needed to begin life outside the hospital. The team may also include a trained neonatal transport team which uses a specially equipped vehicle to provide services throughout the region.
Several of our locations - Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, Fayette, Henry, Newnan and Rockdale - have a Level III NICU designation. This means we have the capability to provide comprehensive care for infants ranging from extremely low birth weight to full-term requiring specialized interventions. The unit also provides advanced respiratory support, advanced imaging and access to pediatric medical sub-specialists such as pediatric cardiologists and pediatric neurologists. Piedmont Athens' helistop also allows for transfers from other area hospitals with babies in need of advanced medical care.
Piedmont Newton has a Level II Special Care Nursery for infants needing the care of neonatologists and neonatal nurses.
NICU Parent Handbook
Other Maternity Resources
Donor Milk
The donor milk programs at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital ensure that donated breast milk is available to NICU babies if their mother is unable to produce her own milk. Research shows that when compared to formula-fed preemies, premature infants who are fed breast milk have a lower mortality rate, a shorter length of stay in the hospital and often have improved neurologic and developmental outcomes.
Potential donors with a surplus of breast milk can apply online through a simple, hassle-free process that ensures infants born too soon receive the nutrition they need.
Become a Breast Milk Donor