After Delivery Care - Postpartum Care

It is important to involve your support person in the baby’s care, which is why we have arranged our birthing suites and postpartum rooms to accommodate your partner throughout your stay. We encourage your support person to be an active participant in baby’s feedings, diaper changing and bathing. Your time in the hospital is a perfect time to practice caring for your baby with a nurse or patient care associate nearby to help.

At Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we care about the foods you eat – nutrition is critical to the healing process. We believe that any diet can include a variety of foods with balance and moderation. Our chefs have created specialized menus using the freshest ingredients to make your experience as healthful and enjoyable as possible.

Dining on Demand is our unique meal service; it is very similar to hotel room service in that you will custom-build each meal and order it for delivery at a time that works best for you. Rather than calling in to place your order, you will be able to use a hospital-provided tablet. In the instance that a tablet is not available, a server will come to your room to order with you.

All of your meals are prepared from the earliest stages of preparation to the final finishing touches by professionally trained chefs in a kitchen very close to your room.

The menu, which will be included in your welcome packet, has a great deal of information on it. Please take a look, but also let us know any questions that you have. There are several symbols to indicate healthier options, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and naturally gluten free items. If you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, please communicate those to your care team so that we can work together to take excellent care of you.

Breakfast is available 7 – 10 a.m. Lunch is available 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dinner is available 4 – 8 p.m. Additionally, we have an after-hours dining service with a limited menu that is available 8 p.m. to midnight.

The care you receive from the Ohio State Maternity Center doesn’t stop when you and your baby leave the hospital. Your nurse will help prepare you for the trip home, including answering any remaining questions you have and talking to you about what to expect over the coming days and weeks.

As you get settled at home, you may have additional questions about caring for yourself or your baby. We will provide you with a detailed booklet that outlines daily care and feeding routines as well as important health and safety measures. We also encourage you to watch the Newborn Channel during your maternity stay, where you will find many helpful topics on caring for your baby.

Car Seat:
Before you leave the hospital with your baby, you must have a car seat properly installed in your vehicle. For information about how to install a car seat, visit buckleup.osu.edu for more information.

Pediatricians and Family Doctors:
Your baby will be seen by a pediatrician in the hospital. If you need a pediatrician after you leave the hospital, your nurse or Ob/Gyn can provide you a list of pediatricians and family doctors in your area or visit Primary Care.

Lactation Assistance:
Most new moms have questions about breastfeeding their babies. For even experienced moms, breastfeeding can bring many questions. Our lactation experts have decades of knowledge and experience to help you successfully start and continue breastfeeding your baby. You can reach the helpline by calling 614-293-8910. If calling after business hours, leave a message for the consultant who will return your call the following day.

Postpartum Depression and Support:
In the weeks and months after your delivery, it is important to be aware of the signs of postpartum depression, often referred to as the ‘Baby Blues.’ Postpartum depression is a common, treatable illness. Contact your family physician or Ob/Gyn should you notice any signs of postpartum depression.