Doctor's home visit

When and under what conditions does a home visit to women in labor and mothers with a newborn baby occur in Brazil?

When and under what conditions does a doctor's home visit to pregnant women occur?

A doctor's home visit to pregnant women can occur in a variety of situations and under certain conditions.

The following points can be taken as a basis:

• Regular check-ups. In some countries and regions, doctors may conduct routine home visits for pregnant women, especially if they are late in pregnancy or have limited mobility.

• Medical conditions. If a woman has health problems such as hypertension, diabetes or other complications, the doctor may recommend home visits to monitor the condition.

• Limited mobility. Pregnant women with limited mobility, such as after surgery or in case of complications, can receive care at home.

• Psychological support. Visits can be arranged to provide psychological support and counseling, especially if the woman has anxiety or depression.

• Home care services. In some cases, special services may be organized that offer home visits by midwives or nurses to monitor the pregnancy.

• Pandemics or epidemics. With the restrictions associated with pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), many physicians have begun to provide home consultations and examinations to reduce the risk of infection.

Home health care visits can be helpful and convenient for pregnant women, especially in cases of medical conditions or limited mobility. It is important to discuss the need for such visits with your doctor in advance and to find out about available services in your area.

What is a prenatal home health visit?

A prenatal home visit by a doctor is a medical exam that is performed for pregnant women in the late stages of pregnancy.

This visit may include:

• Assessment of the mother's health. The doctor checks the general condition of the pregnant woman, measures blood pressure, assesses weight gain and other important indicators, and discusses possible complaints or concerns.

• Monitoring the development of the fetus. The doctor can listen to the baby's heartbeat, check the baby's activity and general development.

• Counseling. This is an opportunity to discuss questions about childbirth, newborn care, preparing for labor and other important aspects of upcoming motherhood.

• Childbirth planning. Your doctor can help you discuss a birth plan, choose a birthing center, and prepare all the necessary paperwork.

A prenatal home visit is convenient because it avoids traveling to a health care facility, especially if the pregnant woman has mobility difficulties or is not feeling well. It also creates a more comfortable and relaxed environment to discuss all matters related to pregnancy and childbirth.

What is a postpartum home visit?

A postpartum home visit is a medical procedure that takes place after the birth of a baby. Usually, a doctor or nurse practitioner will visit the mother and newborn at home during the first few weeks after the birth.

This visit is important for:

• Assessments of the mother's health. The doctor checks on the recovery process, examines the stitches (if any), monitors general health, and discusses possible problems such as postpartum depression.

• Newborn checks. The doctor examines the baby, assesses the baby's development, weight gain, skin condition, and other important indicators.

• Counseling and Advice. This is a time when new parents can ask questions about newborn care, breastfeeding, immunizations and other aspects related to the first month of a baby's life.

Such a visit can be very helpful in reassuring parents and preventing potential problems.

Who comes in after the baby is born?

After the birth of a child, a variety of specialists from the medical staff may visit parents at home, depending on the family's needs and available services.

Usually it's:

• Pediatrician. The pediatrician checks the newborn's condition, examines the newborn, assesses weight gain and monitors general development.

• A gynecologist or obstetrician. This specialist examines the mother, assesses recovery after delivery, checks stitches (if any), and discusses postpartum issues.

• A nurse or midwife. They can take care of the newborn, help with breastfeeding, give advice on how to care for the baby and support the mother in the first days after the birth.

• Breastfeeding counselor. If parents have questions or problems with breastfeeding, this specialist can come to help and give advice.

The quality and scope of services may vary by country and health system, but in general the aim of the visits is to support both mother and child during this important period.

Why do midwives make home visits to women?

Midwives visit women at home before and after childbirth for several important reasons:

Prenatal visits:

• Personalized approach. Midwives can provide personalized support and advice tailored to each pregnancy and the needs of the pregnant woman.

• Education. They help women prepare for childbirth by explaining the body's processes and answering questions about labor and newborn care.

• Condition monitoring. The midwife can monitor the health of the pregnant woman, measuring blood pressure, monitoring weight gain and assessing the general condition of both mother and fetus.

• Discussing the birth plan. This is a time to discuss preferences for the birth, including birth location, anesthesia methods, and other details.

Postpartum visits:

• Supporting the parenting experience. Midwives help parents adjust to their new role by providing information on breastfeeding, newborn care and emotional recovery.

• Health monitoring. They check the condition of the mother and newborn, ensuring that possible problems are detected in time and the necessary medical care is provided.

• Counseling. Midwives can discuss and address issues related to postpartum complications such as postpartum depression, breastfeeding problems and other aspects of child care.

• Support at home. Home visits provide comfort and coziness, allowing parents to ask questions in a relaxed environment and receive support in the first days after returning from the hospital.

In this way, visiting midwives can improve the quality of care and support families during this important and often difficult period.

Why are postpartum home visits important?

Postpartum home visits by nursing staff play a key role in supporting the health and well-being of both mother and newborn.

A few reasons why these visits are so important:

• Maternal health monitoring. Visits help doctors and midwives to assess the mother's physical and emotional condition after delivery, identify possible complications and provide timely assistance.

• Newborn assessment. Specialists check the baby's health and development, including weight gain, general condition, and current problems such as jaundice or feeding difficulties.

• Breastfeeding support. Medical staff can offer advice and support on breastfeeding, helping to establish this important process and address any problems that may arise.

• Baby care counseling. Parents are provided with information on how to care for their newborn, its development, sleeping and eating habits, which helps them to cope with new responsibilities with confidence.

• Psychological support. Postpartum depression and anxiety can be common, and nursing visits provide an opportunity to discuss emotional distress, which greatly aids in the recovery process.

• Education and information. Health professionals can provide valuable advice and explanations about health issues, which helps to increase parental confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Convenience and comfort. Home visits provide convenience for families, especially in the first few days after childbirth when it may be difficult for parents to leave the house.

In this way, postpartum visits by nursing staff contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for new parents and their babies.

What is a postpartum home visit for a newborn?

A postpartum newborn home visit is a medical evaluation conducted by a specialist (usually a pediatrician or midwife) to assess the health of the newborn and his or her mother after birth.

The main aspects of this visit are:

Goals and Objectives:

• Newborn Health Assessment. The doctor checks the baby's general condition, including weight, height, skin color and observes the reflection of basic reflexes. This helps to detect any abnormalities or problems at an early stage.

• Nutrition monitoring. The specialist can discuss how the feeding is going, whether the child is getting enough food, and how to breastfeed or use formula.

• Vaccination check. At this stage, necessary immunizations that are due soon can be discussed.

• Parental counseling. The doctor provides recommendations on newborn care, answers parents' questions about the child's development, behavior, anxiety and other aspects.

• Maternal assessment. The specialist checks the woman's health after childbirth, assesses recovery and offers help for any problems such as postpartum depression.

• Support and information. The postnatal visit is an opportunity to get information on how to organize your daily routine, take care of your baby, respond quickly to possible health problems and stay calm.

• Importance of the visit. These visits are very important as they help to increase parental confidence, provide early diagnosis of possible problems and support the health of both mother and child. These visits can significantly reduce the stress level of new parents and help them adjust to their new responsibilities.

How many visits are included in postpartum care?

The number of visits for postnatal care of the infant may vary depending on the country, health system and specific practices of the health facility. In general, several typical phases can be identified:

• First visit. Usually takes place within the first week after delivery (often on day 3-5 after discharge from the hospital). At this visit, doctors or midwives check on the condition of the newborn and the mother.

• Regular check-ups. Ideally, health care providers may recommend follow-up visits during the first 6-8 weeks of a child's life, about every 2-4 weeks. These visits include monitoring growth, development, and immunizations.

• Follow-up visits. If there are any problems (e.g. feeding difficulties, jaundice in the newborn, etc.), additional visits may be scheduled as needed.

Some systems tend to have more frequent visits, especially in cases of high risk or if the family needs additional support. It is important to consult your doctor or midwife to understand which postpartum care program is right for you.

What is the 40-day rule after birth?

The 40-day postpartum rule, also known as the "birthing period" or "postpartum recovery period," is a tradition observed in many cultures around the world. It suggests that a woman should follow certain practices and restrictions for 40 days after childbirth to maintain her health and well-being.

The main aspects of this rule are:

• Physical rest. During these 40 days, women are advised to rest more and minimize physical activity to allow the body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth.

• Family support. Many cultures, such as Brazilian for example, assume that after childbirth, the woman and newborn should be cared for by the family so that they can focus on recovering and adapting to their new environment.

• Special nutrition. It is recommended that you watch your diet, eating nutritious and fortifying foods that will help you recover and support breastfeeding.

• Stress Avoidance. Women are encouraged to avoid stressful situations and highly emotionally taxing moments to ensure positive mood and emotional health.

• Breast and fetal support. It is important to bond with your newborn during this time, especially through breastfeeding and nurturing, which promotes emotional attachment.

• Restrictions. Some traditions include restrictions on bathing, going outside, and other physical activities in the first weeks after birth so as not to put the woman and baby at unnecessary risk.

While this rule may vary by culture and tradition, its basic idea is to maintain the health and well-being of mother and child during the critical period after childbirth. It is also a time when women can focus on reclaiming and strengthening their new role as mothers.

What is a postpartum home assessment visit?

A postpartum home assessment visit is a medical procedure that takes place after the birth of a baby to monitor the health of the mother and newborn.

Key information about this process includes:

Who's coming?

• Pediatrician. Evaluates the newborn's condition, examines and checks the newborn's development, weight gain and general health.

• A gynecologist or obstetrician. Checks on the mother's health, assesses recovery from childbirth, examines stitches (if any) and discusses possible problems.

• Nurse or midwife. May participate in the check-up and provide information and support on newborn care and breastfeeding.

Purposes of the visits:

• Monitoring the health of the mother. Assessing physical and emotional well-being, identifying possible complications such as infections or postpartum depression.

• Newborn checkup. Examination of the baby to assess his or her health and development, to identify problems such as jaundice or feeding difficulties.

• Support and counseling. Providing information on newborn care, breastfeeding and other aspects related to parenthood.

• Education. Educating parents on health and safety issues to help build confidence.

How many visits are conducted?

• The number of postpartum visits can vary depending on the health care system and the needs of the family. These visits are usually conducted:

• First visit. Usually within the first week after discharge from the hospital (day 3-7).

• Follow-up visits. Depending on the condition of the mother and child, there may be additional visits, often at 2-4 weeks after delivery.

The total number and frequency of visits may also depend on your doctor's recommendations and individual circumstances, such as the presence of complications or specific health conditions.

Thus, postpartum home visits are an important component of mother and baby care and help ensure their health and well-being during this critical period.

In about Florianópolis, home visits to pregnant women and mothers with newborns are organized as part of the health system, and here are the highlights of these visits:

• When do the visits take place? Home visits usually take place within the first few weeks after delivery, often 1-3 days after discharge from the hospital. Doctors or nurses may also come for further check-ups, during the first two months after delivery.

• Who conducts the visits? Visits are usually carried out by midwives (parteiras) or pediatricians, depending on the situation and the needs of the mother and child. In some cases, social workers or family health specialists may be involved.

• Conditions for a visit. To receive a visit, the mother usually has to be registered with the health system (SUS) or have private insurance. Specialists check the newborn's health (including weight, nutrition and general condition) and the mother's health (physiological and emotional aspects).

• Language support. If the foreigner does not speak Portuguese, it is advisable to take care of translation or support in advance, which our company helps to organize. This is how we help to ensure effective communication with the medical staff.

It's important to remember that details may vary, so it's best to check with our consultants in advance.

You can feel free to contact us regarding home visits by doctors. To do this, you can contact our consultants via the feedback form (link to the form, or the form below) or WhatsApp (contact number), and our consultant will answer any of your questions.

All preliminary consultations with us are free of charge and do not oblige you to anything. Therefore, contact us right now and you will get answers to all possible questions.