The first hours after birth

Who is this support for?

Families who want to prepare for meeting their baby and beginning breastfeeding after birth.

What can we explore together?

• Discussing expectations for the first hours before birth
• Information about first contact, appropriate to mother and baby's condition
• Positioning and attachment support as breastfeeding begins
• Helping you understand your newborn's first needs
• Preparing questions for the hospital team
• Identifying support needs after discharge

Space to get to know each other

Mother and baby's health determines how the first hours unfold. Skin-to-skin contact and feeding are considered with guidance from the responsible healthcare team. The aim is to support the family without rushing or creating pressure to perform.

From the first hours to the first days at home

Discussing feeding questions, follow-up appointments and who can help at home before discharge can ease the transition. Medical monitoring and newborn screening continue through your healthcare provider.

What we can discuss before the first hours in hospital

You can share the support you would like after birth while you are still pregnant. We consider hospital visiting and midwife attendance rules, the team's care arrangements and the time for a conversation. Alongside your first breastfeeding questions, we can discuss support when you return home. In-person hospital attendance must be confirmed in advance.

Istanbul first, with support across Turkey

For private midwife support in Istanbul, share your district and preferred meeting format. Online and in-person options are available across Turkey; availability and travel arrangements outside Istanbul are agreed during an initial conversation. We also discuss which topics can be covered online and which need an in-person assessment.

Midwife support in Istanbul and consultation options across Turkey are explained in more detail on these pages.

Before we meet

We clarify your needs, timing and arrangements at first contact. The location and ongoing plan depend on your circumstances. Simply note the questions that matter to you; you are not expected to know everything beforehand.

Questions you may have