Your Postpartum Health Matters
Most women experience some mild mood changes, known as “baby blues,” after the birth of their baby. There is help.
About 20% of new moms experience more serious symptoms than just the “baby blues.” This may include feeling sad, empty, nervous, worried or scared after the birth of the baby.
Do you...
- Feel it is hard to bond with your baby or feel like you don’t love your baby?
- Have upsetting thoughts you can’t get out of your mind?
- Not feel like yourself and feel more moody or angry with those around you?
- Feel like you have racing thoughts or feel like you’re going crazy?
- Feel worried you might hurt yourself or your baby?
If you are feeling any of these things, our Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby team is here to help. You can reach us at (414) 337-BABY .
Postpartum Checkup Tips
What is a postpartum checkup? Why do I need one? Postpartum means after giving birth. Your body has just gone through some major changes from being pregnant and giving birth. A postpartum checkup is a basic medical checkup you get 3-8 weeks after giving birth to make sure you are recovering and healthy.
What if I am feeling fine after delivery?
You should still go to your postpartum checkup, even if you feel fine. It is important for your health.
What if you had a cesarean birth?
Your provider may want to see you 1-2 weeks after delivery to check that your incision is healing. This is not the same as your postpartum checkup.
At your postpartum checkup, you can:
- Talk about your plan for getting pregnant again or using birth control.
- Ask questions about any problems you had during pregnancy, labor or delivery.
- Talk about your feelings about being a new mom especially if you are feeling worried, sad, down or angry.
- Manage any health conditions you may have.
- Complete a physical exam that includes checking your blood pressure, weight, breasts and abdomen.
- Complete a pelvic exam to check your vagina, uterus and cervix.
- If you had a cesarean birth, have your incision checked to ensure it has healed.
- Receive any vaccinations you may need.
Things to Ask About at Your Checkup
- Nutrition
- Vitamins and supplements
- Weight loss
- Exercise
- Sex (When is it ok to start again?
- What problems could I have?)
- Mood problems
- Physical issues