Navigating Your 6-Week Postpartum Check-Up: A Guide to Ensure Your Physical and Mental Well-Being
What To Discuss During Your 6 Week Postpartum Appointment
As a new parent, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your newborn. The six-week postpartum check-up is an essential step to ensure your physical and mental health after giving birth. Here are some important topics to discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure you are healthy and cleared to continue physical activity and intimacy.
Pelvic Floor Therapy and Diastasis Recti
During your postpartum check-up, be sure to ask your healthcare provider to check the status of your pelvic floor muscles and diagnose any problems, such as diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles and can lead to a bulge in the midline of the abdomen. Your healthcare provider may suggest pelvic floor therapy to help with bladder control and muscle strength. After giving birth, there are various options available for pelvic floor therapy, including doing it yourself at home or seeking the help of a pelvic floor therapist depending on the severity of the condition, but it is crucial to prioritize working on your pelvic floor to maintain good health.
Pain Management
It's common to experience pain after giving birth, especially if you had any vaginal tears or a cesarean. For vaginal pain, it's important to properly care for any stitches or tears you may have had. Your healthcare provider will likely give you specific instructions on how to keep the area clean and may suggest using a peri-bottle for gentle cleaning. To manage pain, you can use a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers and heat or cold therapy. For abdominal or back pain, this could be a sign of a complication like an infection or postpartum hemorrhage, so it's important to bring this up with your healthcare provider. (If breastfeeding, be mindful to choose a medication that is safe while nursing.)
If you had a cesarean, you will have a scar that will need to heal. It's important to keep the area clean and dry, and avoid any activities that could put pressure on the incision site. Your healthcare provider may recommend using an abdominal binder to provide support and help manage pain. If you experience pain that is not improving, or if you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
In general, be sure to keep an eye on any pain you experience during the first six weeks postpartum. It’s not an awful idea to track pain levels and medication intake to discuss during the appointment.
Mental Health
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new mothers, which is why it's crucial to track your mood over the span of six weeks and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider during your check-up. Postpartum depression can manifest as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness that persist for weeks or months after giving birth. Treatment options may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. It's important to be honest about your symptoms and seek help if needed. Your healthcare provider can provide resources and support for managing postpartum depression.
Breastfeeding Issues
If you are breastfeeding, discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider. They can help you with any issues you are having, such as sore nipples or difficulty with latch. Your healthcare provider may also recommend lactation consultants or support groups to help with breastfeeding.
Birth Control Options
During your postpartum check-up, your healthcare provider will discuss birth control options with you. It is important to consider birth control options that are safe while breastfeeding and effective in preventing pregnancy.
Remember to be honest with your healthcare provider and ask any questions you may have. They are there to support you and ensure that you are healthy both physically and mentally.