After Your Baby Arrives

Follow-up visits with your provider

The weeks after you give birth are important ones — for you and your baby. Even if you had an easy childbirth experience and are feeling great, you need to see your doctor or nurse soon.

10 GOOD REASONS TO SEE YOUR PROVIDER

This visit will help you continue to make healthy progress. After you are at home with your baby you can:

1. Get help with the feelings that come with having a new baby.

Bringing a new baby home changes the lives of both parents and especially the mother. Your provider can help you to understand the feelings that new parents often have.

2. Discuss the life changes that happen after having a baby.

Your life has changed. For example, you have less time for yourself. Also, you may be wondering how to get your husband or partner to help with caring for the baby.

3. Talk about how to care for your new baby and situations where you might need more services.

You got help in the hospital on basic infant care, such as bathing and changing your baby. Now that you are at home, you may have new questions about caring for your baby. Your provider can also explain what services are available to help you.

4. Discuss your plans for birth control and family planning.

It is not too soon to consider this topic. Remember: if you are not using birth control, you can become pregnant even if you are breastfeeding. Your provider will help you with birth control and family planning.

5. Make sure your body has returned to its normal state.

Your body has just gone through nine months of pregnancy and childbirth. Your provider will examine you to make sure you are having a healthy recovery and that your female organs are returning to the original, pre-pregnancy size and position.

6. Discuss any signs of depression, which may happen after giving birth.

Feeling tired and sad is normal in the days and weeks after giving birth. Your provider can determine whether or not this feeling is mild or a more serious problem that requires treatment.

7. Talk about any medical problems that may need attention.

You may have an existing medical condition, or a new one, that needs to be managed. This condition could have an impact on future pregnancies. Your provider will take care of your medical problem and check your overall health.

8. Discuss breastfeeding and caring for your breasts.

Many new mothers have question about breastfeeding or want to stop breastfeeding after the first few days. Those who are not breastfeeding may have other concerns. Your provider can answer all these questions.

9. Talk about your menstrual cycle and sexuality.

Depending on whether or not you are breastfeeding your baby, your menstrual cycle will return in the weeks after you have given birth. Your provider will explain what to expect and answer any questions about having sex after childbirth.

10. Discuss nutrition and exercise.

Eating right and getting exercise are especially important for new mothers. Your provider will explain how choosing the right foods and getting exercise can help you get back in shape, which will give you the energy you need to care for your baby.