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The Postpartum Check-up
You will need to go to your doctor’s office for a postpartum exam
about 4 to 6 weeks after your baby is born. Your doctor will make sure
your body is healing the way it should. Your doctor will check your
stitches and do a vaginal exam. You and your doctor should also discuss
your physical and emotional health, family planning, and any other
concerns you may have. It is very important to keep this appointment, as
this is one way of taking care of you!
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
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You have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
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You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
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Increasing or persistent pain in the vaginal area
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You have itching, burning, or a foul smelling discharge
from your vagina
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Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your legs
You have bright red bleeding from the vagina for more than 5-7 days or
the discharge has changed from pink or colorless back or red.
Common Postpartum Problems
Pain in the area between the vagina and rectum: This pain is quite
common in women who deliver vaginally. This area can be stretched or torn
during delivery. There may be more discomfort if you received an
episiotomy (a cut made to keep the vagina from tearing). As your body
heals, the discomfort will fade. Use sitz baths, cold packs or warm water
to lessen the pain. You may also wish to buy a doughnut-shaped pillow to
sit on, if sitting is uncomfortable.
Breasts: When milk comes in, about two to four days after
delivery, your breasts will become very large, hard, and sore. These
symptoms will ease once you begin breast-feeding regularly. If you’re
not breastfeeding the pain should last no longer than three days after
delivery. A well-fitting support bra and ice packs can help ease the
pain.
Postpartum Blues: Most women experience a case of the "baby
blues" about 7 to 10 days after the birth of their child. Changes in
hormone levels and the new responsibility of caring for a baby cause some
new mothers to feel anxious, lonely, and angry. This is normal. To send
"baby blues" on their way, sleep when the baby sleeps, ask
friends and family for help, make sure you eat, and take some time for
yourself! This moodiness and mild depression lasts only a couple of
weeks. If the feelings do last for more than 2 weeks, or you have
thoughts of harming your baby, call your doctor right away because you
may have postpartum depression.
Medications can help ease the symptoms
of postpartum depression. Treatment varies depending on the type and
severity of symptoms. All of the symptoms, from the mild to the most severe,
are temporary and treatable with skilled professional help and support.
Medications are considered reasonably safe for nursing mothers.
For more information about postpartum depression, read our "What
You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression."
HAP's Postpartum Care Project
We have developed a program to encourage more women to get screened and
treated for postpartum depression. Women who’ve just given birth are sent a
postpartum care packet with a letter encouraging them to schedule their
postpartum visit with their obstetrical provider and
educational material, as well as a follow-up mailing with a survey and reminder.
The purpose of the survey is to measure your emotional well-being.
If you receive one of these packets, we encourage you to fill out and return
the survey. You may indicate on the survey whether or not you desire a
follow up phone call. If so, then a nurse will contact you with your
results. If you are depressed, call your doctor or HAP's CBHM
department to set up a visit with a mental health professional. The phone
number to call is 1-800-444-5755.
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