Visiting your doctor after giving birth is just as important as regular visits during your pregnancy. Additional visits may be scheduled to fit individual needs.
After your baby arrives, your doctor will ask you to schedule a postpartum visit for three to six weeks after delivery, if you haven't already done so during your third trimester.
If you had a cesarean section (C-section) or have other medical needs, you may need to see your doctor within one week after delivery and again three to six weeks after delivery.
Your body has changed in many ways, and it is normal to feel stressed, tired and emotional. It takes time to heal and adjust to your changing body while caring for your newborn.
It is important that you attend your postpartum care appointment to make sure your body is healing properly. Your doctor will also make sure you are doing ok emotionally and mentally and will talk with you about family planning options.
Our Strong Beginnings program emphasizes the importance of understanding that any woman who has gone through pregnancy or childbirth can develop anxiety or depression because of the many physical and emotional changes that occur during and after pregnancy.
Many women experience some level of emotional sadness or anxiety before or after childbirth. The emotions, commonly referred to as “Baby Blues” are often temporary and typically fade away soon after childbirth.
Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression that last longer, and are more severe, are signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Only a doctor can diagnose someone with PPD, which is why it is important to seek help if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.
It's also important to be aware that depression symptoms can start during pregnancy or develop up to one year after delivery. Your partner could also develop symptoms of PPD.
Symptoms may include:
Talking with your OB doctor and loved ones early is important. If you would like more information about PPD, or how to get the conversation started, call our Strong Beginnings line at 608-830-5908 or 800-356-7344, ext. 5908 or enroll online and someone from our team will contact you.
If you think you or a loved one is struggling with pregnancy or postpartum depression or anxiety seek help right away:
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