Six Weeks Postpartum!

I hope you gave yourself grace for these six weeks. Every time a woman has a baby she is born again. First thing to note is that six weeks marks the BEGINNING of your recovery. You still need to be kind to your body and mind. Keep asking for help. Make use of your doula. If you are a MAE client make sure to use all of your postpartum visits even if they are virtual. That one hour conversation you have with your doula will help you focus on yourself.

Many babies have a six week growth spurt and may go back to cluster feeding. If you are breastfeeding they may seem like they are latched all the time while they try to increase your milk supply. Be patient with yourself and with your baby and, if you need it reach out for advice from you doula, a breastfeeding peer counselor or a lactation consultant.

Before you go for you six week check up make sure your doctor's office allows you to bring your newborn. If not, have your doula or someone come with you to sit with your baby. Six weeks doesn't mean sex... unless you're willing and feel prepared. While your doctor's approval for vaginal sex serves as a guideline, some women may need more time to feel ready, and others might be ready before the six-week mark.

If you had an unpleasant or traumatic birth with your Obgyn and felt like you were not treated well during your birth you don't have to go back to that same doctor for your six week check up. Call your insurance and get a referral to someone else. If it's a practice with multiple doctors ask for that particular doctor to be excluded from your care. How you feel matters!

In the time leading up to your six week visit it can sometimes be hard to get attention from your Obgyn. Make use of your GP if you have one. They may be able to get you in for an appointment sooner.

Finally, make a list of questions for your six week visit, here are some sample questions:

• Ask if your doctor sees any signs of prolapse (pelvic organs dropping)

• Ask if you have abdominal separation and, if you do, see if you can get a referral for a physical therapist.

• Tell your doctor about any pain you may be feeling

• Check on your mental - If your doctor's office does not do a mood screen ask for one