Your Six Week Checkup

The big day has come and gone and you’re slowly settling into life with your new baby. Things have been a whirlwind of diapers, feedings and appointments for baby. But at the six week mark, you’re up! Though some providers will see new parents a few days or weeks after postpartum, the majority of folks will see their provider for a six week checkup. This is a time for your doctor to touch base with you to see how you’re doing physically and emotionally, but it’s also a great time for you to ask any questions that may have been on your mind for the last few weeks.

Physical Exam 

First up, your provider will check your perineum if you had a vaginal birth. If you had an episiotomy, they will make sure it is healing well. If you had a cesarean delivery, your provider will make sure your incision is healing. Some providers will also perform a pelvic exam including a pap smear and examination of the uterus, cervix and ovaries to make sure everything has returned to its pre-pregnancy state, though not all providers do. You might also have a breast/chest exam done, especially if you’re body feeding, to check for any clogged ducts. Clogged ducts can lead to mastitis, an infection in the breast tissue.

Mental Health

Mental health is such an important part of your parenting journey, especially in the first few weeks. Your provider may ask you questions about your emotions, your feelings about the baby, or how you’re coping in general. Now is the time to speak up if you’re noticing issues with anxiety, depression, or other negative thoughts. This is a huge time of transition for your family. It can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is normal stress and exhaustion, or if you may need some help dealing with what you’re going through. It is so important to talk with your healthcare provider about your feelings and mood. There is a possibility that your provider will have you fill out a survey called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. You may also use this tool as a self assessment and a way to open the conversation about mental health during your appointment.

Sex After Childbirth

This is typically the appointment when you provider lets you know that it’s okay to resume having sex. It’s important to remember that some folks are eager to have sex soon after the baby is born, but others may not be interested for a while and that’s okay! Every body heals differently and everyone’s libido is affected differently by pregnancy, birth, chestfeeding. You will also talk about birth control options and what preferences you have regarding them. Don’t forget that it is possible to become pregnant again very soon after your baby is born, so even if you’re not looking to take hormonal birth control, be sure to take precautions once you begin having sex again.

Your six week appointment is all about you! It’s a great time to ask your provider any questions you have about your recovery, how you’re feeling, or anything else that may be on your mind. Remember, taking good care of yourself is the best first step of taking good care of your baby!