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Your Postpartum Health
What to Expect at Your Six-week Checkup
By Dr. Judith Reichman
All new mothers are told that they should schedule their first postpartum visit with their obstetrician six weeks after giving birth, but few, if any, know what questions they should ask at that visit.
New moms are often so overwhelmed with responsibilities after giving birth that they dismiss prolonged postpartum "blues" as normal and don't discuss them. Having a postpartum checklist will ensure that a new mom reviews these issues during her first post-delivery checkup.
Sixty-four percent of new moms choose to breastfeed in the early postpartum period and many may experience painful breast engorgement or improper milk drainage. In some cases, this may lead to infection (mastitis) or even abscess. New moms often think that lumps and pain "come with the territory" and don't seek treatment until they develop serious complications. Also, new moms who are having difficulty breastfeeding often don't seek instruction.
Breast health may also be a concern for women when they decide to stop breastfeeding. These new moms, and moms who choose not to breastfeed at all, should undergo a regular breast exam at their doctor's visit and discuss any difficulties they may be having discontinuing lactation.
Most women can safely begin exercising as soon as they are comfortable. Typically, they can begin walking for exercise after one or two weeks and engage in more vigorous exercise programs by six weeks. With exercise and appropriate diet, the usual weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week.
On average, a new mother should consume between 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day, and a nursing mom should add 500 calories. Breastfeeding can also help new moms lose weight faster, because nursing burns extra calories.
A postpartum exercise regimen coupled with appropriate caloric intake is important to the future weight and health of every new mom. Statistics show that some women who do not lose their pregnancy weight within six months of giving birth are likely to become overweight or obese in the future. New moms should talk with their doctor to determine an appropriate weight loss plan for their individual needs.
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