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Home › Articles › Mom's Health › Mom's Postpartum Health

Mom's Postpartum Health

Why New Moms Need Doctor Visits Too

By Renee Roberson

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After nine months of regular doctor's visits and an array of tests, it may come as a relief for some new moms that the prenatal portion of pregnancy is over. But according to some medical experts, the first few postpartum weeks are a critical and sometimes stressful time for a woman, and she needs to prioritize her own mental and physical wellness, in addition to that of her baby.

"Traditionally, six weeks postpartum is when the uterus is back to normal," says Linda Given Welch, a certified nurse midwife in Evanston, Ill. "But in my practice, I try to see everyone at two weeks, especially first-time moms."

After giving birth, most women are overwhelmed by fatigue and trying to keep track of feeding the baby every few hours, caring for their body post-labor, and most likely, hosting an array of visitors during her hospital stay. It can be hard to remember what appointments need to be scheduled.

"A big issue is to remind women so they don't forget to come back, and then you don't see patients for two or three years" Welch says. "A lot of times women get discharge instructions where they are reminded to call and make that follow-up appointment."

Unfortunately, that reminder is often buried in a pile of paperwork on how to care for your newborn baby and tips for breastfeeding moms. Welch says it's a good idea to enlist a partner to help you remember to schedule your appointments, in addition to the numerous well-check appointments you'll have to transport your new baby to.

When to Go Back

Postpartum instructions can sometimes be different depending on the type of delivery and any complications a new mom may be having.

"The usual interval between a vaginal delivery and the postpartum checkup is six weeks," says Dr. Adelaide Nardone, an OB/GYN who practices in Providence, R.I. and is a medical advisor to Vagisil Women's Health Clinic. "The appointment can be made for the patient even before she leaves the hospital or at her earliest convenience from home."


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