Tips for Taking Charge of Your Postpartum Checkup and Leave Feeling Empowered

Walking into my six-week postpartum checkup, I felt like a bundle of nerves. Exhaustion weighed me down, my body was still recovering from childbirth, I hadn't showered in days and I was navigating a flood of new responsibilities. Amid diaper changes and late-night feedings, I was overwhelmed with information and emotions. If you're about to visit your doctor after giving birth, you're not alone in these feelings! Here’s what you can expect and some helpful tips to ensure you leave feeling empowered.

Understand What to Expect at Your Checkup

Your postpartum appointment is for assessing your physical and emotional recovery. Expect your doctor to check on your healing (both cesarean and vaginal births) and address any concerns you may have. Be ready to discuss aspects of your recovery, your emotional state, and your new parental role. Notice how this is about you! So make this appointment about you and ensure the conversation surrounds your well-being.

Before your visit, create a checklist of topics you wish to cover. This could include questions about changes in your body, the emotional ups and downs you might be experiencing, or even concerns about your baby's development. Having this list will help maintain focus during the appointment and ensure you leave with the information you need.

Be Prepared for the Conversation about Baby Feeding

When my doctor advised me to feed my baby every 2-3 hours, I felt a mixture of confusion and panic. Juggling the demands of a newborn while understanding my own body felt like an uphill battle. And while my doctor highlighted the importance of rest, I felt confused about how I was expected to rest while waking up every 2-3 hours to breastfeed my baby (my baby who only slept on my for the first few months). I found many of the doctors recommendations an issue of theory versus practice. In theory yes, having my child feed every three hours then sleep independently in their bassinet would be lovely - but in practice, there was no way this was realistic.

At this stage, it's vital to remember that everything is a work in progress. Rather than stressing about an ideal feeding schedule, find a rhythm that feels right for you and your family. For example, some mothers also incorporate pumping so partners can help with feeding. Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula, or a combination, ensure that it’s a sustainable method for your lifestyle. If advice you've previously received feels unrealistic, talk to trusted friends and family about alternatives that work for you.

Consider Your Family’s Future on Your Terms

As you discuss your health, the topic of future pregnancies and contraception will arise. This is your journey, and your feelings matter. Whether you envision having one child, want more kids soon, or plan to wait years, your perspective is valid.

If you're not ready to think about next steps, that’s completely okay. While in the depths of the newborn phase, this thought can potentially feel overwhelming and terrifying. Use this appointment to express your feelings and ask questions (Remember: this appointment is for you!). Understanding your options and preferences allows your doctor to provide tailored guidance that aligns with your values.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Along with physical recovery, mental well-being plays a critical role in your postpartum experience. Your mental health impacts your physical health significantly. The emotional ups and downs are real, and it’s important to address them. I often felt pressured to be joyful all the time, yet experiencing moments of sadness was part of my reality.

You know yourself better than anyone - be sure to check in with your emotions and be honest with yourself. If your intuition is telling you that your emotional experience is more than "baby blues", advocate for yourself and seek secondary opinions.

Seeking help through support groups and therapy demonstrates strength, not weakness.

Advocate for Yourself and Your Concerns

As I walked into my appointment, I knew I needed to be my own advocate. Don't hesitate to discuss what matters most to you during this significant time. Whether it's about body image, sleep issues, or ways to cope with new stresses, make your voice heard.

At my six week postpartum check up with my first child, I openly shared with my doctor that I was not doing well; sharing details about what was happening with me emotionally. I was told this was typical "baby blues". Later on in my postpartum journey I shared the same information with a different doctor who steered me in the right direction allowing me to find valuable support to manage my (later diagnosed) postpartum depression.

If something feels off or if you have lingering doubts, speak up. Building a solid rapport with your healthcare provider can make a difference in your postpartum journey. By sharing your concerns, you're taking charge of your health and well-being, paving the way for ongoing discussions that meet your needs.

Empowering Your Postpartum Experience

Postpartum is a unique journey for each mother. Our needs, experiences, circumstances, and bodies are different. However, one thing remains true in all circumstances, to provide your child with the best care possible, you must care for yourself in the best way possible. As cliche as it sounds, put your oxygen mask on first.

While our healthcare system has programs and resources available to support mothers during their postpartum journey, these programs can be difficult to find and difficult to navigate. Be your own advocate and seek out multiple opinions from trusteed friends and family members to guide you through this time.

This period is about healing, reflection, and growth for both you and your baby. So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and lean on your support network (The Motherhood!). You've got this! Embrace the chaos, ask your questions, and take your time. The best path through motherhood is the one you carve out on your own.