Postnatal Care

Postnatal is generally considered anything up to six weeks from the delivery date and your six-week postnatal check shouldn’t be missed.

As this is a new experience (even if it’s not your first child, no two deliveries are the same) it’s important that you tell your GP about any concerns you might have. You might be sleep-deprived and still trying to sort out a routine around your newborn so it can be helpful to write a list in the days leading up to the appointment to cover everything.

Your GP may check any or all of the following during your post-natal check:

Tears have healed

If you had stitches or a caesarean, your GP will make sure these are healing well.

Cervical Screening

If you are due for a Cervical Screening Test, your GP will ask if you want to do this now or make an appointment to come back. It’s important to follow through with the test due to the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy and labour.

Contraception After Birth

The postnatal period is a great time to think about contraception, even if another pregnancy feels a long way off. It's worth having this conversation early as ovulation can return before your first period, sometimes sooner than expected.

Your GP can help you choose the right option for your body, lifestyle, and feeding choices. For women who are breastfeeding, progesterone-only options such as the mini pill, Implanon, or a hormonal IUD (Mirena) may be suitable.

An IUD insertion in the postnatal period can actually be more comfortable than at other times, as the cervix remains slightly more open following birth.

Breast Check

Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, there will be changes in your breast size and shape due to the increase in hormones during the child bearing process, so it’s important that you make a note of anything you’re not sure about. Breasts do become lumpy when they go through these changes but your GP will rule out any more serious causes of the lumps. Let your GP know about any infection or cracks in the nipples if you’re feeding.

Uterus

You might have a pelvic examination to check that your uterus is shrinking back to it’s pre-pregnancy size.

Your Mental Health

Postnatal depression is common in the first 12 months of giving birth and your doctor will evaluate your mental health to offer a support system if you need it. It’s really important that you’re honest with your GP about your thoughts and feelings during this time so they can give you the support you need to navigate what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in a woman’s life.

If your six-week postnatal check is due it’s important that you attend the appointment and give your GP as much information as you can.  It’s this information that will allow them to offer you extra help and support if you need it.