How are new moms supported?

What to expect at the 6-week postpartum checkup

Author

Samantha Flores
September 19, 2024

The six-week postpartum checkup is meant to check if your body has healed internally from giving birth. This appointment happens somewhere between 6-8 weeks postpartum. In short, this is what you can expect during a postpartum checkup:

  • Physical exam

  • Mental health screening

  • Additional blood testing (if needed)

  • Discussion about birth control

  • Approval to resume activities

  • Time to ask questions

This checkup stirs up something in me because I wholeheartedly feel like this is not enough for new moms.

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How are we expected to go from having monthly/weekly appointments with our provider during pregnancy to suddenly having no support after the baby is born? Our babies have several well-child checkups during their first year of life, yet mothers only get one appointment.

All this to say… you need to make the most of your appointment and start advocating for yourself.

If you feel like you need additional support, this is the time to speak up to your provider. However, there are many instances where moms feel like they need support months after giving birth.

So, what can you do if that is you?

  • Make an appointment with your provider to request an additional assessment

  • Find a support group in your area that you can actually go to and meet other moms in your community

  • Reach out to friends/family to ask for help

  • Make time for yourself (whether that be sitting under a tree for five minutes at a time or going to relax in a coffee shop… you do you!)

  • Find additional resources to learn more about what you might be experiencing

What you shouldn’t do:

  • Stay silent

  • Blame yourself

  • Withdraw from friends and family

  • Ignore your symptoms

  • Give up

I hear you, Mama… This is a tough time. There are so many changes happening all at once. It isn’t easy to get your bearings with all the moving parts.

However, the best way to care for your baby is by taking the time to care for yourself. If you feel like something is wrong, say something! Listen to your body; it’s trying to tell you something.

You don’t have to stay silent during your six-week checkup, and you don’t have to stay silent even after the appointment. Postpartum is a journey and there are many changes along the way. Don’t forget that you matter, too.