Postnatal Checks For Mum

Your postnatal recovery deserves time, attention and thoughtful care

Because after your baby arrives, someone should be checking on you too.

Your recovery matters too

After your baby arrives, so much attention naturally turns to your newborn, but your health and recovery are just as important.

During my postnatal visits, I take time to check how you are feeling physically and emotionally, how your body is recovering after birth, and whether there is anything you would like to talk through or ask about.

A postnatal check is not just one quick question about how you are feeling. We take time to talk about your birth, your recovery and any concerns you may have, while also checking for signs that you may need additional support or assessment.

Mum Comes First Too

When I arrive for a postnatal visit, I always spend the first part of our time together focusing on you.

It can be very easy for everyone's attention to move straight to your new baby and, before you know it, mum has been forgotten about.

Your mental health and emotional wellbeing are just as important as your physical recovery. I want to know how you are really feeling, how you are adjusting to becoming a mum, how you are sleeping and coping, and whether anything is worrying or overwhelming you.

We will also talk about your birth and how you feel it went. Even if I already know what happened during your labour and birth, I want to hear about your experience of it. This gives you time to talk things through, ask questions and discuss anything that may have felt difficult, unexpected or upsetting.

Especially during the first week after birth, I will also carry out a set of maternal observations, including checks such as your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, alongside any other observations appropriate to you and your individual circumstances.

Once we have given you the time and attention you deserve do we move on to checking and caring for your baby.

You can find further information about recommended postnatal care for mothers in the NICE postnatal care guidance.

Feeding and Breast Health

We will talk about how you are feeding your baby and, importantly, how feeding is going for you.

If you are breastfeeding, we can discuss your milk coming in, whether your breasts feel tender, full or uncomfortable, how your nipples are feeling and any concerns you have about feeding. We will also talk about the signs and symptoms of mastitis and when you should seek further advice or assessment.

If you are bottle feeding or combination feeding, there is also plenty of time to talk about how feeding is going and any questions or concerns you may have.

Bleeding and Your Uterus After Birth

We will talk about your postnatal bleeding, known as lochia, including what you can expect and how this can change during the days and weeks following birth.

I will also check your abdomen where appropriate and assess how your uterus is contracting and returning towards its pre-pregnancy size.

We will talk about what is expected during recovery and, importantly, the signs that mean you should seek further assessment, such as very heavy bleeding, passing large clots or feeling unwell.

Stitches, Tears and Caesarean Wound Care

If you have had stitches following a tear or episiotomy, I can check how the area is healing and talk to you about keeping comfortable and caring for your stitches.

If you have had a caesarean birth, I can check your caesarean wound and talk to you about your recovery.

We will discuss signs of infection and other changes to look out for, so you know what can be part of normal healing and when something needs further assessment.

Bladder and Bowel Health

Going to the toilet after having a baby might not be everyone's favourite subject, but it is an important part of your postnatal recovery.

We will talk about how you are passing urine and opening your bowels, as well as constipation, hydration and eating a fibre-rich diet.

If constipation is becoming a problem, we can also talk about measures that may help and any medication, such as lactulose, that has been recommended or prescribed for you.

We will also discuss symptoms such as burning or stinging when passing urine and when these need assessment for a possible urinary tract infection.

Your Legs and Circulation

During your postnatal period, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot.

We will talk about symptoms to look out for, including pain or swelling in one leg, calf pain or pain behind the knee. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.

If you have been prescribed blood-thinning injections following birth, we can talk about why you are taking them and how long you have been advised to continue.

If your injection is due while I am visiting you, I can also administer it for you.

Postnatal Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia can sometimes develop after your baby has been born, so knowing the warning signs remains important during the postnatal period.

We can talk about symptoms such as a severe or persistent headache, changes to your vision, swelling and feeling very unwell, and when you should seek prompt medical assessment.

Your blood pressure is also an important part of your postnatal observations, particularly during the early days following birth.

Pain Relief and Medication

Having just given birth, it is completely reasonable to need pain relief.

We can talk about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing and the pain relief you have been advised to take following your birth.

This is also an opportunity to talk through any medication you have been prescribed, what it is for and any questions or concerns you may have.

Your Pelvic Floor and Returning to Exercise

Your body has been through pregnancy and birth, and recovery takes time.

We can talk about pelvic floor exercises, why they are important after having a baby and gradually returning to physical activity and exercise.

There is no expectation to rush your recovery. The focus is on allowing your body to heal and returning to activity at a pace that is appropriate for you.

Sex, Contraception and Cervical Screening After Birth

When you are ready, we can also talk openly about returning to sexual activity after having your baby.

We can discuss contraception after birth and the importance of considering contraception before resuming sexual activity if you do not want another pregnancy straight away.

We will also talk about cervical screening and when your next screening test is due.

If your cervical screening was due during pregnancy and was postponed, we can talk about arranging this after birth. You will need to contact your GP practice to book your cervical screening, usually around three months after your baby is born.

Support Between Visits

Questions and concerns don't always conveniently appear on the day of your postnatal appointment.

If you are worried about something between visits, you can contact me for advice and support.

Where appropriate, we can discuss concerns about things such as your caesarean wound, stitches or bleeding and decide whether you need further assessment or should contact maternity triage, your GP or another healthcare professional.

Caring for Mum as Well as Baby

Postnatal care is about caring for you as well as your baby.

My holistic approach to your postnatal care gives me time to look at your recovery as a whole, answer your questions and make sure you feel listened to, supported and cared for, as you adjust physically and emotionally after birth.

Your baby is incredibly important, but so are you

For personalised reassurance or support at any point after birth, you can also book a single private postnatal appointment at home if you feel this would be beneficial.

Get in touch to discuss how my postnatal care can support you.