Don’t Neglect Postpartum Care

Published on: July 19, 2017

It is common in our culture to provide prenatal care during a woman’s pregnancy, which is appropriate as she is growing a whole new human being in her womb. But often the postpartum care gets neglected as all the focus is on the newborn baby. While the baby should get special attention, don’t forget to care for yourself too. If you are not well cared for, you can’t care well for others.

  • Go in for your postpartum checkups. Get your appointments scheduled right away and do your best to keep them. Having your OB/GYN keeping an eye on you during this traumatic body change is important.
  • Get help. You may want to show how well you can handle your new role, by doing everything independently. Save it. This can be a very exhausting and overwhelming time. Take any help that is offered and don’t be afraid to verbalize the help you need to family and friends.
  • Get rest. Sleep when the baby sleeps. You may have heard this before, but now you actually have to make the decision to do it. Housework can wait and you will be better at all the things you need to get done, if you get the rest you need.
  • Eat well. Making good food choices is important for your nursing baby, but it’s also important for you. You body has gone through a lot and feeding it well will help it heal faster and give you the energy and nutrition your body needs.
  • Mental Health. Hormones are raging through pregnancy and continue afterward. It is not uncommon to feel baby blues. Make sure to share your candid feelings with family, friends, and your health professional. They want to know how you’re feeling, so they know how to care for you best.

Yes, your baby’s health is important, but you also need to make sure you get the self care you need. Your OB/GYN will give you the professional care and advice that you need to help your body heal. Call them with any concerns and make sure to keep your postpartum appointments.

Posted on behalf of
North Point OB/GYN Associates
1505 Northside Boulevard #3500
Cumming, GA 30041
(770) 886-3555

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.