Postpartum Care for Mothers
The postpartum period is critical recovery time for mothers and their newborns. New mothers go through many changes after delivering a baby. Some discomforts, like being sore and really tired, are normal in the weeks after giving birth. However, some women experience complications after birth than can cause serious, life-threatening health problems.
Hybrid Postpartum Support Group
You do not have to handle the adjustment of a newborn on your own.
POST-BIRTH Warning Signs
POST-BIRTH is an acronym to help mothers identify problems in the hours, days, weeks and months after giving birth.
| Call 911 if you have: | Pain in chest Obstructed breathing or shortness of breath Seizures Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby |
Call your health care provider if you have: (If you can’t reach your provider, go to urgent care, an emergency room, or call 911.) | Bleeding, soaking through one pad/hour, or blood clots the size of an egg or larger Incision that is not healing Red or swollen leg that is painful or warm to touch Temperature of 100.4° F or higher Headache that does not get better even after taking medication or bad headache with vision changes |
| Tell 911 or your health care provider: | “I had a baby on [date] and I am having [specific warning signs].” |
If you’re worried about any particular pain, discomfort or how you feel after birth, contact your physician right away.
Postpartum Checkups
Keep all of your postpartum checkups, both at the hospital and with your physician, even if you feel fine. New moms are at risk of serious, life-threatening medical conditions in the days and weeks after giving birth. These medical checkups ensure you are recovering well from labor and delivery. The checkups help the medical team to identify and treat any health conditions you may have or be at risk for.