Taking Care of Your Health After Having a Baby

After having a baby, it’s important to take care of your health. That means going to checkups, picking the right birth control, and doing things to stay healthy. Here’s a guide to help you know what to do.

Postpartum Checkups: Why You Need Them
A postpartum checkup is a doctor’s visit to make sure you’re healing and feeling okay after giving birth, and that you have the support you need at home. This visit usually happens 4-6 weeks after your baby is born.

Here’s what might happen at your checkup:

• Body Healing: The doctor will check how your body is healing, especially if you had stitches or a C-section.
• Feelings Check: They’ll ask how you’re feeling to see if you have postpartum depression or anxiety.
• Breastfeeding Help: If you’re breastfeeding, they can help with any pain or other problems.
• Family Planning: You’ll talk about birth control options and if and when you might want another baby.
• Health Problems: If you had things like high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, the doctor will check on those.

Make sure to go to this visit. It’s a good time to ask questions and get help with anything you’re worried about.

Choosing Birth Control After Baby
After you have a baby, you might want to start birth control to prevent getting pregnant again too soon (or at all). There are different types, and your choice depends on things like if you’re breastfeeding and what works best for you.

Here are some birth control options:

• Condoms and Barriers: These are simple and don’t use hormones.
• Hormonal Options: Progesterone-only pills, shots, or implants are safe if you’re breastfeeding. Birth control pills with both estrogen and progesterone are usually okay after 6 weeks.
• IUDs (Intrauterine Devices): These are tiny devices that go in your uterus. They can prevent pregnancy for years and come in hormonal or non-hormonal (copper) types.
• Natural Planning: This is when you track your body’s signs to avoid pregnancy.
• Surgical Options: If you’re sure you don’t want to become pregnant again, you can ask about getting your “tubes tied.”

Talk to your doctor to find the best option for you.

Preventive Care: Staying Healthy for the Future
Taking care of yourself after having a baby is about more than just recovering. Regular checkups and healthy habits can help you stay strong and feel good.

Here’s what to do:

• Mental Health: Postpartum depression or anxiety can show up months after having your baby. Talk to a doctor or therapist if you feel sad or overwhelmed.
• Physical Health: Get regular checkups for things like blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes—especially if you had health problems during pregnancy.
• Vaccines: Stay up to date on shots like the flu vaccine or Tdap (which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough).
• Healthy Living: Eat good food, exercise when you can, and try to get enough sleep. These will help your body recover and keep you feeling good.

By staying on top of your health, you can feel better in the long run.

Conclusion
The time after having a baby is a chance to take care of yourself. Postpartum checkups, choosing birth control, and staying healthy are all important to help you feel your best. Your doctor can help you make a plan that works for you and your family.

Resources

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Postpartum Care www.acog.org
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Maternal and Infant Health www.cdc.gov/maternalhealth
3. Mayo Clinic – Postpartum Health www.mayoclinic.org
4. Planned Parenthood – Birth Control Options : www.plannedparenthood.org
5. Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net