Post-Partum Care

Post-Partum Care

Most mothers see delivery as the finish line. But your body still needs special care after birth. That’s why Dr. Brown will continue to see you for six to eight weeks after your baby is born. 

This time period is usually thought of as the time when your body gets “back to normal.” The truth is, every woman’s “normal” is different. The post-partum period is a time of great physical and emotional change, and can often be stressful as you learn to care for your baby and your new family unit. 

Post partum physical symptoms may include:

• Bloody vaginal discharge that changes to brown, then whitish over the next few weeks after delivery
• A tender vaginal area
• Painful contractions that may continue after delivery (as the uterus returns to its original size)
• Breast engorgement (as milk production begins)
• Fatigue and soreness

Common emotional changes, often called the “baby blues,” may include:

• Feelings of disappointment or sadness
• Crying with no known reason
• Irritability
• Impatience
• Anxiety
• Restlessness

Postpartum depression is similar to the baby blues, but the symptoms do not improve, and sometimes worsen. Possible symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Sadness, anxiety or hopelessness
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• A fear of harming the newborn or yourself**
• Mood swings characterized by exaggerated highs and/or lows
• Diminished libido (sex drive)
• Feelings of guilt or resentment
• Low self-esteem
• Uncontrolled crying and with no known cause
• Overconcern /overattentiveness for the newborn and/or a lack of interest for the newborn
• Feelings of isolation

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you talk with Dr. Brown. There are treatments and therapies that can help, even while you are breastfeeding. 

** If you feel you may do harm to yourself or your child, contact emergency services immediately.