Postpartum Care

Women's Health Professionals in Doylestown, PA

mother and baby postpartumHere at Doylestown Women's Health, it is our top priority to ensure that you are being treated with the care and attention you deserve. We aim to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients, so they can feel at ease and at home during their visits. We are proud to provide top-tier OB/GYN care to patients residing in Bucks, Montgomery, and Hunterdon counties. Our compassionate and highly skilled team utilizes the latest technology and will offer their guidance throughout each step of your pregnancy. Having a baby is an extremely special time, and we want to ensure that your delivery and post-delivery experiences are as comfortable and smooth as possible.

Understanding Your Body

Upon discharge from the hospital, your doctor will go over postpartum instructions including advice on diet, medication usage, acceptable activities, and warning signs for problems. One of the common obstacles you may experience is postpartum depression, which typically arises from a combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue. In general, we recommend that you take it easy for the first couple of weeks and try to give your body a rest. Your recuperation from the delivery, as well as getting used to your newborn will take enough time and energy on its own. The more you allow yourself this time to rest, the easier your recuperation will be. It is important to follow the instructions we give you on the day of discharge. It is also essential that you continue to take your prenatal vitamins up until your six-week checkup, and possibly longer if you are breastfeeding or if it is encouraged by your doctor.

After you arrive back at your home, we ask that you contact the office to make your postpartum appointments. Commonly the first appointment will be scheduled for 6 weeks post-delivery. This visit will include a breast check, a pelvic exam, as well as a family planning discussion. In addition, if you have had a cesarean section, we will ask you to come in for an appointment 2 weeks after surgery for an incision check.

What You May Experience Postpartum

During the first six weeks after giving birth, your body will be healing and adjusting to no longer being pregnant. Your body will experience many changes as you recover, which are different for everyone, but commonly include the following:

  • Vaginal Soreness: Expect this discomfort to gradually improve, and contact us if the pain intensifies.
  • Vaginal Discharge: You will notice vaginal discharge (lochia) for a number of weeks after delivery, which will include a red flow of blood that will gradually lessen with time. Contact us if you experience a high fever.
  • Contractions: You may feel something similar to contractions, also called afterpains, during the first few days post-delivery. These commonly resemble menstrual cramps and help prevent excessive bleeding.
  • Urination Problems: You may experience difficulty urinating. It might help to pour warm water across your vulva while sitting on the toilet. If you have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection, please contact us.
  • Hair Loss: Due to a change in hormones, your body will probably shed excess hair that has grown during pregnancy, and this typically lasts up to 6 months. 
  • Mood Changes: Women commonly experience mood swings, sadness, irritability, or anxiety after giving birth. These blues may subside within a week or two, but if depression deepens, contact us for help.

Please always feel free to contact us with any concerns that may arise while your body adjusts. It is what we are here for!

Contact Your Doylestown, PA Obstetricians Today

No matter when any questions or concerns arise, we want you to feel comfortable reaching out. We are here with answers whether you are already pregnant or are looking into soon becoming pregnant. Our experienced and caring staff wants to be by your side throughout the duration of your pregnancy and post-pregnancy, and we are ready to help you take the next step. Please feel free to contact us by calling our office at (215) 340-BABY (2229). We look forward to helping you during this exciting time!

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