Postnatal Care
A proper check for you, not only for the baby
After delivery the attention naturally goes to the baby, and the mother's own recovery is easy to overlook. Postnatal care here is a full appointment for you: how you are healing after a vaginal birth or a caesarean, your bleeding, your blood pressure, feeding, sleep and mood, and what you want to do about contraception. It is also the place to raise things many women feel they should not mention, such as pain, leaking, low mood or worries about intimacy. The six-week check is the usual anchor, with earlier contact if you need it.
- A full appointment about your own recovery
- Time to talk about mood, sleep and how you are coping
- Contraception discussed before you need it
- Earlier review if you are worried, without waiting for six weeks
What to expect
- 01
How you are healing
Examination where needed, your bleeding, any wound or stitches, and your blood pressure.
- 02
How you are feeling
Sleep, mood, feeding and support at home, asked about directly and without hurry.
- 03
Looking ahead
Contraception, the next pregnancy if you plan one, and when to come back.
Common questions
- When should I book my postnatal check?
- Around six weeks after delivery is usual. Come sooner if you have increasing pain, a wound that looks worse, or you are struggling emotionally.
- I feel low or anxious after the birth. Is that normal?
- Feeling emotional in the first days is very common. If low mood or anxiety lasts, gets worse, or stops you functioning, please say so. It is treatable and it is a good reason to be seen.
- When should I seek urgent help after delivery?
- Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour, a fever, severe pain, a swollen painful leg, chest pain or breathlessness, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Go to an emergency department.
Book your consultation
A fever that will not settle, a check-up you have been putting off, or a second opinion. Choose a service, pick a time and confirm in minutes.