Postpartum Care

The first six weeks after childbirth is called the “postpartum period.” This can be a joyous time for you, as you meet and bond with your new baby. However, this is also a time where you need to focus on:

  • Helping your body heal from childbirth
  • Getting enough rest
  • Taking care of your mental health

We’ve put together a list of vital steps to take during the postpartum period to help you do this.

Go to your postpartum visit.

Schedule a visit with your OB provider 3-6 weeks after delivery. Your OB provider will make sure you are recovering physically and see how you are doing emotionally. They will also answer questions and address any needs you might have. Check your weight and blood pressure.

  • Check your belly for tenderness and your incision if you had a c-section.
  • Examine your breasts.
  • Inspect your external genitalia for healing from birth.
  • Do a speculum exam to check your vagina and cervix.
  • Do an internal exam to check that the uterus has shrunk appropriately.
  • Discuss how you are doing emotionally.
  • Discuss birth control options.
  • Discuss when it is safe to start having sex again.
  • Discuss when it is okay to return to work.

Need help getting to your postpartum visit? We’re here for you! CareSource offers free rides to and from all provider visits. Just call Member Services at 1-833-230-2053 (TTY: 711) 48 hours before your visit. We will arrange a ride to and from your visit.

Check for signs of postpartum depression.

About 80% of women experience PPD, also called the “baby blues.” These are feelings of sadness or mood swings in the first few days after childbirth. Changing hormone levels are thought to be the cause of the baby blues. Once these hormones even out – usually in about a week – the blues will get better. If these feelings last longer than 2 weeks, talk with your OB provider to see if PPD may be the cause of your low mood.

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby or if you hear or see things that aren’t there, get help right away. There are a few things you can do. You can:

  • Go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach them online.
  • Contact the National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis, or call 988.

Want more information on PPD?

Explore PPD Education & Resources

Discuss birth control options with your OB provider.

You need to take time to heal and replenish between pregnancies. It is best to wait 18-24 months before getting pregnant again. The most effective birth control are methods which are long acting and reversible. The two most common are implantable contraception (the implant) and the intrauterine device (IUD). These methods are effective for 3-10 years and will allow for pregnancy after removal.

These two methods are very effective in preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Condoms remain the best way to prevent STIs.

Explore resources about birth control options:

You can also fill out a personal reproductive life plan through MyHealth or talk to your OB provider.

Postpartum Care Resources

Have questions about postpartum care?

Call our Mom and Baby Beginnings at 1-833-230-2034 (TTY: 711).