Postpartum Follow-up Visits
Take care of yourself
“Take care of yourself” may sound rather obvious, however women are known to put themselves last. In fact, less than 50% of women attended their follow-up postpartum visit in a study done by John Hopkins.
ACOG.org in 2016 changed the recommended frequency of postpartum follow-up visits from only one visit at 6 weeks to multiple visits, depending on a woman's individual needs. They recommend the first visit be within the first 3 weeks postpartum and a comprehensive assessment occur by 12 weeks with services and support provided and tailored for each woman, including transitioning to well-woman care. This allows for early intervention and can make a difference in a woman's health for the rest of her life.
So make sure you take care of yourself and schedule that postpartum follow-up within the first 3 weeks!
It is also important that you destress as much as possible, know when to say NO, so you are not taking on too much. Practicing mindfulness, reflection and being present can help with all of us. Stress can make any pain that you are feeling worse. If you are focusing on something you can't change, it can affect EVERYTHING! Focus on what you can change!
Ask for help from family and friends. Surround yourself with a support system. This is hard for some people, I know. Do it for yourself!
Get A Pelvic Health Physical Therapist on your healthcare team!
Pelvic health physical therapists are specially trained to help women during pregnancy and postpartum and long afterward in areas of pelvic health. If you need help finding a pelvic floor PT, I would recommend The APTA Academy of Pelvic Health Find a PT resource to help you find a PT in your area. There is also a For the Public resource that you may find useful.
Sign up for a free 15 minute Discovery Call with Deborah, calendar on home page!
For more great information, exercises and tips, and a step-by-step approach to your pain, ORDER NOW!
"Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy and Postpartum" 2020 at OPTP.com or Amazon.com
Deborah B. Riczo, PT, DPT, MEd Confidential Property of Deborah B. Riczo ©2020 Riczo Health Education. Not to be duplicated in any way without the express consent of Deborah B. Riczo.