Postpartum Care

How your OBGYN's in Dothan, Alabama can help after your baby is born

Having a baby is a special time, and after the baby is born, that’s a special time too. It’s important to take care of yourself, right along with your baby. The team of doctors at Women’s Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama can help you feel your best by providing excellent postpartum care.

The postpartum period is typically the first 6 weeks after you give birth to your child. Your body is healing and beginning to return to pre-pregnancy condition. There are several simple tips you can try at home to feel better. Consider:

• Sitting on pads, pillows or ice packs to ease vaginal soreness
• Take a warm bath to ease tense, sore muscles and help you relax
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease pain

Some vaginal bleeding after giving birth is normal, but you should see your doctor if you have excessive bleeding that continues, fever, nausea, and uterine pain. These could be signs of an infection.

You should see your doctor within 3 weeks after you give birth, and then have a comprehensive postpartum checkup within 3 months after delivery. A comprehensive postpartum checkup includes an evaluation of how you are doing emotionally.

Postpartum depression happens to many women after giving birth. Your doctor will evaluate whether medication or other therapies can help with mood problems and other issues.

A physical examination is also an important part of postpartum care. Your uterus, vagina, cervix and abdomen will be checked to make sure you are healing and that there is no infection present.

Your doctor will also want to know about any concerns you have regarding caring for your baby, feeding your baby and caring for your own health.

Postpartum care is a vital part of continuing health care for you and your baby. Giving birth is a busy time, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Start taking care of yourself by calling the doctors at Women’s Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. Call (334) 793-3900 today!