Postnatal Care
Almost all attention after a birth goes to the baby. The mother has had major physiological upheaval, possibly surgery, and is short of sleep. Postnatal care is the part that checks she is recovering, feeding is working and her mood is where it should be.
- Recovery and wound checks
- Feeding support included
- Mood asked about directly
- Contraception discussed before discharge
Stay
Outpatient after discharge
Duration
Review at 6 weeks, sooner if needed
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Postnatal Care
The postnatal period covers the six weeks after delivery, when bleeding settles, the uterus returns to size and any wound heals. It is also when postnatal depression appears, when feeding problems either resolve or entrench, and when contraception decisions are best made. All of those are asked about rather than waited for.
- Bleeding for several weeks after delivery is normal
- Postnatal depression is common and treatable, and is asked about directly
- Contraception is needed sooner than most people expect
- Blood pressure needs checking after pre-eclampsia even once home
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about postnatal care. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest postnatal care.
- All women after delivery, vaginal or caesarean
- Women with wound or perineal healing concerns
- Women with feeding difficulty
- Low mood or anxiety after birth
- Women who had pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Heavy bleeding or fever after going home
- Contraception advice after delivery
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Before discharge
Bleeding, uterine size, wound, blood pressure and feeding are all checked, and warning signs explained clearly.
Early problems
Fever, heavy bleeding, wound problems or breast pain are seen promptly rather than waiting for the six-week visit.
Six-week review
Recovery, mood, feeding, periods and contraception are all reviewed, with examination where needed.
Ongoing
Gestational diabetes is retested, blood pressure rechecked after pre-eclampsia, and cervical screening resumed on schedule.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Note any bleeding pattern, fever or wound concerns before your visit
- Bring the baby's feeding pattern and weight records
- Think about contraception preferences before the appointment
- Be honest about mood, as low mood after birth is common and treatable
- Bring your discharge summary and any medication started
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Bleeding usually settles over two to six weeks and gradually lightens
- Caesarean wounds are reviewed before discharge and heal over several weeks
- Fertility can return before periods do, so contraception matters early
- Persistent low mood beyond two weeks is not the baby blues and should be reported
- Return immediately for heavy bleeding, fever, severe headache or calf pain
Why choose Humayun for postnatal care
Most of what goes wrong after a birth is preventable, and most of it is found by asking rather than waiting.
- Mood asked about directly rather than waiting for a mother to raise it
- Feeding support offered to every mother, not only those who ask
- Blood pressure and glucose followed up after pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes
- Early problems seen promptly rather than told to wait for the six-week appointment
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Gynaecology & Maternity
Normal Delivery
Vaginal birth supported by our obstetric team, with labour rooms and neonatal care on the same floor.
Caesarean Section
Surgical delivery performed in a modular theatre, planned in advance or carried out when labour needs it.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Keyhole removal of the uterus through small incisions, usually with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
Antenatal Care
Scheduled checks through pregnancy that follow your health and the baby's growth, and catch problems before they are felt.
High-Risk Pregnancy Management
Closer monitoring and specialist input for pregnancies where mother or baby needs more attention than routine care provides.
Pregnancy Emergency Management
Urgent obstetric assessment for bleeding, pre-eclampsia, reduced movements, preterm labour and problems after delivery.
Adolescent Gynaecology
Care for girls and young women, covering periods, pain, delayed puberty and PCOS, in consultations built for that age.
Menstrual Disorder Management
Investigation and treatment of heavy, painful, irregular or absent periods, most of which are readily treatable.
Menopause Care
Assessment and treatment of menopausal symptoms, and attention to the bone and heart health that changes with it.
Hysteroscopy
A thin camera passed through the cervix to examine the inside of the uterus, and to treat polyps and fibroids.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Keyhole examination of the pelvis and abdomen to find causes of pain and infertility that scans cannot show.
Operative Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery to treat endometriosis, adhesions, ectopic pregnancy and other pelvic conditions.
Management of Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, ranging from medication to keyhole removal.
Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Keyhole removal of ovarian cysts, preserving healthy ovarian tissue wherever possible.
Endometriosis Management
Diagnosis and long-term treatment of endometriosis, a common cause of severe period pain and infertility.