Questions / discussion
The physical examination
The routine postnatal check is not only a physical check to make sure you have recovered from the birth, but also an opportunity for the caregiver to see how you are emotionally, how you are coping with your new baby(s), a chance to perform any tests that may need to be done and to discuss contraception and the resumption of sex (if appropriate). If you have a specific health concern (or experienced one in the pregnancy), such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, a mood disorder, heart or kidney disease, or cholestasis, you may also need to have further blood tests (to check if these conditions have resolved, or stabilised) and possibly a review of any medications you may need, or be taking.
The postnatal check is generally aimed at focussing on the woman (rather than the baby), however, issues about feeding the baby and the support you may be receiving, are often included. Most women will take their new baby with them to their routine postnatal check (even if it is only to show them off!). However, it may be handy to take someone with you to the visit, to sit in the waiting room and mind the baby, especially while you have any physical examinations. It can be quite stressful to try and lie there 'relaxed', while your baby is crying. Some caregivers will ask another staff member, or the secretary, to hold your baby for 10 minutes or so. (Of course this will depend on how busy they are.) Check with your caregiver, the hospital or clinic about taking your baby to this check.