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Postpartum Health

Postpartum Complications

woman sitting on a couch and massaging calves
Postpartum swelling (edema)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Postpartum mom with new baby
Warning signs of postpartum complications
Reviewed by Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
sanitary pad
Postpartum bleeding (lochia)
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A woman pressing a heating pad against her lower back.
Postpartum back pain: How to get relief
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Woman using the bathroom
Postpartum hemorrhoids
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Moms with newborn
Postpartum recovery timeline
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Woman with cramps
Postpartum cramping
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Toilet paper roll
Postpartum rectal bleeding
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
woman on toilet
What pooping after birth is really like
Reviewed by Mandy Major, postpartum doula
Woman sweating in the night
Postpartum sweating
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Mom breastfeeding
Postpartum infections
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A tired mom looking at her baby in a bassinet
How to cope with postpartum fatigue: Tips for exhausted moms
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Woman putting on lotion
Postpartum skin changes
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Woman looking at hair on hairbrush and touching head.
How to cope with postpartum hair loss
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
melasma on face
Postpartum melasma (chloasma)
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
postpartum woman in pain
Postpartum bowel incontinence
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
postpartum woman in pain
Postpartum perineal pain
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
postpartum woman with baby
Signs and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Reviewed by Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
mother holding sleeping baby in hospital bed
Retained placenta signs and symptoms: What to know after birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Mother breastfeeding her baby
Postpartum preeclampsia and breastfeeding
Reviewed by Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Woman in abdominal pain
Postpartum constipation
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
women recovering from hysterectomy
What is a hysterectomy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman touching thyroid
Postpartum thyroiditis
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
New mom holding her baby
I had "mommy wrist" and didn't even know it existed. Here are some ways to find relief
Reviewed by Miosha McDaniel, doula
woman with bloodshot eyes
Bloodshot eyes after childbirth
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
toilet paper
Postpartum incontinence
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
women getting her blood pressure taken
Postpartum preeclampsia
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
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Recovering From Birth

Mom laying with c-section scar laying down with baby
C-section recovery: Timeline, aftercare tips, and expectations
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
Pregnant woman propping feet up.
Swollen labia during pregnancy and after birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A mom sitting on a couch, bottle feeding her newborn baby.
If I'm not breastfeeding, will my breast milk dry up on its own?
Reviewed by Monica Murphy, RNC, IBCLC, lactation consultant
A woman sitting on the toilet with her shorts around her ankles.
When will I get my first period after birth?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pair of woman's feet sticking out of a bubble bath.
Can you take a bath after giving birth – and when?
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A woman talking to her healthcare provider in a doctor's office.
Your postpartum checkup
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A close-up shot of a woman's hand, holding a newborn's small hand.
Carpal tunnel after pregnancy: How to get relief
Reviewed by Rebecca Yee, M.D., ob-gyn
A woman lying in a hospital bed after giving birth.
Postpartum chills
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A postpartum mom cuddling her newborn baby.
Your most common postpartum recovery questions, answered
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman with C-section scar covered by medical tape
C-section scars, healing, and incision care
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
Postpartum woman with back pain in bed
Tailbone pain after birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A Hispanic mom cuddling and kissing her newborn baby on the forehead.
How to embrace cuarentena, a Latin American postpartum tradition
Reviewed by Michelle Harris, fact-checker
A bowl of placenta pills
Is eating your placenta safe?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A pregnant woman standing in front of a window, cradling her belly.
What will my vagina be like after birth?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
An airplane wing, with blue skies and clouds in the background.
When can I travel again after giving birth?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A woman's hand checking the water from a bathtub faucet.
How to use a sitz bath for postpartum relief
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
An aerial view of a woman sitting at a desk, looking at her phone.
When can I go back to work after having a baby?
Reviewed by Michelle Harris, fact-checker
Three tampons lying on a light blue background
When can I use tampons after giving birth?
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
A woman preparing to exercise
What to know about diastasis recti
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
varicose veins on woman's leg
Postpartum varicose veins
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A close up of a woman with her hands over her stomach and pelvis.
Pelvic organ and vaginal prolapse
Reviewed by American Urogynecologic Society
woman's abdomen with fabric wrapped tightly around
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How to bind your belly after birth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A physical therapist talking to a woman in a medical office.
How pelvic floor therapy can help with postpartum pain
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pregnant woman sitting in a yoga position on her bed.
How to do Kegel exercises
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
A woman holding another woman's hands during a therapy session.
How to cope with a difficult birth experience
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up two different types of peri bottles. The headline reads "How to use a peri bottle"
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How to use a peri bottle
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Woman with IV
Uterine inversion
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
A postpartum doula helping a new mom, who's sitting in a chair with her newborn.
How a postpartum doula can help
Reviewed by Mandy Major, postpartum doula
cartoon image of woman with glasses and quizzical expression
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After childbirth: 7 things no one tells you
woman's hands holding circular blow-up device
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6 things you'll need for postpartum recovery
woman talking
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When will I get my first period after pregnancy?
Reviewed by Jeannette Lager, M.D., MPH, ob-gyn
a woman holds her baby
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4 tips for c-section recovery
Miosha McDaniel, a doula, talks to the camera
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How to get out of bed after a C-section
Reviewed by Miosha McDaniel, doula
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up a pad, headline reads "How to make a padsicle"
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How to make a padsicle
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Dr. Sasha Hakman pours water into a sitz bath from a clear jug, headline reads "How to use a sitz bath"
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How to use a sitz bath
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
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Postpartum Depression & Emotional Health

A woman standing alone in a dark room, holding her newborn in front of a mirror.
Is it normal to have no interest in sex after having a baby?
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
A close-up image of a woman holding a tissue in her hands.
Postpartum rage
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
Woman looking out the window holding curtain open
Postpartum depression screening for new moms
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
A young mom trying to put a newborn baby to sleep in a bassinet.
The baby blues
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
A woman that may be depressed, leaning against her bed, with her hand on her head.
Is there a difference between postpartum depression and depression?
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
A close up of a woman with anxiety picking at her fingernails.
Postpartum anxiety (PPA)
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
Postpartum care overlooks moms, prioritizing only babies’ needs: Survey
Reviewed by Dominique De Lope
A woman sitting on the bed with a large sweater
Postpartum depression (PPD)
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
The back of a woman, who's holding her head in her hands and facing a wall of flowers.
Postpartum psychosis
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
Two women sitting together on a couch, talking.
How to help someone with postpartum depression
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
woman taking pills
How will the new PPD pill work? An expert explains Zurzuvae for postpartum moms
Reviewed by Nicole Taylor, M.D., PMH-C, perinatal psychiatrist
Dr. Amanda Williams
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Postpartum depression symptoms
Reviewed by Amanda Williams, M.D., MPH, ob-gyn
mom in chair holding baby, with phone on chair's arm
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Finding balance as a new mom: The Williams Way (Episode 3)
a mom holding her baby
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Mom stories: Postpartum depression
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
Jessica and her family
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Postpartum depression: Jessica's story

Contraception

mini pill for birth control
Mini-pill for birth control
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
mom on phone in her bed
How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant?
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Birth control implant
Birth control implants
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnancy test
Does Phexxi work? Women say they’re getting pregnant on this “on-demand” birth control
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Intimate couple
Female condoms
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Vaginal birth control ring
Birth control ring
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman and doctor talking
Tubal ligation
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Woman with birth control patch
Birth control patch
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Woman getting shot
Birth control shot
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Calendar for family planning
How the rhythm method of birth control works
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
spermicide for birth control
Spermicide
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Scissors snipping a string
Even amid erosion of reproductive rights, few men are opting for vasectomies
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Diaphragm for birth control
Diaphragm for birth control
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
Man at doctor
Vasectomy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
birth control packet
Can you get pregnant on birth control?
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Cervical cap for birth control
Cervical cap
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
woman holding an IUD in hand
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
birth control emergency contraception
Emergency contraception
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
birth control pack
Combination birth control pills
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
male condoms
Male condoms
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn

Postpartum Fitness

A woman meditating in a yoga pose
Everything you need to know about your post-pregnancy belly
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A mom stretching on a yoga mat, while her infant child lies between her legs.
When can I start working out after a c-section?
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
A mom in a downward dog yoga pose with her baby lying on the yoga mat beneath her.
Postpartum exercise: When and how to get started
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
postpartum women working core
How to strengthen your core after pregnancy
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
A woman stretching her leg on a park bench while exercising.
How to find time to exercise as a new mom
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
legs of woman in exercise clothes
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Postpartum exercises: Toning your legs, butt, and stomach
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman in exercise clothes talking
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Postpartum exercises: Introduction
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman in exercise clothes touching her tummy
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Postpartum exercises: Strengthening your core and pelvic floor
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman in yoga clothes stretching
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Postpartum exercises: Reducing backaches and strains
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman in exercise clothes laying down
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Postpartum exercises: Tightening those abdominals
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman in exercise clothes stretching her arms
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Postpartum exercises: Stretching out the spine
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman exercising and twisting
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Postpartum exercises: Trimming and toning your waist
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman exercising by leaning on exercise ball
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Postpartum exercises: Improving posture and balance
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist

Latest in postpartum health

a couple who look as though they are about to kiss, text reads: BabyCenter Answers Sex after giving birth
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When can I start having sex after giving birth?
Reviewed by Emily Holthaus, M.D., ob-gyn
postpartum woman with baby
Signs and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Reviewed by Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up a pad, headline reads "How to make a padsicle"
go to video page
How to make a padsicle
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Dr. Sasha Hakman pours water into a sitz bath from a clear jug, headline reads "How to use a sitz bath"
go to video page
How to use a sitz bath
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up two different types of peri bottles. The headline reads "How to use a peri bottle"
go to video page
How to use a peri bottle
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Postpartum care overlooks moms, prioritizing only babies’ needs: Survey
Reviewed by Dominique De Lope
A woman preparing to exercise
What to know about diastasis recti
Reviewed by Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist
woman taking pills
How will the new PPD pill work? An expert explains Zurzuvae for postpartum moms
Reviewed by Nicole Taylor, M.D., PMH-C, perinatal psychiatrist

Community

  • Postpartum/health anxiety
    By Michelle1608 in June 2022 Birth Club
    Is there any other moms out there battling postpartum anxiety or health anxiety?! I’m 10 weeks pp and I can’t seem to get it under control. Please tell me I’m not alone!
    08-31-22 by Michelle1608
    3
    2
  • Postpartum Life
    By CEM0122 in November 2021 Birth Club
    As most of us have moved into postpartum and the rest will be there soon, I wanted to create a post for questions, comments, rants, etc. How is everyone feeling? Is postpartum what you thought it would be? For me, I am 3.5 weeks PP and I haven't yet dealt with PP anxiety that I have had after ev
    03-20-22 by QueenBex
    98
    10
  • Mental Health Counselor Referral
    By kathjones213 in Military Wives && Mammas!
    Hi Ladies! Anyone else have difficulty finding mental health counselors for postpartum depression that take tricare?
    06-30-21 by kathjones213
    1
    0
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