Postpartum

“So I’ll see you in a year for your annual pap-smear! Enjoy that baby!”

That’s it? I thought there would be more…There’s no follow up after the follow up? Cleared for work and exercise as though everything is back to normal? Nothing feels normal. I’m in a different body, in a different life, and I’m supposed to just carry on?

I had these thoughts as I left my OB/GYN’s office after my 6-week postpartum follow up. I had these thoughts even though it was my second postpartum period, and on top of that my career choice as an infant mental health therapist had me armed with information and resources, resources that the average parent may not have. And yet despite these advantages, it felt like a shocking send off.

I knew from my first pregnancy that the support from my OB/GYN and other medical professionals during my labor wouldn’t be enough, for me. So, I had found a doula. 

I knew that after delivery I would have access to a lactation support consultant in the hospital, but I also knew that after giving birth, my capacity to learn and retain may not be at peak levels. Planning ahead, I found a lactation counselor and recruited support from her as well. 

I also knew from late night research that although my doctor had cleared me for exercise, getting back to my pre-pregnancy level of movement would take time to ease back into. I knew my pelvic floor wasn’t exactly “good to go” as my doctor implied. I scheduled a consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist.

I knew from my education and training that postpartum depression can come on at any time during the first year after birth, and that it typically hits around 3-4 months postpartum. So even though my doctor had said I was “cleared,” I knew that that could change. I made an appointment with my own therapist.

Knowing all of this, and having all of those resources and support I still felt lost as I walked through the automatic doors and out into the world that didn’t feel at all normal to me anymore. I questioned myself…if a doctor, an educated professional with years of experience says that I am good, I shouldn’t question that, right? Isn’t she the expert? I’m just another person who gave birth. It’s normal. Am I ridiculous for seeking all of this outside support?

Thankfully, I knew to turn that voice off. Six weeks is a blip of time. It is a blurry haze of feedings and snuggles and sore nipples and weird body fluids. It is just the beginning. There should be more support than this, and someone else should care that I get that support.

But there is mama, daddy, parent…there is, and we do care. Your family deserves all the support you can gather up. Your village can extend far and wide, beyond just the people who you spend time with or who care for your baby. Your village can include a doula, your doctor or midwife, a yoga teacher, a lactation specialist, your therapist, your day care center, a pelvic floor specialist, your favorite ice cream shop employee who knows exactly how many sprinkles needed to hit the spot.

Whether it’s your 2nd or 6th postpartum period, it is only just the beginning, with this baby, this time around. 

Here, we care that you get all of the support that you need.