The 6-Week Postpartum Checkup Is Total Bullshit
Let me get right to it — the society we live in fails mothers time and time again. The 6-week check-up is a joke, and here’s why.
Here’s what we know at 6-weeks out:
We know we don’t recognize our own body when we look in the mirror.
We know we’re exhausted.
We know breastfeeding takes up more time than we expected.
We know that this shit is harder than anyone led us to believe.
We know that it’s nearly impossible to get dinner on the table and into our bellies.
We know that a daily shower is hit or miss.
We know we weren’t as prepared as we thought we were.
Here’s what we don’t know at 6-weeks out:
These are some unexpected challenges that are often deemed 'normal' in our society, despite the fact that with more comprehensive support and education, they could be avoided. These are issues that should ideally be discussed at the 6-week check-up, but unfortunately, they are typically not addressed:
Pelvic Floor Health: Many women don't anticipate the importance of pelvic floor health. Without proper guidance and exercises, issues like urinary incontinence (peeing when sneezing or laughing) and pain during intercourse can persist.
Diastasis Recti: Diastasis recti, the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, can affect core strength and posture. Corrective exercises are often needed but are rarely discussed.
Breastfeeding Challenges: While breastfeeding is emphasized, potential difficulties like latch issues, nipple pain, and mastitis might not be addressed thoroughly.
Postpartum Hormonal Shifts: Hormonal changes can continue beyond six weeks, affecting mood, energy levels, and hair loss.
Postpartum Hair Loss: Many women experience significant hair loss in the months following childbirth due to hormonal fluctuations.
Scar Tissue and Pain: C-section scars or perineal tears can lead to discomfort or pain that persists past six weeks.
Mental Health: Mental health issues like postpartum depression and anxiety might not surface until later postpartum stages and require ongoing support.
Body Image: Body image challenges can persist, affecting self-esteem and intimacy, often requiring open discussions and support from healthcare providers.
Fatigue: Fatigue and sleep disturbances may continue to be a significant issue, impacting overall well-being and daily functioning.
Long-Term Exercise and Nutrition: Guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and returning to exercise safely might not be addressed thoroughly, potentially affecting long-term well-being.
Sex Drive Fluctuations: Postpartum hormonal changes can lead to fluctuations in sex drive. Some women experience a decrease in libido due to exhaustion and changes in hormone levels, while others may find their desire returns gradually.
Painful Sex: Pain during intercourse is a common issue postpartum, especially if there were perineal tears or an episiotomy during delivery. Scar tissue or muscle tension can contribute to discomfort.
Vaginal Dryness: Hormonal changes can also lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or painful.
Here’s why I call bullshit on the 6-week check-up.
Limited Scope:
The 6-week checkup typically focuses on physical recovery markers such as uterine healing and incision assessment (in the case of C-sections). While these are important aspects of postpartum health, they represent only a fraction of the challenges new mothers may face.
Neglecting Mental Health:
One of the most glaring omissions in the 6-week checkup is the lack of attention to maternal mental health. Postpartum mood disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, can emerge after the 6-week mark, leaving many mothers struggling without proper support or diagnosis.
Inadequate Breastfeeding Support:
Breastfeeding difficulties can persist beyond the 6-week timeframe. While some women may have resolved breastfeeding issues by this point, others may continue to struggle and require ongoing support and guidance.
Contraception Counseling Timing:
The 6-week checkup is often the first opportunity for contraceptive counseling. However, some women may need guidance sooner to make informed family planning decisions.
Insufficient Follow-Up:
If complications or concerns arise during the postpartum period, relying solely on a single 6-week checkup may lead to a lack of timely follow-up care, potentially jeopardizing both maternal and infant health.
Lack of Comprehensive Education:
The brief nature of the 6-week checkup doesn't allow for comprehensive postpartum education. Topics like nutrition, exercise, and safe sex practices may receive inadequate attention.
Variability in Recovery Timelines:
Every woman's postpartum recovery timeline is different. Some may need more time to heal physically and emotionally than what the 6-week mark allows for.
Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors:
Cultural norms and socioeconomic factors can heavily influence whether a mother receives the care and support she needs at the 6-week checkup. Disparities in access to care persist.
Timing and Access:
Some women may face barriers to accessing the 6-week checkup, leading to delayed or missed postpartum care.
The United States doesn’t give a shit about mothers.
Postpartum care practices can vary widely from one country to another. Here are some examples of postpartum care services and support that are provided to women in many countries but are not consistently offered in the United States:
Extended Hospital Stay: In some countries, women receive a longer hospital stay after childbirth, allowing for more comprehensive recovery and support.
Postpartum Home Visits: Midwives or healthcare professionals may conduct home visits to provide postpartum care, including lactation support and assessing the baby's well-being.
Paid Maternity Leave: Many countries offer paid maternity leave, allowing women to recover and bond with their newborns without financial stress.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: Some nations offer postpartum physical therapy to aid in recovery, addressing issues like pelvic floor dysfunction.
Breastfeeding Support Clinics: Specialized clinics provide expert assistance with breastfeeding challenges.
Community Support Groups: Mothers' groups, facilitated by healthcare providers or community organizations, offer emotional support and advice.
Lactation Consultants: Access to lactation consultants for breastfeeding support is more widespread in some countries.
Nutritional Support: Nutritional counseling and support for postpartum diets are available in certain regions.
Mental Health Services: Comprehensive postpartum mental health services, including screenings and therapy, are more integrated into postpartum care in some countries.
Parenting Classes: Parenting classes and education on infant care are provided as part of standard postpartum care.
Home Nursing Care: In some places, home nursing care is available to assist with postpartum recovery.
Traditional Postpartum Practices: Certain cultures have traditional postpartum practices that include specific diets, rituals, and support from family and community.
Obviously, healthcare practices and policies can vary within the United States as well, and some women may have access to certain postpartum care services depending on their location and healthcare provider. However, compared to some other countries, the United States does not consistently offer all of these postpartum support options.
While the 6-week checkup serves as an important milestone in postpartum care, it's essential to recognize its limitations. A holistic approach to postpartum care involves ongoing communication with healthcare providers, access to postpartum support services, and individualized care that acknowledges the unique needs of each mother.
It's time to reevaluate the postpartum care landscape, ensuring that every new mother receives the comprehensive care and support she deserves.
