Postpartum

Back To Pregnancy

After the birth of your baby, your body will recover from delivery. Plan to take it easy, sleep when the baby sleeps, and ask for help when you need it. Some normal changes after delivery are:

  • Vaginal discharge called lochia (LOH-kee-uh). It is the tissue and blood that lined your uterus during pregnancy. It is heavy and bright red at first, becoming lighter in flow and color until it goes away after a few weeks.
  • Swelling in your legs and feet. Keep your feet elevated when possible.
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement. Try to drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Menstrual-like cramping is common, especially if you are breastfeeding.
  • Your breast milk will come in within two to four days after your delivery. Even if you are not breastfeeding, you can have milk leaking from your nipples, and your breasts might feel full, tender, or uncomfortable.

To learn more about when you should call your doctor after you deliver, please view our New Parents' Handbook, page 3:

Visiting Your Doctor

Your doctor will want to see you after delivery, usually between two and six weeks or sooner if you delivered by cesarean section. This appointment is very important. Your doctor will make sure you have recovered after your delivery and will also talk to you about your birth control options. Ask your doctor when you should follow-up after delivery.

Your baby will have frequent appointments with their pediatrician in the first 3 years of their lives. Well child checks are a covered benefit for your baby and are usually scheduled 2-3 days after birth, 1- month, 2-months, 4-months, 6-months, 9-months, 1-year, 18-months, 2- years, 30-months and 3-years of age. After 3, well child checks are usually scheduled yearly.

If you need help choosing a doctor, scheduling an appointment, or getting a ride please call our Customer Care Center at (800) 582-8686, TTY 711.

For information related to well child checks, please view our New Parents' Handbook, page 17:

Postpartum Depression

After childbirth, you may feel sad, weepy, and overwhelmed for a few days. Many new mothers have the “baby blues” after giving birth. Changing hormones, anxiety about caring for the baby, and lack of sleep all affect your emotions. 

Be patient with yourself. These feelings are normal and usually go away quickly. However, if sadness lasts more than two weeks, go see your doctor. Don’t wait until your postpartum visit to do so. You might have a serious but treatable condition called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can happen any time within the first year after birth.

If you have any of these signs, or if the signs get worse, call your doctor or Postpartum Support International Arizona Warmline at (800) 944-4773. There are things you and your provider can do to help you feel better. If you are worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call 911.

View a list of available crisis assistance in your area here.