The postpartum period (after birth)

A major change has begun in your life following the birth of your child and you are gradually adjusting to your new role as a parent. Most women experience this period without complications and do not require any special follow-up with their doctor. However, it is perfectly normal to have questions, and several resources are available to answer them.

Postpartum plan

  • Around 37 weeks, your doctor will develop a postpartum plan with you, including:

    • Your planned postpartum contraception

    • Management of your medications after birth (e.g., Synthroid, iron supplements, etc.)

    • Prescriptions for any necessary tests or examinations (thyroid monitoring, diabetes testing, etc.)

       

Postpartum visit at the GMF

  • Following your delivery, it will be determined whether you need immediate follow-up around 8 weeks postpartum or if this follow-up will only be as needed, at your request.
  • Here are some examples of situations that may require immediate follow-up:
    • Specific tear requiring monitoring
    • Difficult delivery
    • Insertion of an intrautrine device (Mirena, MonaLisa)or Nexplanon
    • ...
  • The appointment could be with your doctor or a nurse, depending on your situation.
  • For a complication directly related to childbirth or breastfeeding, you can request follow-up care at the GMF La Cigogne. You can
    • contact your doctor's administrative assistant.
    • or, if the situation is urgent, you can use the walk-in service. Access is available up to 8 weeks postpartum.

 

Examples of reasons for consulting the walk-in clinic at the GMF

  • Abdominal or perineal pain that worsens or persists without relief from medication (acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories).
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge: note that lochia, a normal part of postpartum bleeding, has a characteristic odor, but a new, foul odor warrants medical attention.
  • Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) that persists for several hours.
  • Signs of a urinary tract infection (burning sensation during urination, abnormally frequent urination).

Here is a guide to postpartum health that can help you determine if you need to seek medical help.

Examples of situations for consultation at the delivery room

  • Heavy bleeding (more than one full sanitary pad per hour x 2 hours or passing several clots): You must go directly to the hospital emergency room.
  • Symptoms of pre-eclampsia within 7 days of birth: unusual headache, blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, elevated blood pressure.

In the case of a cesarean section,

If you experience redness, heat, pain, hardening, or pus discharge from the cesarean incision, or if your abdominal pain worsens, you should call the secretary of the gynecologist who performed the cesarean section for follow-up care, or go to the hospital emergency room if follow-up care is not possible.

 

 

Other resources available

- CLSC :

  • Psychosocial support for postpartum blues lasting more than two weeks, depression, anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily life.
  • Infant Clinic for weighing your baby or answering breastfeeding-related questions.
  • Breastfeeding Clinic

- You, Me, Baby is a program to promote the mental health and well-being of future and new parents.

- Organisme MAM : perinatal and breastfeeding support

- Physiotherapist specializing in perinatal care: to help with sensitivity at the perineal tear scar site or urinary incontinence problems

- Book : From Tiny Tot to Toddler: a practical guide for parents from pregnancy to age two

- Site Internet Naître et grandir : Le 4e trimestre « Quand l’accouchement ne se déroule pas comme prévu » et « Récupérer après l’accouchement »

- Info-Santé 811 : A phone line reserved for the parents of children aged from 0 to 17 years is currently available through 811 (option 1). You can quickly talk with an Info-Santé nurse to have your child assessed and to get advice on how to care for your child at home.

- Family home in your town

- Ligne-parent 1-800-361-5085