My Postpartum Care Checklist

The postpartum period—the 12 weeks following the birth of a child—is an important time for your health. As you recover from childbirth and learn to care for your baby, your postpartum check-ups will help make sure you are

healing physically, mentally, and emotionally
feeling good about your health and your baby’s care
feeling that you can ask for help if you need it

Use this checklist to keep track of the things you want to talk about with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn).

My Postpartum Care Checklist

My self-care

[ ] I am not getting enough sleep and rest
[ ] I have enough support at home but would like more help
[ ] I do not have enough support at home

My health and lifestyle

[ ] I would like to learn more about healthy eating and exercise
[ ] I have questions about managing my health conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes)
[ ] I want to stop smoking and need help
[ ] I would like to drink less alcohol and need help
[ ] I need help with my drug use
[ ] I am concerned about keeping myself and my family safe

My bleeding

[ ] I am concerned about the amount, color, or odor of my bleeding

My incision/tear

[ ] My incision/tear has been healing well, but I have questions
[ ] I am concerned that my incision/tear is not healing well

My bladder

[ ] I have pain or other problems when emptying my bladder
[ ] I leak urine with activity or after feeling an urge to urinate

My bowel movements

[ ] I have problems moving my bowels (pain, constipation)
[ ] I have trouble holding my gas or stool

My feelings

In the past seven days, I have
[ ] felt anxious or worried for no clear reason
[ ] been sad, scared, or panicky
[ ] been so unhappy that I can’t sleep
[ ] been crying a lot
[ ] had thoughts of harming myself or my baby

My family planning

[ ] I want to talk about timing for future pregnancies
[ ] I want to talk about birth control

My sex life

[ ] I am interested in having sex but have questions
[ ] I am not interested in having sex and would like to talk about it

My breastfeeding and baby care

[ ] Breastfeeding is going well, but I have questions
[ ] I am having a hard time breastfeeding (nipple pain, problems with latching)
[ ] I have concerns about going back to work/school and maintaining my milk supply
[ ] I have questions about caring for my baby

Published: September 2022

Last reviewed: April 2023

This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOG’s complete disclaimer.

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