What to Expect at Your 6-Week Postpartum Follow-Up

Your postpartum follow-up is one of those appointments no one really prepares you for, but it’s honestly such an important piece of your healing. While most families are so focused on feeding, sleep, diapers, and adjusting to life with a newborn, the postpartum visit sneaks up out of nowhere. But this appointment is really meant to check in on you, not just your body, but your overall well-being after such a huge life event.

Timing can vary depending on your provider and your birth. In my area most OBs and midwives book postpartum checkups around six weeks, but earlier visits happen if you had a cesarean birth, high blood pressure, tearing, or anything that needs closer monitoring. No matter the timing, this visit is about making sure you’re healing well and getting the support you deserve.

A big part of the appointment is looking at your physical recovery. Your provider may check your bleeding, whether your stitches or incision (if you had a cesarean) are healing properly, how your uterus is shrinking, and how your pelvic floor is recovering. They may ask about pain, pressure, heaviness, or anything that feels off. This is the time to be completely honest. You should never feel rushed or dismissed, and if you do, please speak up or bring someone with you for support.

Another huge part of this visit is mental health. In London Ontario and area we’re lucky to have growing awareness around postpartum mental health, but it still gets brushed aside or missed far too often. Providers may ask how you’re coping emotionally, whether you’re noticing mood shifts, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or anything that feels overwhelming. This isn’t about judging you or your ability to parent. It’s about making sure you’re not carrying heavy things alone. Postpartum mental health concerns are common, temporary, and treatable, and this appointment is a safe place to speak openly about them.

Depending on your provider, you may also talk about feeding, sleep, returning to movement or work, intimacy, and contraception. Some people worry these topics will feel awkward, but I promise they come up all the time, and your provider has heard it all. If something doesn’t feel right in your recovery, physically or emotionally, bring it up. You are not meant to just push through.

If you want extra support outside the medical system, this is where doula care comes in beautifully. I always remind my clients that their provider might only see them once or twice postpartum, but doulas check in often, fill the gaps, and make sure you’re never navigating things on your own. If you're in London, Strathroy, or surrounding Middlesex County and want compassionate postpartum support, you can learn more about the services I offer on my website and connect with me directly.

Your postpartum follow-up is really a chance to honour your healing and make sure you’re physically and emotionally supported. You deserve care that feels gentle, validating, and truly centred on you. If you ever need guidance or have questions after your appointment, I’m always here to help.