The postpartum period begins once you’ve delivered your baby. During this time, you will further the bond with baby, while your body heals from giving birth. You may have chosen to breast or bottle-feed your latest arrival, to use cloth or disposable diapers. If you have a partner, they will be able to bond with the newborn much easier now, but make sure to continue to make time for one another. The health of your home life has a direct impact on your child’s development.

It is recommended that you set a date for your baby’s one-week, two-week, and six-week checkups. Be sure to write down any questions or concerns you have, this makes it much easier to remember them during your appointment. Recording questions as they come to you is an effective way to stay on-top of your concerns and ultimately stay informed. The first few weeks may come easily or they may be overwhelming. Every birth and child are unique, so never hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you are unsure about something.

Tip: use a reminders app on your phone to keep track of questions as they come up.

Congratulations on your journey into motherhood! For some great literature, check out marchofdimes.org’s page on postpartum care.