The Importance of Post-Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy is a unique time in every mother’s life and every woman will have her own pregnancy journey and experience. Following pregnancy and birth, post-pregnancy health care is an important part of every new mother’s journey. Pregnancy and giving birth bring on exciting new experiences; however, postpartum life can also bring on new stressors. Having a newborn can create questions about feeding habits, crying, or sleep patterns, so it is important for every mother to have a health care provider in whom she can confide. Our goal is to teach new mothers the best ways to take care of themselves and their baby.
Our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Aya Sultan, knows that every mother deserves and needs individualized care. She always takes the time to listen to any post-pregnancy questions or concerns her patients may have to help achieve optimum health.
Find Your Inner Health and Outer Beauty™
Understanding Post-Pregnancy Conditions
When it comes to postpartum health, it is important to remember that just as every pregnancy is unique, so is every postpartum experience. Dr. Sultan understands that each mom will face her own triumphs and challenges and that sometimes postpartum health includes more than rest and good nutrition. Through post-pregnancy conversations and follow-up appointments, we are able to diagnose and manage many common postpartum conditions:
Postpartum Depression
After giving birth, natural hormonal changes can lead to what we often call the “baby blues”—a brief period of sadness or overwhelmed feelings. Sometimes, those feelings do not go away, or they may even worsen, and this can result in postpartum depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression might include:
- Extreme sadness, despair, or anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Feelings of self-harm or harming your baby
Becoming a mother can be an exciting, but also difficult or stressful time. Dr. Sultan makes sure to listen to all patients and their concerns in every area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to remember that you are not alone in this and you should never feel ashamed for embarrassed. Dr. Sultan performs routine screenings for postpartum depression and can help you manage your symptoms. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms of postpartum depression, however, you should call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
New moms often experience involuntary urine leakage especially when sneezing, laughing, or coughing. This is an extremely common postpartum symptom due to having weakened muscles around the bladder and pelvis. Dr. Sultan can help you resolve postpartum urinary incontinence by recommending a variety of exercises and lifestyle changes. Other options that may help with postpartum urinary incontinence include diVa® laser and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). These options may help control urinary incontinence while also addressing other intimate postpartum challenges such as decreased lubrication.
Comprehensive Postpartum Care
Postpartum care involves more than a follow-up visit or referrals to pediatricians. At Honu Women’s Health, we make sure to provide comprehensive post-pregnancy care that fully assesses your physical, social, and psychological wellbeing and needs. Whether you are coping with body changes or pain, have questions about feeding and caring for your infant, seeking to regain your feminine confidence through the diVa® laser, or want to learn more about family planning through contraception counseling and birth spacing, Honu Women’s Health is your partner in health and wellbeing.