Postpartum

Women in the postpartum period should be monitored for postpartum complications. Frequency of follow-up depends on specific issues encountered during childbirth and the immediate postpartum period.

Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence simply means leaking urine. Incontinence can range from leaking just a few drops of urine to complete emptying of the bladder. 

Fecal Incontinence  
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from your rectum. Fecal incontinence can range from occasional leakage of a small quantity of stool while passing gas to complete loss of bowel control. 

Perineal Pain, Dyspareunia, and Sexual Function 
A woman's perineum may bruise, tear or be artificially cut during childbirth. This may cause perineal pain or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), sometimes lasting more than a year. If persistent and not treated this may lead to long-term physical and psychological difficulties, including relationship discord. 

KEGEL EXERCISES

• With an empty bladder, squeeze muscles used to stop flow of urine
• Hold for 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds
• Do 10 contractions at least three times a day
• Increase hold by 1 second each week up to 10-second holds
• Breathe normally through these exercises

40-80% of women experience mood changes after their delivery. This most commonly starts 2-3 days after delivery and usually goes away by 2 weeks. It is important to eat properly, get adequate sleep and reduce stress during this time to help with the symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms require treatment especially if you are not bonding or enjoying your baby, unable to care for yourself or the baby, feeling excessive sadness, depression or anxiety. Please schedule an appointment if you feel a problem is occurring. We are known for our compassionate care and have effective treatments for postpartum depression. CLICK HERE for more information.

Our physicians at The Group are dedicated to women’s health and providing information and access to contraception for patients. Birth control methods to prevent pregnancy include progesterone-only pills and injections; combined hormonal methods including pills, patches, and the vaginal ring; long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) including intrauterine devices (IUDs), the implant, and the Depo-Provera injection; barrier methods including the diaphragm, sponge, cervical cap, and condom; fertility awareness including rhythm method and natural family planning; emergency contraception including pills and the copper IUD; and permanent sterilization.

CLICK HERE for additional information regarding contraception options offered at The Group.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months of a baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as both mother and baby desire it.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced during the infant’s first year of life, or longer, as mutually desired by the woman and her infant.

Breastfeeding Guidelines

Breastfeeding Toolkit

Breastfeeding Articles

Lactation Consultants

Genesis Birth Center

Julie Cutler and Sue Page are available to see patients after discharge from the hospital by appointment. Call (563) 421-7768.

QC Lactation Services

Natalie Hessell provides private, in-home consultations, (309) 631-6035.

Julie Brashear, IBCLC (563) 340-1322 or by email.

Visit the QC Lactation Services website.

Nourish Lactation Services

Kaitlin Girskis and Rebecca Clark see patients in their offices. Call (563) 232-6551.

La Leche League of the Quad Cities

Offering monthly meetings, phone and email support. Call (563) 484-4101 or reach out on Facebook.

Motherhood Matters

Ask for Kaity or Rebecca or visit the Motherhood Matters website. Call (563) 232-6551 or (563) 200-1846.

Lactation Medication

CLICK HERE for a list of approved medications.

Lactation Support Group

Visit Motherhood Matters

If you have questions or are experiencing difficulties, please contact us at (563) 355-1853.

Make an appointment to see the doctor or midwife 6 weeks after delivery, regardless if you had a vaginal birth or cesarean section. If you had medical complications during your pregnancy such as elevated blood pressure we may request an earlier check. Please call to make your 6 week appointment upon discharge.

For more information, download our postpartum instructions and guidelines.