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BabyCenter for your pregnancy

Postpartum Health

Postpartum Complications

Postpartum Weight & Body Image

Postpartum Depression & Emotional Health

Postpartum Nutrition

Postpartum Relationships & Sex

Recovering From Birth

Postpartum Fitness

Postpartum Complications

Postpartum: Swelling (edema)

By Karen Miles
Postpartum cramping

By Stephanie Watson
Postpartum hemorrhoids

By Kate Marple
Postpartum perineal pain

By Kate Marple

Postpartum warning signs

By Kate Marple
Postpartum rectal bleeding

By Dana Dubinsky
Postpartum fatigue: How to cope

By Karen Miles
Postpartum bleeding and discharge: Lochia

By Kate Marple

Postpartum skin: Melasma

By Karen Miles
Postpartum: Late hemorrhage

By Kate Marple
Postpartum hair loss

By Karen Miles
Postpartum constipation

By Kate Marple

Postpartum sweating

By Dana Dubinsky
Postpartum infections

By Karisa Ding
Chronic high blood pressure and breastfeeding

By Kate Marple
Postpartum back pain: How to get relief

By Kate Marple

Postpartum anal incontinence

By Kate Marple
Postpartum hemorrhage

By Kate Marple
Postpartum urinary incontinence

By Dana Dubinsky
AAP wants more doctors to screen for postpartum depression

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Postpartum: Bloodshot eyes

By Dana Dubinsky
Pregnant women and new moms with anxiety or depression need extra support

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

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Postpartum Weight & Body Image

Post-baby bellies

By Jenny Des Jarlais
Diastasis recti

By Amy Paturel, MS, MPH
What I wish I'd known about postpartum weight and body image

By Lucy Robinson
Body changes after pregnancy

Great clothes for new moms

By Sarah Bernard
Postpartum fashion: Styles that work best with your new shape

By Liz Krieger
The new-mom body survey: 7,000 women tell it like it is

By Sierra Senyak
Why Hispanic women may struggle with their weight

By Isidra Mencos

Abdominal rehab: Tone your postpartum belly

By Amy Paturel, MS, MPH
How I feel about my post-baby body
Post baby body (Mom confidential)
Fashion and makeup for new moms

By Karmen Butterer

I just had a baby. How can I get back to feeling great?
Will breastfeeding help me lose weight?

By Susan Condon, IBCLC, CLE, CLC
Is it safe to wear Spanx in the first six weeks after birth?

By Carmit Archibald, M.D.
Are over-the-counter diet pills safe to take after giving birth?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.

Contraception

Birth control pills: The minipill (progestin-only pills)

By Kate Marple
Can I have an IUD inserted right after delivery?

By Andrew Kaunitz, M.D.
Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

By Kate Marple
Tubal ligation: Female sterilization

By Kate Marple

Is it true that after having a baby, you can't get pregnant until you start having your period again?

By Kate Marple
Intrauterine device (IUD)

By Hallie Levine
Can you get pregnant on birth control?

By Karen Miles
Birth control pills: The Pill (combined hormonal oral contraceptives)

By Karen Miles

What kind of birth control should I use after pregnancy?

By Kate Marple
Birth control patch

By Karen Miles
Diaphragm

By Darienne Hosley Stewart
Condoms for men

By Darienne Hosley Stewart

Birth control shot: Depo-Provera

By Kate Marple
Vasectomy

By Karen Miles
Birth control ring

By Karen Miles
Fertility awareness methods of birth control

By Darienne Hosley Stewart

Birth control implants

By Elizabeth Millard
Spermicides

By Karen Miles
Emergency contraception

By Karen Miles
Cervical cap and shield

By Darienne Hosley Stewart

Condoms for women

By Kate Marple
U.S. men reluctant to get vasectomies, leaving contraception up to women

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Postpartum Depression & Emotional Health

My PPD story: It happened with my second child

By Bethany A.
Taking care of yourself during your baby's first months

By Diane Sanford, Ph.D.
Is it normal to miss the freedom I had before becoming a mother?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Is it normal not to want sex after having a baby?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.

What's the difference between postpartum and "regular" depression?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Postpartum depression (PPD) quiz
Could I develop postpartum depression five months after my baby's birth?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
What can I do to reduce the stress of new motherhood?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.

How can I help my husband understand my postpartum depression?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
The baby blues

By Karisa Ding
How can I tell if I have postpartum depression?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. Could I be having panic attacks?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.

Postpartum depression: In moms' own words

By Elizabeth Dougherty
Mom stories: Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression: Jessica's story
What to say when someone assumes you're still pregnant

By Evonne Lack Bradford

Postpartum depression (PPD)

By Karisa Ding
How do I handle friends and family with a newborn?

By Nancy Montgomery
Feeling good about your post-baby body

By Nancy Montgomery
The key to new moms' health may be a more involved partner

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Avoiding new mom comparison traps

By Evonne Lack Bradford
Can men get the baby blues?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Is anger a sign of postpartum depression?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
What I wish I'd known about surviving (and even enjoying) the first weeks of parenthood

By Sierra Senyak

My PPD story: Overwhelmed by twins

By Denise Schipani
How can I maintain my friendships now that I have a baby?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Are postpartum depression medications safe for nursing moms?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Is there anything I can do to prevent postpartum depression?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.

Could inflammation be behind postpartum depression?

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
My PPD story: Triggered by a traumatic birth

By Marisa S.
5 things to do if you're feeling blue after delivery

By Kate Rope
More than just baby blues: 1,400 moms talk about postpartum depression

By Kate Rope

My baby's constant crying is very stressful. How can I cope?

By Nancy Montgomery
Postpartum depression symptoms
My PPD story: My husband didn't know what to do

By Stacy B.
My PPD story: Adopting a newborn

By Janet O.

Will I be a better parent than my own mom and dad?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
My PPD story: Antidepressants worked

By Krystal E.
My PPD story: The pediatrician was my lifeline

By Denise Schipani
My PPD story: Talk therapy worked

By Denise Schipani

What I wish I'd known about postpartum depression (PPD)

By Sierra Senyak
Hispanic women and pregnancy: Postpartum depression

By Dana Dubinsky
First drug for postpartum depression has been approved

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
Postpartum Support International

By Karen Miles

Pregnancy-related depression is serious – and counseling can help

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
The royal baby's birth inspires PPD awareness

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
What I wish I'd known about getting help

By Sierra Senyak
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for my new baby?

By Edward Christophersen, Ph.D.

How should I handle unwanted advice from my in-laws?

By Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.
Finding balance as a new mom: The Williams Way (Episode 3)

Postpartum Nutrition

Best foods for new moms: Constipation conquerors

By Stephanie Miles
Best foods for new moms: Energy boosters

By Stephanie Miles
Diet for healthy post-baby weight loss

By Karen Miles
Best foods for new moms: Mood boosters

By Stephanie Miles

Are liquid diets safe for new moms?

By Bridget Swinney, M.S., R.D.
Meals for New Parents: Creamy white beans with sausage, broccolini & bread crumbs

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Curried chickpea & sweet potato turnovers

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Roasted butternut squash & kale lasagna

By Kate McMillan

Meals for New Parents: Asian chicken meatballs with soba noodles & sugar snap peas

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Chicken & biscuits with Swiss chard

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Asian-style short ribs with coconut-scallion rice

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Carnitas with avocado & pico de gallo

By Kate McMillan

Meals for New Parents: Baked polenta with mushrooms, ricotta & basil

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Lamb & apricot stew with whipped cauliflower

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Lemony shrimp with farro, artichokes & green beans

By Kate McMillan
Meals for New Parents: Mediterranean eggplant with quinoa, feta & olives

By Kate McMillan

Meals for New Parents: Roasted salmon BLTs with herbed mayo

By Kate McMillan
One-hand foods for new moms

By Brenna Howsepian, R.D.
Does breastfeeding deplete a mom's iron supply?

By Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS, IBCLC
Delicious drop-off dinners for new parents

By Becky Duffett

Postpartum Relationships & Sex

Can I start having sex before my six-week postpartum checkup?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
When do most couples start having sex again after their baby is born?

By Darienne Hosley Stewart
What's the best way to get my sex drive back after having a baby?

By Ian Kerner, Ph.D., LMFT
How long should we wait before having anal sex after childbirth?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.

How long should we wait before having oral sex after childbirth?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
Will it hurt the first time I have sex after having my baby?

By Kate Marple
The key to a happy relationship after having a baby
What I wish I'd known about relationships and new parenthood

By Sierra Senyak

Is it okay to have sex while our baby is in the same room?

By Ian Kerner, Ph.D., LMFT
What new parents fight about - and how to avoid the arguments

By Evonne Lack Bradford
When can I start having sex after giving birth?
Let's talk about sex: After the baby

By Kate Marple

Sex secrets every new parent should know

By Nancy Montgomery
What should I do if my husband is pressuring me to have sex but I'm not ready?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.

Recovering From Birth

Eating the placenta

By Karen Miles
Can you take a bath after giving birth – and when?

By Haley Longman
Will my vagina stay stretched out after delivery?

By Darienne Hosley Stewart
Varicose veins: How to treat them after your baby's born

By Kate Marple

I'm not breastfeeding. Will my breast milk dry up on its own?

By Diane Spatz, Ph.D., RN-BC, FAAN
Postpartum chills

By Colleen de Bellefonds
How to bind your belly after birth
How to use a sitz bath for postpartum relief

By Stephanie Watson

How long does postpartum recovery last?

By Karisa Ding
Your six-week postpartum checkup

By Karen Miles
C-section recovery

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
Pelvic rehab therapy: Help for uncomfortable postpartum symptoms

By Kate Marple

First 3 months postpartum (4th trimester) challenges most new moms

By Kristen Fischer
Does having a baby cause gallbladder problems?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?

By Debi Pillarella, M.Ed.
First period after pregnancy: What to expect

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Swollen labia during pregnancy and after birth

By Kate Marple
When can I go back to work after delivery?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
What I wish I'd known about beating postpartum fatigue

By Sierra Tzoore
After childbirth: 7 things no one tells you

Can postpartum fatigue be a sign of thyroid problems?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
6 things you'll need for postpartum recovery
How to recover from a bad birth experience

By Evonne Lack Bradford
When can I use tampons after giving birth?

By Stephanie Watson

Moms' health care after pregnancy is just as important as babies'

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett
How soon can I travel after childbirth?

By Russell Turk, M.D.
Placenta encapsulation: See how it's done

By Jenny Des Jarlais
How a postpartum doula can help

By Alexandra Frost

Carpal tunnel syndrome: How to get relief after the baby's born

By Kate Marple
Quitting smoking: How to stay stopped after your baby's born

By Chris Woolston
Kegel exercises for pregnancy and postpartum

By Karen Miles
Pain during sex and chronic pelvic pain

By Kate Marple

Bringing back the Hispanic tradition of "cuarentena" after childbirth

By Lourdes Alcañiz, M.A.
Bruised or broken tailbone

By Kate Marple
Uterine inversion

By Kate Marple
Using non-opioids for an enhanced recovery after childbirth

- Ad content for Pacira Biosciences -

By BabyCenter Featured Expert

When will I get my first period after pregnancy?
Getting the help you need

By Nancy Montgomery
Will my menstrual cycle be regular while I'm breastfeeding?

By Susan Condon, IBCLC, CLE, CLC
Why does my skin seem more oily (or more dry) since I had my baby?

By Sandra Johnson, M.D., FAAD

Will breastfeeding help make my uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy size?

By Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS, IBCLC

Postpartum Fitness

Postpartum exercises: Toning your legs, butt, and stomach
Postpartum exercises: Tightening those abdominals
Post-baby belly: How long you might look pregnant

By Catherine Ann Rauch
Postpartum fitness: Simple exercises for the first month

By Darienne Hosley Stewart

Hispanic traditions for shaping up after pregnancy

By Dana Dubinsky
Eight ways to find time to exercise as a new mom

By Marcella Gates
Postpartum exercise: Is your body ready?

By Karisa Ding
Postpartum exercises: Trimming and toning your waist

When can I start working out after a c-section?

By Alexandra Frost
How to do postpartum yoga with your baby
Postpartum exercises: Reducing backaches and strains
Do you have any guidelines for postpartum exercise?

By Jill Stovsky, M.Ed., RD, LD

Postpartum exercises: Improving posture and balance
Exercises you can do with your baby
Three great exercises for your workout

By Nancy Montgomery
When can I start horseback riding, skiing, or other vigorous exercise?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.

When can I start walking, swimming, and doing other low-impact exercises?

By Laura Fijolek McKain, M.D.
Gentle core exercises for c-section moms

Community

Health anxiety postpartum

BabySanchez1218

Posted in March 2021 Birth Club

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Postpartum health

Lenasmom10

Posted in September 2020 Birth Club

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Preeclampsia and postpartum mental health

Sheenah86141921

Posted in December 2021 Birth Club

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