The maternity period & beyond
Read here all about the follow-up check-up, the Centering Pregnancy follow-up day, contraception, vaginal bleeding and your pelvic floor. But also: when do you call us and when do you call the GP?
Most likely, most things were discussed during your last visit with the midwife. We've also summarized the key matters for the coming weeks:
- Centering Pregnancy reunion day
- Postpartum check-up
- Contraception & vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic floor
- General practitioner, child health clinic & weighing clinic
- Vitamin K&D
- Babymassage
CP reunion day
We would love to see you together with your baby and the Centering Pregnancy mother group once more. It's a chance to admire each other's babies and share experiences. If desired, we can also perform a physical check-up for you. If you prefer an earlier postpartum check-up or if you have any concerns, please contact our assistant.
Postpartum check-up
If you have followed the regular care trajectory, you can schedule a postpartum check-up with our assistant after 6 weeks, if desired.
Contraception & vaginal bleeding
It is normal to have vaginal bleeding during the first 6 weeks after childbirth. If bleeding has not stopped after 6 weeks, please contact us.
When breastfeeding, it's challenging to predict when your menstrual cycle will resume. Breastfeeding is not a reliable contraceptive method, and before menstruation returns, ovulation can occur! The advice is to allow your body at least 9 months of rest before considering another pregnancy. Therefore, it's a good idea to think about contraception now. Not all contraceptive methods are suitable while breastfeeding. Options include Cerazette (also known as the mini-pill or breastfeeding pill), copper or Mirena IUD, Implanon, or condoms. If you are using formula feeding, all contraceptive methods are possible.
It's possible to have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted at our practice. If you would like to proceed with this option, please contact us. For all other forms of contraception, you can consult your general practitioner.
Pelvic floor
Pregnancy and childbirth put significant strain on your pelvic floor. Train your pelvic floor muscles to prevent issues later in life! Incorporate dedicated moments for these exercises. For tips, visit Bekkenbodem Online.
If you experience the following symptoms, please contact a pelvic floor physiotherapist: urinary incontinence, sensation of prolapse (feeling like a ball is coming out of the vagina), and/or pain in your pelvic floor.
We work closely and effectively with Fysio Westerpark, who hold consultations at our Westerdok location. Learn more about them here.
Vitamin K&D
When breastfeeding, it's important to give your baby daily vitamin K and D supplements starting from 8 days after birth. The recommendation is to give vitamin K for three months and vitamin D for four years.
If you are using formula feeding, giving vitamin K is not necessary because it is already included in the formula.
If you are giving a combination of breast milk and formula, you do not need to give vitamin K supplements if you give more than 500cc of formula in a 24-hour period. However, if you give less than 500cc of formula, it is advised to give vitamin K supplements.
Child health clinic & weighing appointment
From now on, the child health clinic will take over the planned care for your child. They will contact you to schedule appointments. First, they will conduct a home visit for an intake, followed by regular check-ups at the clinic. They monitor growth and development, administer vaccinations, and are available for general questions about parenting and growing up.
There are special weighing clinics at the child health clinic if you want to monitor your child's growth in the coming weeks. You can find the times and addresses in the blue booklet you received from them during the heel prick test.
General Practitioner
During the first 6 weeks after childbirth, we are available for questions about bleeding, stitches, and questions related to the delivery. For any questions regarding illness in yourself or the baby, it is best to contact your general practitioner. We always inform the general practitioner about your delivery and the birth of your baby.
Babymassage
Would you like to start a baby massage course in a few weeks? Baby massage is relaxing for both you and your baby, builds mutual trust, and strengthens your bond. We have the best baby masseuse in Amsterdam who offers courses at Westerdok in small groups of up to 6 parents and babies. For more information: mirjam-vos.nl
