The moment a child is born, a mother is too. But while focus quickly shifts to the baby–visitors cooing, aunties giving advice, and nurses checking weight—no one remembers the new mum has also just gone through a major life event. Her body has undergone physical changes for months, capped by the ordeal of giving birth. All new mums also need care as well.
Postpartum healing is not all about “bouncing back.” It is a vulnerable experience that needs to be medically and emotionally supported. In Nigeria, where the discussion around maternal health too often stops at delivery, it’s important to stress what comes next.
We curated essential health checks no new mother should miss because it’s not only for her own benefit, but for her baby’s wellbeing, too.
Don’t miss the six-week postnatal visit
This is not a routine check-up visit. It’s a chance for your doctor to see how your body is healing: Your womb, your blood pressure, your stitches or scars, and even your mental state. It’s also the right time to talk about family planning or talk about pain or discomfort you are experiencing. If you had a public hospital birth and were not booked for one, ask for it. Your recovery matters.
Pelvic Floor check
If you find that you leak a little when you sneeze or laugh, you’re not alone. Lots of women find that their pelvic floor muscles are weakened after giving birth. It’s normal, but it’s not something you should ignore. Getting to a physiotherapist early can make it easier to strengthen those muscles and avoid problems down the line.
Check in on your mental health
Not all wounds are physical. Teariness, nervousness, being overwhelmed, or even feeling emotionally numb can be signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. That doesn’t make you weak or ungrateful—it makes your body and brain adjusting. See a healthcare provider or trusted counsellor. You deserve assistance, not silence.
READ ALSO: How to Care for Toddlers without Losing Your Mind
Breasts examination
Breastfeeding does not always come easily. You might experience engorgement, plugged ducts, or sore nipples. If your breast is warm, swollen, or if you have a fever, it could be mastitis— infection that ought to be treated. Do not “tough it out”; get help early on. A physician or lactation consultant can walk you through it.
Blood pressure and sugar levels checks
Conditions like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes don’t always end with delivery. Some women remain at risk after birth, especially if they had complications during pregnancy. Regular checks at a clinic or pharmacy can make a big difference and help prevent long-term health issues or chronic cases.
Ask for a Thyroid check if you’re always tired
Exhaustion is expected when caring for a newborn. But if your fatigue feels extreme, you’re losing too much hair, or you’re constantly cold or anxious, it may be more than just “new mum tiredness.” Postpartum thyroid issues are more common than many realise, and a simple blood test can help catch it early.
Body nutrition value checks
You’re eating for two now and your body needs more food to fuel fast recovery and catch up with breastfeeding, too. Iron, calcium, vitamin D and folic acid are still necessary. If you’re dizzy or faint, discuss your iron levels with a physician. Even a generic multivitamin will help boost your energy levels and support healing. Remember that your newborn is suckling on the nutrients you take in so it needs to be doubled at this point.
C-Section scar and Tear checks
Regardless of whether you’ve undergone a vaginal delivery or C-section, healing well is important. Look for redness, pus, or pain over the stitches or wound. These can be signs of infection. Don’t allow it to become worse—get checked early and avoid complications. And even if you don’t see any signs of infection, it’s still healthy to get your scar examined to ascertain complete healing.
Discuss contraception methods
You might not be thinking about another pregnancy just yet, but it’s a smart idea to discuss birth control before things heat up in the bedroom again. Whether you’re looking for something temporary or long-term, your doctor can help you determine what’s best for your body and lifestyle. Now, there are often cases where random people advise to give birth to all the kids and rest; follow your body and decide on your next childbirth when you feel your body is ready for another child.
Plan emotional check-ins
Although this is not a “test,” checking in with yourself and close family or friends on a regular basis can go a long way. Ask yourself: Am I managing? Am I being gentle with myself? You don’t need to have everything together. There is no perfect mother in the world. And in a phase where it’s always too easy to lose yourself in the process of caring and bringing up a child, you must press pause, rewind and constantly examined that you have not lose yourself while caring for your newborn. Your child needs an emotionally, physically, mentally and psychologically stable mum.
Postpartum care is a component of maternal health, not an afterthought. Prioritising these checks doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you strong. As you’re doing the work of caring for your baby, remember that caring for yourself is part of the job, too.
If your hospital doesn’t offer follow-up care, advocate for yourself. Ask questions. Make the call. You just gave life to the world. Yours is worth saving, too.
Finally, we commend you so far on how much you have built and hold together, even as a mum and still winning on all other areas of life. Take your flowers!
