You tell your OB you’re doing okay. Then you get to the car and remember what you meant to say. You’re still leaking when you sneeze. You can’t fall asleep even when someone else has the baby. And sometimes you sit in the driveway for five extra minutes because it’s the only quiet you’ve had all day.
A lot can go unsaid in a short appointment. If something is affecting your day, you can bring it up before your checkup or call afterward. You don’t have to figure out what to call it first.
Start with what’s actually happening. “I keep checking that the baby is breathing, and I can’t settle down enough to sleep.” Or, “I’m still in pain when I carry the baby. Can we talk about what might help?”
Before you leave, ask one more question. “What can I do now, and who should I call if this keeps happening?” At home, asking for help can be just as specific. “Can you take the baby for an hour after dinner so I can shower and lie down?”
“I’m getting through the day, but I’d like some help with how it feels to get through it.”
Our services
We offer perinatal mental health counseling for postpartum anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and difficult birth experiences. Explore our services and reach out for support.
