Post-partum: What to expect in the 6 weeks after delivery

04/19/22 • 20 min

Everything’s new. Everything’s exciting. And everything’s hard. The first six weeks after birth probably aren’t talked about enough. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist, joins Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., for a candid convo of what comes after birth, including: * Diapers, pads, witch hazel, laxatives, and other essentials * Post-partum depression and anxiety * Getting baby to sleep — mom, too! * Building a village to help child and parents * Fatigue and exhaustion * Healing the birth canal * Keeping up with the parent treadmill — and regularly stepping off

Previous Episode

Delivery: the real-deal and stuff no one tells you about

Learn why Rachel’s delivery room scene on “Friends” qualifies as “the most unrealistic birth ever.” Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist joins co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. to guide you through the reality of labor (vaginal or C section), including: * Why you should expect to get an IV * Why your birth team may include up to 10 people in scrubs * Whether it’s okay to eat and drink during labor * Why things get messy (vomiting, pooping) and that’s actually fine * How you can prepare for effective pushing * What to do to prevent vaginal tearing

Next Episode

The Feeding Episode: Helping your baby thrive

Breast is best. Or is formula fine? A bit of both? Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. talk through all the issues and research, with help from special guest Jay Homme, M.D., a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic and father of six children. Topics include: * Breastmilk vs. formula * The “dream feed” for breast-resistant babies * Pumping milk * The partner’s role * What to eat, drink and avoid for optimal baby health during breastfeeding