Did anyone NOT have a 6 week (postpartum) check up?

Question

I had a MW for just over an hour when my baby was being born, then she left. They came back to do the newborn check the next day, then came again when the baby was eight days old to weigh her. I found out when my baby was four months old that most people have a check up at six weeks, but I was never offered one/asked to have one, nor was my baby. She was also never called for her injections, and ended up having them two months late.

Has anyone else not had a checkup or not been offered one? Were my baby or I put at any risk by not having one?

Actually I am in the UK and we are allocated care providers, who do initiate care. We do not choose our own doctors, or midwives, we have the NHS. Everyone is sent a letter for routine appointments, vaccinations and the like asking their parents to make appointments for them. My daughter slipped through the net and as I was a sleep-deprived new mother I merely didn't realise at the time. It is not usual to appoint your own pediatrian here in the UK, nor does my daughter have regular doctors appointments unless ill, as the system here is different.

I am not yet old enough (24) to be offered a smear test under our screening program here, which offers tests every three years to women over 25. When you are offered a test, you are sent a letter. If I remember correctly, breast screening is only offered to high risk women or women over fifty.

Just attempt to understand our healthcare system and don't assume that I am negligent of my own health care.

Answer 1

I didnt go to mine. I was functioning normally and didnt want anyone messing around with that area. I also dont go for yearly's.

The only time Ive ever been to an OBGYN was when I was pregnant, and to go on the pill for a short while when I was younger.

I dont trust doctors, all the ones i've had have almost killed me, and no, thats not an exageration. Iam quite sure my body is allowed to function without their approval. Beyond that, I have the right to be sick and even die if I want to. No one SAYS you HAVE to see a doctor.

Answer 2

My son is three months old and I still haven't been to the doctor. I made sure he has been for check ups and shots. I wasn't never really big on doctors not even when I was pregnant even though I always went. My mother keep telling me I need to go so I can get some type of birth control but I just haven't went. The state of Tennessee sends a shot record for every baby that is born so parents can keep up with shots. Look on-line for an official record to keep for your personal records! By the way, Congrats on the baby!

Answer 3

I tried to go to mine but my doc called out of the office for an emergency c-section and I couldn't wait for her to come back. The next available appointment wasn't for another month and then I forgot about it LOL.

I'm not big on doctor's and only go if I think something is seriously wrong. I wasn't having any issues so I didn't worry about it. I probably won't see her again until I get pregnant again (although I might switch doctor's as I have some issues about how I was treated during my pregnancy, nothing major, just that she could have done a much better job with information and listening to me, if she had listened to me she might have known the baby wasn't in the right position for birth when I went into labor)

As for shots being late, that was my fault again. It's amazing how the days sort of blend into each other and I didn't realize we had missed his appointment. My pediatrician told me to relax, it's not a huge deal if they are a month or two late, only if I had missed them by like 6 months or so, then they have to do a modified set of injections.

The only way you were put at risk is if you knew something was wrong and didn't go. If you are fine then relax.

Answer 4

If your MW did not do a checkup then she might have been satisfed that you had a very normal labor and delivery and did not expect you to have any problems postpartum. If you have had no unusual pain or discharge then you are probably fine. Checkups are more necessary when someone has had a c-section or had significant tearing and stitches.

As for your baby that is not the responsibility of the MW - she takes care of you, not the baby (after the birth obviously). You need to find a pediatrician for the baby and he/she will schedule checkups at intervals - usually 2,4,6,12,18, and 24 months.

Answer 5

I was in the same boat as you, when I went for my checkup. I asked, and they just asked me if the flow was light or heavy. I had to get the pelvic exam and pap done. If its a light flow... you will be fine. But if its very heavy, you may want to reschedule, or just ask ahead of time. You have to think out of all the women they deliver. I am sure it wont be the first time checking a women and her having her period at her 6 wk pp check up. To be in the safe side, just call ahead and see what they say. I was in the exact same boat, and they went ahead and examed me anyway. Not to mention... some women are still actually bleeding from giving birth at 6 wks... So I am pretty sure they will be fine with it. The doctors have seen worse : Considering what they do for a living, lol. Every doctor is different, so maybe just call and see what they say. If they are fine with it, then its totally up to you whether you are comfortable with it or not.

Answer 6

I had a repeat c-section and never went to my 6 week check up. I went to get my staples taken out and that was it. I wasn't too happy with my doctor during my pregnancy and wanted to get away asap. He was also on a medical leave of absence when the 6 weeks came. I didn't want to have another doctor look at me. I'm not too crazy about doctors and don't really trust them anymore after this pregnancy. I do take my sons to the doctor and have them taken care of though.

Answer 7

The onus is on you to be informed and not expect to be told what to do and when. Get a regular doctor for your baby and they will make the next follow up appointment when you are there for the baby's check up.

Answer 8

It is your body and your responsibility to keep it healthy.You are responsible for keeping your child healthy as well.

Don't be afraid to pick up a book about caring for yourself and your child.

Have you had a pap in the last year? Breast exam?Checked your blood pressure? Cholesterol levels? It is important to stay on top of your own health. Ask questions of your care provider. Don't wait for them to tell you when the next appointment should be scheduled.

Answer 9

I would just ask the midwife or some OB doc just to make sure. Ive never had a midwife so I have really no clue, but I wouls say you should get one

Answer 10

Just make sure that you are informed about when to bring your baby back for her immunizations with a doctor from now on. It's very important to make sure that her shots are on time.