10 Questions to Ask at Your 6-Week Postpartum Checkup

Your six-week postpartum checkup covers a lot of ground in a short appointment, from physical healing to mood, feeding, contraception, and nutrition. Writing your questions down ahead of time helps you make the most of that limited time and makes sure nothing important gets lost in the shuffle of a newborn's schedule. Here are 10 questions worth bringing with you, whether you deliver them from a typed list or a crumpled sticky note.

"All right, you had your baby. Good. You're leaving the hospital. We're going to touch base in about 6 weeks. That's not much when you're going through a lot."

— Jessica Nazzaro, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Board-Certified OB-GYN and National Certified Menopause Practitioner

Many of these questions also connect to nutrition, including whether to continue our postnatal multivitamin with DHA and methylated folate as you move further into the fourth trimester.† Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially while breastfeeding or managing a medical condition.

1. How is my physical healing going so far?

Ask your provider to check on vaginal tearing, a C-section incision, or general healing progress. This is also a good time to mention any bleeding, discharge, or pain that feels off to you.

2. Am I cleared to return to exercise and sex?

Your provider will typically confirm whether your body is ready for physical activity and intimacy again. Ask specifically about any restrictions based on your delivery type before assuming a general timeline applies to you.

3. What does my mood and emotional health look like right now, and what are my options if I need more support?

Your provider should ask about your mood, but it's worth bringing it up directly too, especially if anything feels off. Ask what support options exist, from counseling referrals to formulated support like Postpartum Mood Support, with ashwagandha, chamomile, and saffron, and let your provider weigh in on what fits your situation.†

4. Is there anything about my iron levels or overall nutrition I should know?

Pregnancy and delivery draw down iron and other nutrient stores, and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that breastfeeding keeps those needs elevated. Ask whether your levels have been checked and whether continued supplementation makes sense for you.

5. What's my birth control and family planning situation?

This is a standard topic at the postpartum visit. Ask about options compatible with breastfeeding if that applies to you, and bring up your timeline for any future pregnancies if you have one in mind.

6. How is breastfeeding going, and is there support available if I'm struggling?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months as a baseline goal, but plenty of women need support getting there. Ask your provider for a lactation consultant referral if latch, supply, or pain are ongoing concerns.

7. What symptoms should prompt me to call before my next scheduled visit?

Ask your provider to walk through specific warning signs, like fever, heavy bleeding, severe headache, or chest pain, rather than guessing. The CDC's Hear Her campaign has a helpful reference list of urgent maternal warning signs worth reviewing beforehand.

8. Do I have any pelvic floor or diastasis recti concerns?

Ask specifically about pelvic floor strength and whether there's separation in your abdominal muscles. If either is a concern, your provider can point you toward physical therapy or targeted exercises.

9. Do I need any follow-up for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other pregnancy complications?

If you had any complications during pregnancy, ask what, if any, ongoing monitoring or follow-up testing is recommended now that you've delivered.

10. Is there a postnatal vitamin or supplement routine you'd recommend for where I am right now?

This is a good moment to ask whether to continue, adjust, or add to your supplement routine. Total Postnatal, designed to support breastfeeding and recovery, is one option many providers are familiar with for ongoing postpartum nutrition, but your provider can help tailor the specifics to you.†

"Write down every question before your appointment, even the ones that feel small or silly. I learned the hard way that fifteen minutes goes fast, and you deserve to leave that room with real answers, not just reassurance."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

For more on what the weeks and months after this appointment can look like, see our pillar guide on what you need for postpartum recovery, plus our guides on how long to take postnatal vitamins after birth and whether it's normal to feel overwhelmed after having a baby.

Frequently asked questions

When exactly is the 6-week postpartum checkup scheduled?

It's traditionally scheduled around six weeks after delivery, though ACOG now recommends an initial check-in within the first three weeks as well, with a comprehensive visit by twelve weeks.

What if I have a C-section? Is the timeline different?

C-section recovery can involve an earlier follow-up, often around two weeks, to check incision healing, in addition to the standard six-week visit.

Can I bring my baby to this appointment?

Most practices allow it, though some women prefer to bring a partner or support person to help with the baby so they can focus on the conversation.

What if I don't get through all my questions in one visit?

Ask your provider about scheduling a follow-up or requesting a longer appointment. Many practices are moving toward multiple shorter postpartum touchpoints rather than one single visit.

Is it normal to feel nervous about this appointment?

Yes, that's a common feeling. Writing your questions down ahead of time can help the appointment feel more manageable and make sure you leave with the information you actually need.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.