See Your Doctors

Check-Up for Mom

Your doctor* should schedule a checkup within the first six weeks after you have your baby to make sure you’re recovering well from childbirth. This is called a postpartum checkup.

Early follow-up is recommended if you experienced certain medical problems during pregnancy or if you are at high risk of complications. It is important that every woman sees their doctor for these visits.

*Your healthcare provider may be a doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), midwife, or a physician’s assistant (PA).

Vaccination

Vaccines are shots that protect you and your baby from dangerous diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends protecting you and your baby by getting a flu and whooping cough vaccine. If you did not get these vaccines during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about these vaccinations.

Dental Care

After giving birth, your teeth and gums might need extra care. Many women have mouth, teeth and gum problems after their pregnancy. If you need assistance with finding a dental provider, call 2-1-1.

Birth Spacing

Birth spacing refers to the time from one child’s birth until the next pregnancy. Parents who want to have more than one child might attempt to have their next pregnancy as soon as possible. But research shows that waiting 18-24 months between pregnancies is safer for mom and more likely to result in a healthy baby. The best timing for a next pregnancy also depends on personal circumstances and other concerns.

Talk to your doctor about the timing of your next pregnancy. If you plan to wait between pregnancies, ask your doctor about family planning options before you go home with your newborn.

Check-Up for Baby

Your baby needs an appointment for a first health checkup at the age of two weeks. In addition, earlier visits may be needed to check your baby’s weight gain or if there are other concerns. Your baby’s doctor will check your baby’s growth, development, and perform a physical examination to make sure that there are no problems.

The doctor can also inform you of the results of routine newborn screening tests that were performed in the hospital. Your baby’s healthcare provider may be a doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), or a physician’s assistant (PA).

If you do not have health insurance for your baby, you can apply for Medi-Cal. If you need help finding a doctor for your baby, call the Health Care Agency, Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or call 2-1-1.

Immunizations

Immunizations (also called vaccinations) are shots that protect your baby from diseases and keep him/her healthy. Your baby should receive a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital, shortly after birth. Additional vaccines are needed at age 2 months. Vaccines for infants and children are important, safe, and effective.

Developmental Milestones

As babies grow, they start to understand touch, speech, and movement. In the first three months, your baby will show important physical, social, and sensory skills.

From 4 to 12 months, your baby will show other new physical and social skills, as well as cognitive thinking. It’s important to talk, read, and sing to your children to help them develop.

Every baby develops at her own pace. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your baby’s development in the first year.