The 6-Week Checkup — How Partners Can Advocate for Better Care

The traditional model of postpartum care in the U.S. is a single visit at six weeks. One visit. Six weeks after one of the most physically and emotionally significant events of her life. ACOG itself has called this approach inadequate, recommending instead that postpartum care be an ongoing process with early contact within 3 weeks and a comprehensive visit by 12 weeks. But most practices still default to the single 6-week visit, which is often crammed into a 15-minute slot. In that window, the provider is expected to assess: physical healing from delivery (vaginal tear or C-section incision), pelvic floor function, breastfeeding, mental health screening, blood pressure, contraception, chronic disease management, and return to normal activities. That's impossible in 15 minutes. What actually happens? A quick physical exam, a perfunctory 'How are you feeling?', birth control discussed, and 'You're cleared.' Many women leave feeling unheard, with real problems unaddressed. As her partner, you can help change that by helping her prepare.

A thorough postpartum checkup should cover: Physical recovery — how is she healing from delivery? Any pain, bleeding, or signs of infection? If she had a C-section, is the incision healing well? Pelvic floor — is she experiencing urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, or pain during sex? A referral to pelvic floor physical therapy should be offered if there are any issues (and honestly, it should be standard for all postpartum women). Mental health — a validated screening tool like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or PHQ-9 should be administered, not just 'How's your mood?' Breastfeeding — any pain, supply issues, or latching problems? A lactation consultant referral if needed. Blood pressure — preeclampsia can develop postpartum. Contraception — discussed thoroughly, including options compatible with breastfeeding. Chronic conditions — diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders all need monitoring. The appointment should also address her goals: when she wants to return to exercise, work, sex, and how she's feeling about all of it.

Many women struggle to advocate for themselves in medical settings, especially postpartum. She's exhausted, possibly dealing with brain fog, and socialized to not be 'difficult.' She may minimize symptoms because she thinks they're normal or because she doesn't want to seem like she can't handle motherhood. Your presence can change the dynamic. You don't need to speak for her — in fact, you shouldn't unless she's asked you to. But you can be the person who says 'She mentioned she's been having a lot of anxiety — can we talk about that?' when she goes quiet. You can take notes so she doesn't have to remember everything. You can watch the baby during the appointment so she can focus entirely on the conversation. If the provider seems dismissive — 'That's normal,' 'It'll get better on its own,' 'Just give it time' — you can gently push: 'Can we explore that a bit more?' or 'Is there a specialist we could see about this?' Sometimes a partner saying 'I'm concerned' carries weight that her own concern doesn't — which is unfair, but pragmatically true.

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects the majority of women after vaginal delivery and many after C-section. Symptoms include urinary incontinence (leaking when she coughs, sneezes, or exercises), pelvic organ prolapse (a feeling of heaviness or bulging), pain during sex, and difficulty with bowel function. These issues are incredibly common and incredibly underdiagnosed, largely because women are embarrassed to bring them up and providers don't always ask. In many countries (France, for example), pelvic floor rehabilitation is prescribed for every postpartum woman. In the U.S., it's barely discussed. Pelvic floor physical therapy is highly effective and can prevent issues from becoming chronic or worsening with age. If she mentions any of these symptoms to you — even casually, like 'I peed a little when I sneezed' — that's your opening to normalize it and encourage treatment: 'That's really common and there's actually great PT for it. Worth asking about at your checkup.' Don't let her accept incontinence as 'just what happens after babies.'

For most women, the 6-week checkup is the last structured medical contact until their next annual exam. That's a huge gap during a period when she's still recovering, her hormones are still adjusting, and her mental health is still vulnerable. ACOG recommends ongoing contact, but the reality is that the system often doesn't provide it. This means you become an important part of her safety net. Continue monitoring her mood and energy. Watch for signs of PPD that can develop anytime in the first year. If she had blood pressure issues during pregnancy, make sure she's getting it checked. If she's breastfeeding, support her in that journey — or in her decision to stop. Encourage her to schedule follow-ups for any unresolved issues from the checkup. And maintain the conversation about how she's doing — not just as a mother, but as a person. The postpartum period doesn't end at 6 weeks. For many women, full recovery — physical, emotional, hormonal — takes a year or more.