Not bothering with 6 week GP check?

[FTM91]

Just been told the 'check' will be over the phone. How on earth can they do a post natal check over the phone without actually looking at me? Guessing it's a tick box exercise.

I have a physio appointment booked with a pelvic specialist who will spend a good hour checking me inside and out so WIBU to not waste mine or the doctors time on a tick box phone call?

(To be clear, my baby's checks and jabs are all booked in)

I’m a GP trainee and did these at my last practice during the first wave. I did the maternal check over the phone but would then do the baby check face to face later that day so would see Mum then.
The most important parts of 6 week check are to assess your mental health / signs of postnatal depression, and discuss contraception both of which can be done fairly well over the phone for most women.
I imagine they will ask if you have any concerns about your physical recovery and make you a face to face appointment if you think you need an examination, but it sounds like this is in hand already with the physio.
If any mental health concerns I would bring in face to face if that’s what the patient wanted, or discuss direct referral to the perinatal psych team.

Some of it will about general well being and mental health which they can do over the phone. They can also ask specific questions and ask about any concerns you have.

Ultimately though, you are an adult and if you don't want the appointment then don't have it. The NHS is there for your benefit, if you don't want the appointment, someone can use it instead.

The six weeks check I had in person pre covid was all about checking the baby.

With my first I had severe ptsd but the gp didn't ask how I was feeling at all. The appointment was awful. I didn't bother for my second and that was spring last year so pandemic and would have been on the phone. Having 3rd early next year and won't be bothering. If I have a specific problem I will seek help through the appropriate pathways.

Also of course it’s absolutely up to you - it’s not a compulsory check at all and you don’t need to have one.
I wouldn’t be too put off by the over the phone aspect though - I honestly think my remote checks were much more holistic and thorough than the ‘check’ I had face to face pre-pandemic which consisted of the nurse who had just given my baby her 8 week jabs checking my blood pressure while DD screamed, asking very bluntly if I had depression, then sending me on my way.

My 6 week check 2 years ago was face to face, it was jus a chat with me about my well-being or ongoing medical or health any concerns and then a check of the baby. So doing the first part over the phone is fine it's not supposed to be an examination.