Post partum GP check, feeling a bit meh

[Crazybabylady14]

Hi, I had my GP check up yesterday and left feeling a bit let down, would you let me know what happened at yours as to whether this was normal...

Basically the GP checked to see if my uterus had gone down, asked how I was feeling and "oh you had a forceps delivery". When I tried to explain that I have been feeling very low and anxious/panicky (my health visitor had scored me with a borderline low mood score, which I told him) to then be cut off by being yes we'll get into that and then went on to check out baby.

As they were running late I then basically got told I needed to wait in reception as baby was booked in with the nurse for first vaccinations and that was it.

I had thought after noting forceps delivery he may have asked how everything was healing, discuss what contraception I want to go on post baby/getting on a bit in years so could affect choices, and the fact that I said to him I'm really struggling with how I'm feeling, but nothing, no book another slot and we'll go over things or anything. I have booked another appointment with a different doctor and they know I wasn't happy with my appointment but just wondered if this was standard or just a bit rubbish. Plus for some reason he asked me to remove my mask so we could 'introduce ourselves properly'. It was all just a bit.... FTM so I don't have any other experience. Thank you for reading!

Congratulations on your baby. Sorry you’re feeling low

And sorry it was a crap appointment. It sounds a bit like mine a few years ago. I’d seen her the week before with an infected CS scar, had to ask her to check how it was healing. She didn’t make eye contact, rattled through the questions ticking boxes and asked me several times if I wanted a coil. If I’d been having any physical or emotional difficulties I wouldn’t have felt able to raise them.

Glad you’re seeing someone else. Push for any help you think you need.

Congrats!

I had to book a double app, 10 mins for baby and 10 for me.
My doc was great and was really listening to me.
Briefly spoke about the birth, asked about stitches, contraception, what support I had, and my mood. (From what I can remember)
All of these are very important.

He should of been able to see the notes from your HV.

I hope your next doc gives you the care you need. Don't be scared to say I need to tell you this etc.

Hope your ok

Similar, was very focussed on checking my legs , quite bolshy about the fact I’d managed to get a referral for pelvic floor injuries via the midwife as she felt it was unnecessary - despite having asked nothing about it. Also came away really deflated - I think it’s standard box ticking unless you’re really lucky

That sounds really crap. Mine was a couple of years ago but very patient and didn't feel rushed. I was surprised he didn't want to check my stitches at the time and asked if he was going to, but he explained they don't as a matter of course but would if I wanted him to or had any concerns. Did ask about mental health etc and everything else I expected. But I know I'm lucky and he has always been a fab GP

Mine was crap too.

The doctor didn't seem to know anything at all about an issue I'd raised either (diastasis recti).

I know where you're coming from. It was very deflating.

Thank you all, such a shame it's not uncommon to feel a bit let down, hopefully the second appointment goes better, I just want to enjoy my baby x

You can always book another appointment if there are specific issues you want to discuss. I had a similarly rubbish experience of my post birth checks. This time especially as it was a joint mum and baby appointment so it was pretty much all focused on checking the baby. Every time though its mainly been about pushing for me to have the coil fitted and never have they checked anything to do with my recovery. Its frankly shocking how poor the follow up post birth is.

Mine didn’t check or examine me in any way and I’d had an awful difficult delivery with loads of stitches. Just asked briefly about mood and continence but wasn’t really interested in discussing it, it was a bit like ‘well it’s just how it is’. At least the examination of the baby was thorough.

Mine was a bloody phone call. I don't think it's unusual for it just to be a box ticking exercise Be pushy if there's anything you're particularly concerned about, and use your health visitor! I've had fantastic support this time from the HV team.

Thank you all for replying, just an update to say second appointment done and was polar opposite of the first. While not possible to solve everything in one go, feeling miles more positive that things are on the road to, hopefully, getting there!

My apppontment was similar.
First appointment was with the nurse to weigh, measure and give the vaccines to DD.
We then had to sit with an upset baby who we were told not to redress in reception while we waited for the doctor.
The doctors appointment consisted of asking if we had concerns about baby and a check over which has resulted in a referral to paeds due to her skull shape.

I had to speak up and say I had concerns about my health including X, Y and Z.
Doctor basically stared at me until I asked for referral letters to go private for treatment as the NHS have been awful following the birth.
She didnt ask me about the medical problems I have, just wrote me letters.
She mentioned contraception which I declined given the problems I still have and that was it.
The only thing she did arrange off her own back was a blood test due to 8 weeks of bleeding.
Otherwise she really didnt seem concerned. Didnt even look at me to talk and wasnt engaging.
Its a good job im not struggling with my mental health as it would have no doubt been brushed over.