Postpartum Care | A Comprehensive Guide

Postpartum Care at Capital Women’s Care – Howard County

Bringing your baby home is a beautiful and life-changing experience — but it’s also a big adjustment. At Capital Women’s Care Howard County in Fulton, Maryland, our team is here to support you through this important time. We provide compassionate postpartum care and counseling to help you recover, heal, and feel confident in caring for both yourself and your baby.

Whether you have questions about breastfeeding, your recovery, or emotional well-being, we’re here every step of the way.

If you ever experience thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. You are not alone, and help is available right now.

What is Postpartum Care?

Postpartum care begins the moment your baby is born. As you adjust to life with your newborn, our team will continue to care for your physical and emotional health.

During your in-office postpartum visits, we’ll check on your recovery, address any concerns, and offer guidance to help you feel your best. This includes:

Support and education on breastfeeding and breast care
Care for your perineum or cesarean incision
Help navigating emotional changes after delivery

Our goal is to make sure both you and your baby get the healthiest possible start together.

Healing After Birth

Whether you delivered vaginally or by cesarean section, your body has done something extraordinary — and it deserves time and care to recover.

Postpartum checkups are an important part of that healing process. During your visits, your provider will:

Monitor your recovery and manage pain
Check for infection or unusual bleeding
Support you with breastfeeding or formula-feeding challenges
Address concerns about pelvic floor health, urinary control, or other changes

Your recovery journey is unique, and we’ll guide you through it with care and understanding.

Caring for Your Emotional Health

It’s completely normal to experience mood swings, anxiety, or the “baby blues” after giving birth. These feelings are often temporary — but sometimes, they can become more serious and develop into postpartum depression or anxiety.

At Capital Women’s Care, we take your mental health seriously. Our providers will check in regularly to make sure you’re coping well and can connect you with:

Counseling or therapy
Support groups
Safe, effective medication if needed

Reaching out early for support can make a big difference. You don’t have to face these feelings alone — we’re here to help you heal in every way.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it’s also normal to face challenges — like trouble latching, nipple pain, or concerns about milk supply. Our team can offer practical guidance and, if needed, connect you with a lactation specialist for one-on-one support.

Whether you choose to breastfeed, pump, or formula feed, we’ll help you find the approach that’s most comfortable for you and your baby. What matters most is that both of you are thriving.

Best Practices for Postpartum Recovery

Best Practices for Postpartum Recovery
Every mother’s experience is unique, and there’s no “right” way to recover. However, here are a few general tips to support your well-being:

Take Care of Your Body

Eat balanced meals rich in iron, protein, and fiber to support healing and milk production.
Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.
When your provider says it’s safe, begin light activity such as short walks, gradually increasing as your strength returns.
Care for your incision or perineum as directed to promote healing and prevent infection.

Take Care of Your Breasts

Use warm compresses or gentle massage for engorgement.
If you’re bottle-feeding, wear a supportive bra and avoid stimulating the breasts to reduce discomfort.

Take Care of Your Mind

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately. Help is available 24/7.

When to Call Your Provider

It’s always okay to call if something doesn’t feel right. Please contact Capital Women’s Care right away if you experience:

Fever over 101°F
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
A painful breast lump or redness that doesn’t go away after feeding
Redness, swelling, or discharge at your cesarean incision

And, of course, if you have any mental health concerns — even if you’re just not sure what’s normal — please reach out. We’re here to help you feel supported and cared for in every way.

You’re Not Alone

The postpartum period is a time of growth, change, and learning — for both you and your baby. At Capital Women’s Care Howard County, we’re honored to be part of your journey and to provide the care, compassion, and encouragement you deserve.

Let us know how we can support you — physically, emotionally, and beyond. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.