Post Birth Consultations
Having a child is one of the most life-changing experiences that a woman can go through..
Whether it is your first child, or your fourth - pregnancy & birth is often one of the most transformative of the experiences we go through as women. But for many it can also be incredibly challenging emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
Postnatal checks are routinely offered by the NHS around 6 weeks post birth. These can be variable in what they include, but generally will cover any physical symptoms, mental wellbeing, and provide an opportunity to discuss contraception. Unfortunately they don’t always allow sufficient time to explore the full effect that birth has had on both their body and mind. Women who have experienced a difficult or traumatic birth may find that this check is too soon after birth to fully process their experiences and for some, may be re-traumatising.
Dr Leah Deutsch is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and a mother, with an interest in birth trauma. She offers post birth consultations at Clinic51. Leah provides a holistic and individualised approach to care and holds an advanced yoga teachers qualification in yoga for pregnancy and women’s health.
What does the appointment cover?
Appointments, which last for 1 hour are very much led by your requirements, but include a comprehensive physical review, a discussion around your pregnancy, birth, and if relevant, how your emotional recovery is progressing.
You may have experienced pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or obstetric cholestasis. Perhaps you had an unexpectedly high blood loss or a significant perineal tear. You may have questions about how your current health or future pregnancies will be affected by these complications.
There will be time to focus the discussion around your own, individual concerns.
When should I have my consultation?
New mothers are welcome to attend at any point from a few weeks post birth. We recognise that for many however that leaving the house for an appointment for themselves, can feel too much in those first months. It may not be until the 6-12 month mark, when you’re coming up for air, that you feel ready.
The process of recovery post birth is a dynamic one, and may change through the early years of your child’s growth, or as you begin to contemplate adding to your family. Leah is happy to see women several years following birth, if this feels it might be helpful to you.
Please feel free to get in touch if you’re unsure whether an appointment is right for you and your circumstances.
Dr Leah Deutsch: Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Leah gained her medical degree from Nottingham University Medical school, before carrying out her specialist training in London and for a period in Australia. She has worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the NHS in North East London, where she established a community menopause service, before a recent move with her young family to West Sussex.
She is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Menopause Society and is a registered menopause specialist with the BMS. She has an interest in birth trauma, having completed additional training in this area along with the BMS training in cognitive behavioural therapy for menopause. Leah also holds Advanced Yoga Teacher qualifications, specialising in pregnancy and women’s health. Her training and experience to date, very much shapes the holistic care she offers and strongly informs her practice.
‘My approach is very much patient-led; it is paramount for me that women leave their appointment feeling as if they’ve been heard. The appeal of working in Clinic 51 is the cohesive multidisciplinary approach and the time to explore fully the needs of each individual and build a collaborative plan of care to move forward.’
Follow up appointments are also available to women, after their initial consultation, if required
Book an appointment
Live availability for face to face consultations with Leah is available below. If you can’t see a time that works for you, do get in touch with our reception team by email or phone on 01798 667151 and we may be able to help.
We may also be able to offer a video consultation, but only if Leah can confirm that a physical examination won’t be necessary. If you’d like to book a video consultations, please call and speak to our reception team. The booking below is for in person appointments only.
Header Photo by Alex Pasarelu on Unsplash
