When should I call 911 after having a baby?

Call 911 immediately for chest pain or difficulty breathing, seizures, heavy uncontrolled bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, an unresponsive or non-breathing baby, sudden severe headache, or signs of stroke.

When should a new mom call her doctor today?

Call your doctor the same day for fever over 100.4°F (38°C), red or oozing incision, foul-smelling discharge, painful red breast area (possible mastitis), leg pain or swelling (possible blood clot), difficulty urinating, or severe mental health symptoms.

When should I call the pediatrician about my newborn?

Call your pediatrician right away if your newborn has a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), is not feeding well, has fewer than 6 wet diapers after day 4, yellowing skin or eyes, red or swollen umbilical cord stump, unusual high-pitched crying, bulging fontanelle, or is unusually limp or hard to wake.

Is it normal to feel sad after having a baby?

Yes — up to 80% of new moms experience the "baby blues" in the first 1–2 weeks. If sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness last longer than 2 weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be postpartum depression. Reach out to your doctor or Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773.

How do I know if my breast pain is mastitis?

Mastitis signs include a hard, red, painful lump in your breast, fever with flu-like symptoms, and feeling generally unwell. Contact your doctor or lactation consultant promptly if you suspect mastitis.

How many wet diapers should a newborn have?

Expect 1–2 wet diapers per day in the first few days. By day 4–5, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers daily. Contact your pediatrician if your newborn consistently has fewer than this.

Quick-Reference Guide

When to Call Your Doctor

A clear, no-guesswork checklist for new moms — covering postpartum recovery, newborn health, breastfeeding, and mental wellness.

Tap any symptom to check it off as you review

Virtual Mommy

Checklist

When to Call Your Doctor

Call 911 Immediately

Life-threatening emergencies — do not wait

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Call Your Doctor Today — New Mom

Postpartum symptoms that need same-day attention

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Call Your Pediatrician — Newborn

Signs your baby needs to be seen right away

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Call About Breastfeeding

When to reach out to your doctor or lactation consultant

0/6 reviewed

Reach Out for Mental Health

Postpartum mood changes that deserve support

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Mention at Your Next Visit

Not urgent, but worth discussing with your provider

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This is a general reference guide, not medical advice.

Every mom and baby is different. When in doubt, always call your healthcare provider — they would rather hear from you than have you wait. Virtual Mommy is here to support you, but it is not a substitute for your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician.

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