When to call

Know the warning signs before you need them.

Most of the first weeks are normal-hard. These are the signs that aren't. When in doubt, call. Nobody minds a call that turns out to be nothing.

Call 911

Right now

For her:

Chest pain, or trouble breathing
A seizure
Thoughts of hurting herself or the baby
Confusion, or seeing or hearing things that aren't there

For the baby:

Trouble breathing, or blue or gray lips or skin
Limp, or very hard to wake
A seizure

Call her provider

Today, for her

Bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, or clots bigger than an egg
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
A C-section incision that's red, oozing, opening, or getting more painful
A leg that's red, swollen, warm, or painful
A headache that won't go away with medicine, or comes with vision changes
A breast that's red, hot, and painful, with fever or flu-like aches
Sadness or worry that lasts past two weeks, or gets worse

Call the pediatrician

Today, for the baby

Under 3 months: a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Call right away, day or night.
Fewer wet diapers than expected (after day 5, fewer than about 6 a day)
Yellow skin that's spreading to the belly or legs, or yellow eyes
Not interested in feeding, or too sleepy to feed
Forceful or green vomit
Crying that sounds different, or won't stop, along with other symptoms

Support lines. Save them now.

Free and confidential.

      National Maternal Mental Health Hotline1-833-852-6262Call or text, 24/7, English and Spanish. For moms and the people who love them.
      988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988Call or text, 24/7. For anyone in crisis, including you.
      Postpartum Support International1-800-944-4773Support, local resources, and free online groups, including groups for dads.
      Feeding help: Isabel Price, IBCLC(512) 522-8156In-home lactation visits in the Austin area, in English or Spanish. Same-day visits are often possible.
    

This page is general information, not medical advice, and it doesn't cover everything. Her provider and your baby's pediatrician know your situation best. Ask them which signs they want to hear about, and add their numbers to your phone today.