Focus | Clinical Reprinted from AJGP Vol. 51, No. 3, March 2022 105 © The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2022 Talila Milroy, Jacqueline Frayne Background The postnatal period is a rapidly changing and challenging time for new parents. General practitioners are well placed to provide support, advice, clinical care and intervention for common psychosocial and physical concerns in this critical period. Objective The aim of this article is to outline a consistent approach to the content and structure of the postnatal visit in the general practice setting, along with key management strategies for common postnatal conditions and comorbidities. Discussion Common physical and mental health postpartum concerns, follow-up management of antenatal comorbidities and contraceptive choices are outlined, along with management of early parenting issues. THE POSTNATAL PERIOD is characterised as beginning after delivery of the placenta and lasting for six weeks, 1 with some groups advocating to include up to 12 weeks, comprising what has been termed the fourth trimester. 2 The postnatal visit is crucial for effective healthcare education, preventive medicine and treatment, and it occurs at a time of major life transition and increased need. 3 In addition to a review after birth, the World Health Organization recommends at least three postnatal contacts in this period, including the six-week visit. 3 Early postnatal contact is increasingly considered important and, depending on individual circumstances, may transition into chronic condition management. 2 Current guidelines for shared maternity care recommend the timing of the postnatal visit be individualised and flexible to reflect the woman’s needs. 4 The importance of primary care providers delivering postnatal care is emphasised, 5,6 with women reporting they value the identification of health issues, facilitating disclosure regarding concerns and providing support and reassurance where necessary. 7 The postnatal visit includes the physical, emotional and social assessment of both mother and baby; however, this article considers only issues pertaining to the mother. A mother and newborn commonly present together, and a systematic approach to the consultation allows adequate time to provide support and education and answer the many questions likely to occur during this rapid and evolving period. Most often, presentation occurs between six and eight weeks postpartum, coinciding with immunisations, with earlier attendance encouraged if needed. 5 Ideally, it is recommended that both mother and baby have individual 20–30-minute appointments for assessment, physical examination and vaccinations. If a support person is unavailable, a pram or carrier is helpful to facilitate assessment. The infant health record, relevant documentation including discharge summary, and a list of discussion questions should accompany the woman. Maternal assessment History, physical examination, education and counselling regarding ongoing general and reproductive healthcare are all considered important. Box 1 outlines aspects of the history. Asking about labour and birth, including delivery complications, provides an opportunity for the mother to debrief about the birth experience or unexpected outcomes and allows assessment for ongoing or future concerns. Women may require counselling regarding the birth outcome if there were unrealised hopes and expectations and will appreciate considered empathic responses to their concerns. Postnatal care The general practitioner visit