Clinical: The basics - Doing a mother and baby check.

GPs should take advantage of the six-week check to reassure the mother, writes Dr Chris Barry.

With so much work being carried out by midwives and health visitors, GPs have little contact with mothers and new babies. The six to eight week check provides a unique opportunity for GPs to detect problems, discuss contraception and build a rapport with the family.

The mother's well-being

This visit is the time to consider the physical, psychological and social aspects of the mother's situation.

Mothers often welcome the opportunity to discuss the birth - how it was, any lessons that could be learned (by her or the health professionals) and how …