Discover the real deal about the first week postpartum, from body recovery to emotional ups and downs. Get practical tips on self-care, feeding, and building a support system to help you through this intense yet rewarding time.Congratulations on your new baby! While the focus is often on your beautiful newborn, it's important to remember that you're going through a major transition, too. The first week postpartum is an intense period of adjustment, recovery, and, let’s be honest, a bit of a rollercoaster. Here’s what to expect during those first seven days and how to take care of yourself while caring for your newborn.
After delivery, your body is working hard to heal and adjust. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, there’s no denying that your body has gone through a significant event. Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll experience heavy bleeding similar to a very heavy period, especially in the first few days. This is your body’s way of shedding the lining of your uterus. To manage this, it’s helpful to have heavy-duty pads on hand. Disposable underwear, like those from Hey Hazel, are a lifesaver – they’re comfortable, convenient, and take the worry out of leaks.
You might feel cramping as your uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. These cramps, known as “afterpains,” can be especially noticeable during breastfeeding.
Swelling in your legs and feet is common, especially if you received IV fluids during labor. Elevating your feet and staying hydrated can help ease the swelling.
Surprised? This is completely normal. Your uterus is still stretched out and will gradually shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size over the next several weeks.
Your hormones are in flux, and that can lead to a whirlwind of emotions. One moment you may feel elated, the next, overwhelmed. This is completely normal. The “baby blues” affect up to 80% of new mothers and usually peak around the third or fourth day postpartum.
Talk about how you’re feeling with someone you trust, whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a healthcare provider. If you’re feeling more than just a little down, don’t hesitate to seek help—postpartum depression is common, and support is available.
You should not be moving around much in this first week. It’s seriously a great time to go nowhere. But never underestimate the power of fresh air. So open a window, or sit on a balcony or a porch.
If your thoughts don’t feel right, or just off in a way you can’t articulate, reach out to your doctor or call the Postpartum Support International hotline at 1-800-944-4773. They’ll know how to listen and help. Learn more.
Feeding your newborn is one of the biggest challenges in the first week that no one tells you about. And that's true whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both. This first week, babies need to eat around the clock every 2-3 hours. Here’s what to keep in mind:
It might take a few days for your milk to come in. During this time, your baby is getting colostrum, a nutrient-rich “first milk.” Latching can be tricky, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from a lactation consultant.
If you’re formula feeding, it’s about finding the right formula and getting into a feeding routine that works for you and your baby.
Well this one is easy - it’s when you do any combination of both breastfeeding and bottle feeding.
Taking care of yourself is essential. Recruit others to take care of you too. This first week is not just about the baby. You are special too.
“Sleep when the baby sleeps” is a common piece of advice, but it’s pretty silly and not always doable. The first week often feels like a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and trying to catch a few moments of rest. Prioritize sleep whenever you can and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Whether it's family, friends, or a postpartum doula, don’t hesitate to lean on your village for meals, household chores, or even just holding the baby while you take a nap. Support makes a world of difference. Here are 50+ ways you can ask for help.
Your Baby Page makes it easy to communicate with your circle of support - all at once. Whether it’s sharing updates on the baby or asking for help, your Baby Page allows you to keep everyone in the loop without having to send individual messages. Take advantage of that feature, it’s a mom favorite.
Your recovery is just as important as your baby’s care. Here are a few tips to help you feel more like yourself during this time:
As mentioned earlier, disposable and leakproof underwear like Hey Hazel’s are a postpartum must-have. They’re designed for both comfort and convenience, giving you one less thing to worry about in those first few days.
If you had a vaginal delivery, you may experience soreness or stitches. Use a peri bottle with warm water to clean the area after using the bathroom, and consider using witch hazel pads to soothe any discomfort.
If you had a c-section, you’re probably numb and starting to feel sore. Check out a belly binder to help you feel snug and supported.
Keep water and healthy snacks nearby, especially if you’re breastfeeding, as you’ll likely feel hungrier than usual. Eat warm foods like oatmeal, slow cooked meat and lasagna! And keep those snacks near where you feed.
The first week postpartum is a time of immense change, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Take care of yourself, lean on your support system, and equip yourself with essentials. Focus on your recovery while bonding with your new baby—you’re doing an amazing job.
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