Her · Recovery
Caring for you in the first weeks.
Your baby isn't the only one who's brand new. Your body did something amazing, and it deserves rest, nourishment and real care, too.
Everyone wants to see the baby. They lean in, they coo, they ask how much she weighed. But there's someone else in the room who just did something extraordinary, and that's you. These first weeks are for her, and they are for you, too.
Your body grew a person and brought her into the world. Healing takes time, and you deserve every bit of care you'd give your baby. Here's what recovery usually looks like, and how to take good care of yourself along the way.
What healing usually looks like
Every birth is different, but a few things are common for almost everyone.
- Bleeding. After birth you'll have vaginal discharge called lochia, made of blood, mucus and tissue from your uterus. It starts heavy and bright red, then darkens, turns yellow or white, and tapers off. It usually lessens over 4 to 6 weeks.
- Cramping. Afterpains feel like period cramps for a few days after birth. They help limit bleeding, and you may notice them more while breastfeeding.
- Soreness. After a vaginal birth, soreness may last a few weeks, and larger tears can take longer. Sitting on a pillow, ice packs, chilled witch hazel pads and a squirt bottle of warm water can all bring relief.
Ask your provider which pain relievers are right for you. Many are safe while breastfeeding.
After a C-section
A cesarean birth is major surgery, so give yourself extra grace. Pain and tiredness are common. For the first couple of weeks, don't lift anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds, and accept help with everyday tasks.
Keep an eye on your incision. Call your provider if it's red, swollen or leaking fluid, or if you have a fever.
Rest, nourish, repeat
The first days at home are for rest and recovery. Nap when your baby naps. Keep a water bottle and a snack wherever you feed her. Limit visitors if you need quiet, and let the house be imperfect.
When someone asks what they can do, have an answer ready: a meal, a load of laundry, an hour holding the baby so you can sleep. Accepting help isn't a favor you owe back. It's part of healing.
Your postpartum check-ups
Your care doesn't stop when you leave the hospital. Plan to check in with your provider, by phone or in person, within 2 to 3 weeks after birth. Then have a complete postpartum exam within 6 to 12 weeks after delivery.
These visits are for you. Talk about your healing, your sleep, your mood, birth control, and anything else on your mind. If something feels off before then, you don't have to wait for your appointment.
The one thing to remember
You don't have to wait for your scheduled visit. If something doesn't feel right in your body or your heart, call your doctor or midwife. That's what they're there for.
Baby blues, and when it's more
In the first few days, it's very common to feel weepy, moody, anxious or overwhelmed. These baby blues usually start 2 to 3 days after birth and fade within about two weeks. Be gentle with yourself and lean on your people.
Sometimes the feelings are stronger or don't lift. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, they are not your fault, and they are very treatable. They can show up any time in the first year. Call your provider soon if:
- The sadness lasts. It doesn't fade after two weeks, or it's getting worse.
- Daily life feels too hard. It's hard to care for your baby or yourself.
- Worry takes over. You have severe anxiety or panic attacks.
You can also call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). It's free, confidential and open 24/7, in English and Spanish. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or call or text 988 right away.
Signs to get care right away
Most recovery goes smoothly. Still, every new mom should know these signs. Seek medical care right away if you have:
- Heavy bleeding. Soaking through a pad every hour for two hours, or bleeding or discharge that worries you.
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- A headache that won't go away or gets worse, changes in your vision, or dizziness or fainting.
- Trouble breathing, chest pain or a fast-beating heart.
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away, or severe nausea and throwing up.
- Swelling, redness or pain in a leg or arm, or extreme swelling of your hands or face.
- Overwhelming tiredness, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
When you call, tell them you recently had a baby. These signs matter for up to a year after birth.
You're healing, too
Week by week, you'll feel a little stronger. One day you'll realize the cramps have stopped, the stairs feel easy, and you just laughed out loud with your baby on your chest. That's your body coming home to you.
Take good care of yourself, Mama. She needs you, and so do you.
What to expect, when to check in, and what to ask at your checkup.
Where this comes from
This article draws on guidance from Mayo Clinic, the CDC and the Office on Women's Health. It's here to help, not to replace your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician. If you have questions, ask them.
- Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal birth, Mayo Clinic
- C-section recovery: What to expect, Mayo Clinic
- Postpartum depression: Symptoms and causes, Mayo Clinic
- Recovering from birth, Office on Women's Health
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA)
- Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms, HEAR HER Campaign, CDC