What to Expect in the First Few Days Postpartum: A Guide for New Mums
Hormones play a powerful and coordinated role in the process of labour, each contributing to a complex, carefully orchestrated process. From initiating contractions (or surges) to creating bonds between mother and baby, these hormones—oxytocin, oestrogen, progesterone, beta-endorphins, adrenaline, cortisol, and prolactin—are essential to a successful and positive birth experience. Here, we explore each hormone’s unique role in labour, its functions, and how they work in harmony to bring new life into the world.
1. Physical Recovery and Healing
After childbirth, your body undergoes a significant healing process. Understanding some common postpartum physical changes can help you feel more prepared:
Uterine Contractions and Afterpains
During the first few days, you may experience mild to moderate contractions known as afterpains. These help your uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size and are often more noticeable during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin. Afterpains usually subside within a few days but can feel more intense with each subsequent pregnancy.
Vaginal Bleeding and Lochia
Post-birth bleeding, called lochia, is a natural part of recovery. Lochia is heavier than a period and gradually lightens in colour over the days and weeks postpartum. For the first few days, it may be bright red, transitioning to pink or brown as it decreases. Using maternity pads instead of tampons is essential to avoid infection and support healing. Maternity pads also give you help you visualise how much you’ve bled - remember, you do not want to be passing any clots larger than a 50p coin.
Perineal Pain and Stitches
If you had a vaginal delivery, especially with a tear or episiotomy, your perineal area might feel sore and tender. Applying ice packs, practising gentle hygiene, and using a peri bottle can ease discomfort. The peri bottle is a must-have postpartum item and is essentially a portable bidet. Urinating after birth can often be rather painful, which is why spraying water onto your vagina/perineal area can dilute the urine and make it les painful to pass. They are also great for encouraging good hygeine and keeping the perineal area clean.
For any stitches, your midwife will usually check your healing progress before you’re discharged and again once you are home; you should also be checked at your six week postpartum check but this can vary doctor to doctor – it is ultimately your right and choice to be checked over. Stitches typically dissolve on their own within a couple of weeks.
C-Section Recovery
If you had a caesarean section, you’ll experience additional recovery needs. It’s normal to feel sore around the incision area, which may require specific care and rest. Your healthcare team will advise you on wound care, pain management, and movements to avoid during the initial recovery phase.
2. Breastfeeding and Milk Supply
If you choose to breastfeed, your first few days postpartum mark the start of your milk production. Here’s what to expect in those initial days:
Colostrum and Milk Transition
In the first couple of days, your body produces colostrum, a nutrient-rich, antibody-packed substance. Colostrum is thicker than breast milk and designed to meet your newborn’s needs until your milk “comes in” around days 3–5. Expect to feed your baby frequently, as this helps stimulate milk production and establish your supply.
Breast Fullness and Engorgement
When your milk comes in, your breasts may feel fuller, and some women experience engorgement, which can feel uncomfortable. Feeding regularly, using warm compresses before feeding, and cool compresses afterward can ease discomfort. If breastfeeding isn’t your choice, wearing a supportive bra and avoiding stimulation can help reduce milk production over time. Many mothers experience the “baby blues” around the time that their milk comes in (days 3–5 postpartum). This phase is often marked by mood swings, tearfulness, and heightened sensitivity, all influenced by hormonal changes and the body’s recovery. These emotional responses are entirely normal and usually level out as your body adjusts to postpartum life. If emotions become overwhelming or persist beyond the first two weeks, it’s important to reach out to a health professional, as they can help you navigate this period and offer support for your mental wellbeing.
Establishing a Feeding Routine
The first days postpartum involve lots of feeding; a rough guideline is that babies should be feeding every 2–3 hours. However, there is not one set rule. We advise to look for you baby’s feeding cues and on-demand feed when possible. Feeding cues might include:
1. Early Hunger Cues
These are subtle signs that your baby is ready to feed, which often appear before they’re fully awake or fussy:
Infographic on feeding cues
Smacking or licking lips: Your baby may make small smacking noises or lick their lips as a way to signal hunger.
Opening and closing mouth: Newborns might open and close their mouth repeatedly, preparing to latch on.
Turning head or rooting: If you gently touch your baby’s cheek, they may turn their head in that direction, a natural reflex known as rooting.
Sucking on hands, fingers, or fists: Newborns often bring their hands to their mouth or start sucking on them when they’re hungry.
2. Active Hunger Cues
These cues are a bit more pronounced, indicating that your baby is definitely ready to eat:
Increased movement and alertness: A hungry baby may wake up and become more active, moving their arms and legs and looking around more intently.
Fussing or mild whimpering: If not responded to right away, a baby’s quiet hunger cues may turn into fussing or whimpering sounds.
Seeking or rooting movements: Your baby may begin turning their head from side to side or moving their mouth and head in search of the breast or bottle.
3. Late Hunger Cues
When earlier cues are missed, your baby may begin to cry, indicating they’re quite hungry:
Crying: Crying is generally a late hunger cue and can make feeding more challenging since the baby may be harder to soothe.
Red face and clenched fists: Along with crying, a hungry baby may tense up, clench their fists, and exhibit a red face.
Frustrated or frantic sucking motions: If very hungry, a baby might make frantic sucking movements with their mouth, which can be a bit more challenging to manage.
It’s often easiest to feed your baby when they display early or active cues, as they’re calmer and more likely to latch or bottle-feed comfortably. Over time, you’ll learn to identify your baby’s unique cues and develop a feeding routine that works well for both of you.
Newborns have small stomachs and require regular nourishment, which also helps your milk supply adjust to your baby’s needs. It’s perfectly normal to feel like you’re feeding frequently; as your baby grows, the gaps between feeds will naturally increase.
Once your baby is born you might begin to hear the term Cluster feeding quite frequently. This is a period when a baby wants to feed more frequently than usual, often with very short breaks in between feedings. It’s common in newborns and infants, especially during growth spurts, and is typically seen in breastfed babies. Here’s a closer look at cluster feeding and what to expect:
When Does Cluster Feeding Happen?
Cluster feeding often occurs during the evening hours and may last several hours. Babies may have periods of cluster feeding in the first few weeks of life, around growth spurts (often at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, etc.), or during developmental milestones.
Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?
There are a few reasons why babies cluster feed:
Growth Spurts: Babies often experience cluster feeding during growth spurts as they require extra nutrients and calories to support their rapidly growing bodies.
Comfort and Bonding: In the evenings, babies may feel overstimulated or overtired, and feeding frequently helps them relax and feel secure. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, promoting bonding and a sense of calm for both mother and baby.
Increasing Milk Supply: Frequent feeding signals the mother’s body to produce more milk, helping to establish or boost supply to meet the baby’s growing needs.
What to Expect During Cluster Feeding
Cluster feeding can be intense, with babies feeding every 20–30 minutes for several hours. This can make parents feel like they’re “constantly” feeding the baby, which can be tiring. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Frequent Feeding: You may find that your baby wants to feed almost continuously, often seeming hungry right after finishing a feed.
Shorter Feedings: Feedings may be shorter but more frequent, as the baby may take in small amounts more often.
Increased Fussiness: Some babies become fussier or harder to settle during cluster feeding, especially in the evenings.
Tips for Managing Cluster Feeding
While cluster feeding is a natural phase, it can be challenging. Here are some tips to make it more manageable:
Prepare for Evening Sessions: If you notice a pattern of evening cluster feeding, try to arrange for help or take rest breaks during the day.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nourishing snacks, as cluster feeding requires a lot of energy.
Find Comfortable Positions: Since you’ll be feeding frequently, set up a comfortable space where you can relax and change positions as needed.
Know It’s Temporary: Cluster feeding usually passes within a few days or weeks as your baby’s growth spurt or developmental phase subsides.
Cluster feeding is a normal part of infant development and often leads to positive outcomes, like a well-established milk supply and enhanced bonding. Although it can be demanding, it’s a temporary phase that provides for your baby’s growth and comfort.
3. Hormonal Shifts and Emotional Changes
The postpartum period brings about a whirlwind of hormonal adjustments. These changes can affect your mood and emotions, so it’s important to be aware of some common experiences:
The Baby Blues
Due to the drop in hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, many new mums experience the baby blues, characterised by mood swings, tearfulness, and feelings of overwhelm. The baby blues usually peak around days 3–5 postpartum (when your milk comes in) and often subside within two weeks. Gentle support from family and friends and plenty of rest can help you through this phase.
Postpartum Mood Disorders
While the baby blues are common, some mothers may experience postpartum depression or anxiety. If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry persist beyond two weeks, it’s essential to seek support from your midwife, GP, or a mental health professional. Early intervention is key, and there’s support available to help you feel better.
4. Rest and Managing Fatigue
Caring for a newborn can be exhausting, particularly as you adjust to their sleep-wake cycle. Here’s how to cope with fatigue in those early days:
Sleeping When Baby Sleeps
It’s often said, but it truly helps to sleep when your baby sleeps. Newborns wake frequently throughout the night, so grabbing short naps during the day can make a big difference. Resting whenever possible helps you recover from labour and cope with nighttime feeds.
Accepting Help
Having a support network can make all the difference. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, don’t hesitate to accept offers of help. Simple tasks like meal preparation, light housework, or watching the baby while you rest can reduce stress and give you time to recover. It’s often worth while to plan out what your support network looks like in advance of giving birth – we speak about this in our Postnatal Course: Life With a Newborn & Postpartum Care
5. Bonding with Your Newborn
Building a bond with your baby is one of the most beautiful aspects of the postpartum period. Skin-to-skin contact, gentle touch, and responding to your baby’s needs all contribute to strengthening this bond. Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released during breastfeeding and cuddling, supporting emotional closeness between you and your baby.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Spending time with your newborn on your chest not only promotes bonding but also stabilises their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. This time together can be calming for both you and your baby, creating a foundation of trust and attachment.
Understanding Baby’s Cues
Over the first few days, you’ll start to recognise your baby’s cues, such as when they’re hungry, tired, or need comfort. Responding to these cues helps build a sense of security for your baby and strengthens your relationship.
6. Practical Support and Check-ups
In the UK, you’ll typically receive support from a midwife or health visitor during the first few days postpartum. These professionals are there to help with physical and emotional recovery, as well as any questions you have about caring for your newborn.
Midwife Visits
Your midwife will visit you at home to check on your health and your baby’s progress. They will monitor your recovery, assist with breastfeeding, and check on any signs of infection or concerns you may have.
Health Visitor Support
Following the initial midwife visits, a health visitor may provide additional support. They offer advice on feeding, child development, and emotional wellbeing, ensuring you have a smooth transition into parenthood.
Key Takeaways
The first few days postpartum are a time of transition, recovery, and bonding. It’s completely normal to experience a range of physical, emotional, and practical changes. Being prepared for what to expect can help make this special time less overwhelming and more manageable. Remember to take things at your own pace, accept support, and give yourself grace as you adjust to life with your new baby.
For additional support and resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to your midwife, health visitor, or family. The postpartum period may feel intense, but with support, self-care, and patience, you’ll navigate these early days with resilience and strength.
Embrace this new chapter with kindness toward yourself and trust that each day brings you closer to feeling more confident in your role as a mum.
We offer a wide range of postnatal support service in Tunbridge Wells. These include: breastfeeding support, sleep consultancy, postnatal yoga & support, postpartum care and life with a newborn courses.
