Blog · Postpartum care
Postpartum Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week
So much of pregnancy care focuses on the birth itself, and then you're home with a newborn and a body that has just done something enormous. Knowing what's normal in those first weeks makes it easier to rest without worrying, and easier to spot when something needs a check.
Every recovery is different. This is a general guide, not a timetable, and your midwife, GP or Maternal and Child Health nurse is always the right person to ask about your own body.
The first few days
Expect to feel sore, tired and emotional, often all at once. Bleeding is usually at its heaviest now. After-pains, which feel a bit like period cramps, are common, especially while feeding. If you've had a caesarean, you're recovering from major surgery as well as birth, so be gentle with yourself and accept every offer of help.
Somewhere around days three to five, many people feel very teary and overwhelmed. These are often called the baby blues, and they are really common as hormones shift and your milk comes in. They usually ease within a week or two.
Week one to two
Your job is rest, food, feeding and getting to know your baby. That's it. Keep visitors short, let people bring meals, and stay in or near bed as much as you can. Bleeding should gradually get lighter and change colour. Feeding is still being established, so this is a great time to ask for help if anything hurts or isn't working.
Weeks two to four
You might start to feel a little more like yourself, then have a big day and feel flattened again. That's normal. Short walks can feel good, but don't rush back to lifting, cleaning or exercise. Sleep is broken, so nap when you can and lower your expectations for everything else.
Weeks four to six
Bleeding usually settles by around six weeks. Many people have a postnatal check with their GP or obstetrician around now. It's a good moment to talk about your pelvic floor, your mood, contraception, sleep and anything that still feels off. Bring a list, because newborn brain is real.
When to get help straight away
Contact your doctor or midwife, or call 000 in an emergency, if you have:
- Heavy bleeding, such as soaking a pad in an hour, or large clots
- A fever, chills or feeling very unwell
- A wound that is red, hot, weeping or getting more painful
- Pain, swelling or redness in one leg, chest pain or trouble breathing
- A severe headache or changes to your vision
Looking after your mind
If low mood, anxiety or racing thoughts last longer than a couple of weeks, or feel heavy from the start, please talk to someone. Perinatal anxiety and depression affect a lot of new parents and they are treatable. In Australia you can call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306, and in Victoria the Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day on 13 22 29.
The fourth trimester is a season, not a test. If you'd like hands-on help in those first weeks, my First 40 Days Postpartum Care is built for exactly this.
This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own situation.
