What to Expect Postpartum: A Comprehensive Guide for New Parents
So, you've just welcomed your little one into the world! You've had your initial checks, and any necessary repairs to your perineum have been addressed.
Now, it's time for the next phase: postpartum recovery. While you may not have as many checks as you did during labor and delivery, it’s still crucial to monitor your recovery closely, as issues like postpartum hemorrhages can occur.
Let’s break down what you can expect in the immediate postpartum period.
Your Postpartum Checks
How often will you be checked after delivery? This varies by location, but there’s a general guideline. Typically, your nurses will check your vitals—blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation—within the first 90 minutes after birth, again at 2 hours, then at 6 and 10 hours, and finally once per shift. These assessments will include what’s known as a fundal check, where the nurse gently pushes on the top of your uterus to assess its healing. This process doesn’t need to be rough unless there’s a concern. It’s also important to remember that while the frequency of your postpartum checks is usually less in postpartum if there are any abnormalities or cause for concern these checks will become much more frequent.
The goal is to determine things like:
Is your uterus positioned in the center or to the left or right?
Is it above or below your belly button?
How does it feel—soft or firm?
How much blood is flowing?
Fundal checks are important because they help us detect potential issues, like hemorrhaging, before they become severe. Your nurse will also discuss what to expect regarding postpartum bleeding and how it changes throughout the recovery period.
Taking Care of Both You and Your Baby
In the postpartum period, it's not just about your recovery—it's about you AND your baby. Your baby will undergo a full head-to-toe assessment upon arrival in postpartum care, including checks for reflexes and vitals at intervals similar to your own. These checks typically occur at 2 hours, 6 hours, and once per shift.
If your baby had an assisted delivery, such as with forceps or a vacuum, or if they show signs of breathing issues, they may receive closer monitoring. Similarly, if you’re on certain medications, your baby might need additional checks to ensure a smooth transition.
Breastfeeding: A New Skill for Both of You
Whether this is your first time breastfeeding or not, it’s a new skill—for both you and your baby. Postpartum care will involve evaluating your latch, ensuring it feels comfortable, and checking for signs of pain or difficulty. Your nurse will likely want to observe a feeding to ensure the latch is correct and effective. If you need additional support, a lactation consultant may be available to provide expert guidance.
We also offer the “Boob Better: Breastfeeding 101” course—a 2-hour session designed by a certified breastfeeding specialist and mom of four. This course covers everything from latching and nipple care to milk storage, pumping tips, and more, helping you navigate both the challenges and joys of breastfeeding.
For those choosing formula feeding, it’s important to establish a feeding schedule that works for both you and your baby. Remember that a newborn’s stomach is very small, so overfeeding can lead to discomfort. If you're formula feeding, make sure you’re following proper preparation guidelines and feeding your baby roughly 8 times in a 24-hour period.
Postpartum Peeing and Bladder Health
Postpartum peeing is a big deal! After childbirth, some women experience difficulty with urination, such as an inability to hold or release urine. This is particularly common after an epidural. Nurses will want to ensure that you can urinate at least once within 4 hours of birth, and that you're able to do so in sufficient volume—typically 200 mL or more. If you're having trouble, we may need to monitor your bladder, and in some cases, a catheter may be required.
IVs, Movement, and Recovery
If you had an IV during labor, it’s typically removed within the first 6 hours for vaginal deliveries, and within 24 hours for a cesarean section—provided you're drinking and urinating well. If you’re ready, ask your nurse if it can be disconnected earlier or changed to a saline lock for less discomfort.
Light movement after birth, especially after a cesarean, helps with circulation and decreases the risk of blood clots. However, don’t be surprised if you experience a "gush" of blood when standing up after resting. This is normal due to blood pooling in the vaginal canal, but let your nurse know if the increased bleeding continues.
Baby's Firsts: Medications, Jaundice, and More
It will be recommended that your baby receive a few key treatments in their first hours, including:
Erythromycin eye ointment to prevent eye infections.
Hepatitis B vaccine — the first in their vaccination series.
Vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding.
In addition, your baby will be checked for jaundice using a non-invasive device called the Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TCB), which measures bilirubin levels in their skin. If the levels are too high, your baby may need a blood test or phototherapy (light therapy) to improve their jaundice.
The First Bath: A Special Moment
One of the most memorable moments in the postpartum period is your baby’s first bath. Nurses usually wait 24 hours to give your baby their bath, as the World Health Organization recommends delaying it to help with temperature and blood sugar regulation. This bath isn’t meant to be a spa day—it’ll be quick, and your baby might not love it! Afterward, skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are perfect ways to help re-warm and calm your baby and for you and baby to continue bonding.
Discharge and Going Home
Before you head home, your baby will undergo a hearing test, a CCHD screening (critical congenital heart disease), and receive a checkup from the pediatrician. These tests are vital for identifying potential health issues early on, and your nurse will explain the process.
You’ll also need a properly fitted car seat to take your baby home. Ensure it’s approved for use in your country, not expired, and appropriate for a newborn. Nurses will inspect it to make sure it fits safety standards and more importantly they will check your baby’s final positioning with the straps properly adjusted.
Preparing for Life at Home
As you prepare to leave the hospital or birthing center, you'll receive a wealth of information—don’t be overwhelmed! Ask your nurse if you can record your discharge education so you can listen to it again later. Also, create a list of questions for your nurse about postpartum care and baby care.
Don’t forget to ask these important questions:
Who do I call if I have a concern about my health?
Who do I call if I have a concern about my baby’s health?
Remember, your postpartum body may not look the way you expected—you might still look around 6 months pregnant, and that's totally normal. Your body has done incredible work, and it will take time to heal. Be kind to yourself, both physically and emotionally.
Postpartum Emotions: Baby Blues and Beyond
Many new parents experience baby blues within the first few days after birth. Mood swings, sadness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping are common and usually fade within a week or two. However, if these feelings last longer or become more intense, it could be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD), which requires medical attention. Be open with your loved ones about how you’re feeling, continue to communicate and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
If you notice symptoms of PPD, seek support from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Remember, you are NOT alone, and help is available.
Postpartum recovery is a unique experience for each person, but you're not in it alone. Take care of yourself, ask for help when needed, and savor those precious moments with your new baby. You’ve got this!
