The first week postpartum is unlike any other time in your life. Everything is new—your baby, your body, your emotions, and your daily rhythms. While much of pregnancy focuses on birth, the immediate days after birth deserve just as much preparation and care.
Knowing what to expect during the first week postpartum can help you feel more grounded, less anxious, and better supported as you heal and adjust.
Physical Recovery in the First Week
Your body is healing from birth, regardless of how your baby arrived.
Common Physical Experiences
Vaginal bleeding (lochia)
Uterine cramping
Perineal soreness or incision pain
Breast changes and engorgement
Swelling in legs and feet
Fatigue
Rest, hydration, and nourishment are essential. Healing is your primary job.
Bleeding and Uterine Healing
Lochia can last several weeks and is heaviest in the first days.
Tips:
Use large pads (not tampons)
Rest when bleeding increases
Contact your provider if bleeding soaks a pad in an hour
Cramping during feeding is normal and helps your uterus shrink.
Feeding Your Baby
Newborns feed frequently—often every 2–3 hours or more. Think morse code …—- - - They will have short times between feedings and longer gaps between feedings. Snacks and rest periods just like we do. If breasteeding focus on offering breast if you aren’t sure if the baby is hungry. “When in doubt, whip it out.” This will increase milk production and sooth a lot of fussy babies.
Whether breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding:
Feed on demand
Expect cluster feeding
Focus on learning, not perfection
Ask for help early
Feeding takes time. Your only job is to respond and rest.
Sleep (or Lack of It)
Sleep will be broken and unpredictable.
Support rest by:
Sleeping when your baby sleeps
Letting go of routines
Sharing night support if possible
Accepting help
Have a list ready with tasks you normally do, hand off that list daily to others and let it go!
This phase is temporary, even when it feels endless.
Emotional Changes in Week One
Hormonal shifts can be intense in the first week.
You may feel:
Emotional
Tearful
Overwhelmed
Deeply connected
Uncertain
All of this can coexist. Gentle reassurance and rest help immensely.
What Helps Most in the First Week
Warm meals
Limited visitors
Skin-to-skin time
Comfortable clothing
Hydration within reach
Emotional support
The less you do, the better your recovery.
When to Call Your Provider
Reach out if you experience:
Fever
Severe pain
Heavy bleeding
Signs of infection
Worsening emotional distress
You deserve attentive care.
The first week postpartum is about healing, bonding, and survival—not productivity. By prioritizing rest, nourishment, and support, you create a strong foundation for recovery and confidence in caring for your baby.