The first days after birth: what to expect

The first days after birth are often a mix of relief, wonder, exhaustion, and plenty of questions. Your body is recovering from a major change, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, and your family is finding a new rhythm. Things do not always go “by the book,” and that is normal.

It is important to remember that every woman recovers at her own pace, whether she had a vaginal birth or a C-section. It is also common to feel more emotionally sensitive, have trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps, and need help with simple tasks.

This article brings together practical care tips for the first days after birth, focusing on what is usually expected and the warning signs that should not be ignored.

What is normal in the body after birth

In the first days, the body gradually starts returning to its pre-pregnancy state. Some changes are expected:

  • Bleeding or vaginal discharge: this is called lochia and is normal in the first weeks. It usually starts off heavier and gradually decreases over time.
  • Cramping pains: the uterus is contracting to return to its usual size. These pains may be more noticeable during breastfeeding.
  • Swelling and discomfort: especially if you received IV fluids, had surgery, or are retaining fluid.
  • Sore breasts and fullness: very common when your milk “comes in.”
  • Extreme tiredness: childbirth, lack of sleep, and adjusting to the baby can take a lot out of you.

If you had stitches, tears, or an episiotomy, it is normal to feel discomfort in the perineal area. If you had a C-section, the scar may hurt when you get up, cough, or walk. Recovery needs time, rest, and careful observation.

Essential body care

In the first days after birth, the goal is not to “recover quickly,” but to recover safely. Small care habits make a difference.

Hygiene and comfort

Change your maternity pad regularly and wash your hands before and after caring for your baby. Bathe as often as feels comfortable, following the guidance given by your healthcare team, especially after a C-section.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes. High-waisted, soft underwear can help avoid irritating the abdominal area or stitches. If you are breastfeeding, clothes that open easily can make things simpler.

Pain and discomfort

Pain should not be ignored. Take only the medication prescribed or recommended by your healthcare team. Never take medication on your own without checking that it is compatible with breastfeeding or with your clinical situation.

If you feel very swollen, resting with your legs raised may help. After a C-section, getting up slowly, supporting your belly with a pillow when coughing or laughing, and avoiding heavy effort can ease discomfort.

Food and hydration

Eating and drinking well helps with recovery, energy, and breastfeeding. You do not need to diet. You need varied, practical foods whenever possible:

  • water throughout the day;
  • fruit and vegetables;
  • protein such as eggs, fish, meat, yogurt, and legumes;
  • bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, or other carbohydrates for energy.

If you have little appetite, try small and frequent meals. Having meals prepared by family or friends can be a precious help.

Breastfeeding: getting started, questions, and support

In the first days, breastfeeding can feel both natural and challenging. Some babies latch well right away, while others need time, practice, and support. Strong pain while feeding should not be considered “normal.” It may be a sign of an incorrect latch, cracked nipples, or another problem.

Signs that your baby may be feeding well include rhythmic sucking, audible swallowing, a more relaxed baby at the end, and wet diapers throughout the day. Even so, every baby is different, and in the beginning it is very helpful to observe and ask questions.

If you feel severe pain, if your nipples are very sore, if your baby seems frustrated all the time, or if there are concerns about weight loss, ask for help from a professional with breastfeeding experience. In Portugal, maternal and child health appointments can be a good first source of support.

Emotions after birth

The first days are not always only joyful. Many mothers feel emotional, vulnerable, anxious, or even surprised by how intense everything feels. The so-called “baby blues” are common and may include easy crying, irritability, fear, and a feeling that everything is too much.

These emotions, when mild and temporary, can be part of the adjustment. But if sadness is deep, if there is a feeling of emptiness, frightening thoughts, intense anxiety, or difficulty caring for yourself and your baby, it is important to seek help.

It is also common to feel mixed emotions: love and exhaustion at the same time. That does not make you a bad mother. It makes you a real mother, recovering and learning a new role.

How to protect your mental health at this stage

Rest is essential, but often hard to get. Still, try to sleep whenever possible, even in short periods. Accept practical help: food, cleaning, shopping, laundry, holding the baby while you shower or rest.

Try to avoid too many visitors if that makes you more tired. It may help to set short visiting times and ask people to respect your family’s adjustment period.

Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. A partner, relative, or attentive friend can make a huge difference. If faith is important to you, prayer, spiritual reading, or being part of a community can bring comfort and meaning, without replacing medical and emotional support when needed.

Baby care in the first days

Your baby is also adjusting. In the first days, it is normal to sleep a lot, feed frequently, and need physical contact. Being held helps regulate temperature, crying, and emotional security.

Some important care points:

  • make sure the baby feeds often enough;
  • change diapers regularly;
  • keep the umbilical cord clean and dry, following the guidance given at the maternity ward or health center;
  • dress the baby comfortably, without overheating;
  • place the baby on their back to sleep, in a safe place.

If the baby is very sleepy and does not wake to feed, has a fever, has difficulty breathing, looks very yellow, or seems too floppy, they should be seen quickly by a healthcare professional.

The role of the partner and family

In the first days after birth, support for the couple is just as important as support for the mother and baby. If a partner is present, their role can be very practical: bringing water, preparing meals, holding the baby so the mother can rest, organizing medication, protecting the home from too many visitors, and strengthening the mother’s confidence.

Family and friends can help more when they ask, “What do you need?” instead of assuming. Sometimes the best help is simple: a soup, a load of laundry, a quick trip to the pharmacy, or an hour of silence.

It is also useful to remember that the postnatal period can affect the relationship between partners. There is less time, less privacy, and more pressure. Speaking respectfully and without too many demands helps the family get through this stage more united.

Warning signs: when to seek help

It is important to get medical help if any of the following happen:

  • very heavy bleeding or blood clots that are large;
  • fever;
  • strong pain that does not improve;
  • bad-smelling vaginal discharge;
  • redness, pus, or opening of the C-section wound or stitches;
  • shortness of breath, chest pain, or painful swelling in one leg;
  • deep sadness, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby;
  • major difficulty sleeping, thinking, or functioning.

When in doubt, it is better to call the health line or contact the maternity unit, health center, or the team caring for you. In urgent situations, seek emergency services.

What really matters at this stage

The first days after birth are not a test of productivity. They are a time of transition, healing, and discovery. What matters most is not having everything perfect, but making sure there is safety, as much rest as possible, food, support, and attention to what your body and emotions are telling you.

If you can accept help, reduce expectations, and focus on the essentials, the postnatal period may feel lighter. And if it feels hard, you are not alone. Asking for support is a sign of care, not weakness.

Recovery after birth takes time. Caring for yourself is also caring for your baby.

FAQ

How long is pain after birth considered normal?

It depends on the type of birth and on each body. Some discomfort is expected in the first days and may last longer if you had stitches or a C-section. If the pain is strong, gets worse, or prevents basic activities, it should be checked.

Is it normal to cry a lot in the first days?

Yes, it can happen because of tiredness, hormonal changes, and adjustment. If sadness is intense, lasting, or comes with strong anxiety, fear, or negative thoughts, it is important to seek help.

When should I worry about discharge after birth?

Vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal in the first weeks. You should seek help if the bleeding is very heavy, smells bad, comes with fever, or there is significant pain.

The baby sleeps a lot in the first days. Is that normal?

Yes, many babies sleep a lot. Even so, it is important to make sure they wake to feed and stay hydrated and alert between feeds.