6 Things to Expect After Giving Birth

Giving birth is one of the most powerful things your body will ever do. It’s beautiful, life-changing, and yes—there’s a recovery period that comes with it. However, your body is built for this. The healing may take time, but it’s a journey you don’t have to walk alone.

Here’s what to expect physically in those first few weeks after birth—plus gentle, honest tips to help you along the way.

1. Fatigue & Mood Changes

Even with the joy of your new baby, postpartum exhaustion is can be a lot. Between feedings, hormone drops, and broken sleep, many moms feel physically and emotionally stretched.

You might cry more, feel anxious, or question if you’re doing enough (you are). Baby blues are common—but if feelings of sadness linger past 2 weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

What helps:

• Short naps (even 20 minutes helps)

• Asking for help without guilt

• Connecting with another mom, even virtually

Keeping snacks and water nearby

The 5-5-5 rule is another option to help recover without pressure:

• 5 Days in the Bed: Rest like it’s your full-time job. Let others bring meals, do laundry, and hold the baby so you can sleep, nurse, and recover. This is also the best time to do lots of skin-to-skin and bond quietly with your baby.

• 5 Days on the Bed: Sit up a bit more, enjoy meals at the edge of the bed, maybe take a few steps around the room—but don’t feel pressured to “do” much. You’re still healing. Short, slow movements are plenty.

• 5 Days Around the Bed: Start easing back into small routines—maybe making a cup of tea, folding baby clothes, or walking to the mailbox. Your energy may still feel low. That’s okay. If bleeding increases or your body aches more, that’s a sign to slow down.

Why it matters: Overdoing it too soon can lead to delayed healing, heavier bleeding, or increased pain.

2. Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia)

After giving birth, it's completely normal to experience vaginal bleeding as your body clears out blood and tissue from the uterus. This discharge, called lochia, often begins as a bright red, heavy flow—similar to a period—and gradually lightens over time.

The color and amount may shift as your body heals. You might notice:

• A bright red flow in the beginning

• A transition to lighter red or pink

• Eventually, a brownish or yellow-white discharge

It’s also normal to pass small clots or notice a slight increase in bleeding after physical activity or while breastfeeding, since those actions can stimulate uterine contractions.

Always listen to your body, and if the bleeding ever becomes heavy suddenly or has a strong odor, reach out to your healthcare provider.

What can help: Maternity pads, postpartum underwear, and changing pads often to prevent irritation. Avoid tampons or menstrual cups during this time.

3. Afterpains (Yes, They’re a Thing)

It's completely normal to experience mild to strong cramping after giving birth. These are called afterpains, and they happen as your uterus contracts and begins returning to its pre-pregnancy size. If this isn’t your first baby, the cramps might feel a bit more intense.

They tend to show up most often during breastfeeding or in the early days of postpartum recovery, as nursing naturally triggers uterine contractions.

What can help: Gentle heat from a warm compress or heating pad, slow deep breaths, doctor-approved pain relief, and postpartum belly wraps for extra comfort and support.

4. Breast Changes, Leaking, & Engorgement

As your milk starts to come in, your breasts may feel sore, full, swollen, or even a bit hard. This is a normal part of the postpartum process, whether or not you plan to breastfeed. Some moms also experience unexpected leaks or tenderness during this time.

If you’re breastfeeding: Regular nursing or pumping helps prevent engorgement and keeps things flowing comfortably.

If you’re not breastfeeding: Cold compresses, a snug (but not tight) bra, and avoiding breast stimulation can help your body gradually stop milk production.

Comfort tips: Use soft nursing pads to catch leaks, apply nipple balm for soreness, and choose supportive, wire-free bras. Warm compresses before feeding can help with letdown, while cool ones afterward can ease swelling.

5. Bathroom Visits & Pelvic Floor Care

That first trip to the bathroom after birth can feel a little intimidating. You might notice some stinging when you pee, and pooping can be nerve-wracking—especially if you had stitches or tearing during delivery.

What can help:

• Use a peri bottle with warm water while you pee to reduce discomfort

• Add stool softeners or fiber-rich foods to ease bowel movements

• Try squatting or elevating your feet on a stool for better alignment

• Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, gentle Kegel exercises can support healing
  

If you experience ongoing discomfort, pain, or leaks, pelvic floor physical therapy is a helpful option to rebuild strength and confidence in your recovery.

6. Soreness After Birth: C-Section or Vaginal Delivery

No matter how your baby arrived, some level of soreness is totally normal—and expected.

• After a vaginal birth: You might experience swelling, small tears, or stitches that can make sitting, moving, or going to the bathroom a bit uncomfortable at first.

• After a C-section: Tenderness around the incision, limited movement, and even some numbness or tingling are common as your body begins to heal.
  

Comfort tips:

• For vaginal recovery: Try warm sitz baths, peri bottles, witch hazel pads, cooling sprays, and breathable postpartum underwear.

• For C-section recovery: Keep your incision area clean and dry, avoid heavy lifting, and opt for high-waisted underwear or loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction and pressure.
  

Remember mom, as you walk into this new chapter, please remember—healing isn’t about snapping back. It’s about slowly growing forward, one gentle step at a time.

Your body has done something incredible. It might feel different now—tender, tired, maybe even unfamiliar—but it’s still yours. And it’s still powerful, beautiful, and so deeply worthy of care.

You don’t need to rush or “bounce back”. Let rest be your top priority and when doubt creeps in, remind yourself that you were made for this.

Need a little extra support for your postpartum or breastfeeding journey?

Take a peek at our carefully chosen Lansinoh essentials—designed to bring comfort, care, and peace of mind when you need it most.