Post-pregnancy changes

Body talk

Preparing yourself for post-birth changes

Being pregnant and giving birth can both have a huge impact on you physically and emotionally. It can take time for you to get your energy back and feel ‘normal’ again. To help you be more prepared, find out about some of the things you may experience.

Your breasts

Your breasts will feel soft to begin with because, during the first few days, your newborn only needs a little colostrum1 (the nutritious milk that’s full of important protective antibodies). Once your milk comes in, after three or four days, your breasts will feel firmer2 and may be hot and tender as they adjust to the new supply.

During the first week or two, I was sore, tired and having trouble breastfeeding. Luckily, my husband and mum took care of all the chores and gave me time to rest

Your nether regions

Unsurprisingly, you may feel sore, bruised or swollen around your vagina after giving birth.

If you have had stitches, healing time can vary depending on the type of stitches. Perineal stitches can take between two and four weeks to heal3, whereas caesarean recovery generally take around six weeks4.

There will also be some discharge called lochia5. It may start off blood-coloured, but becomes lighter and browner, slowly changing to pale pink over the following two to six weeks.

You may experience a weaker bladder too, so tone up your internal muscles with regular pelvic floor exercises.

Your emotions

With nine months of anticipation, the stresses of labour, the joy of meeting your baby, the realisation that you’re a mum, and major hormonal changes, the first few days after birth are hugely emotional.

So, you may well feel weepy during the week after giving birth – particularly if you are very tired, in pain or experiencing other problems.

However you feel, try to rest as much as possible to give your body and mind a chance to recover and get used to motherhood.

Next steps

  • Stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen
  • Cook and freeze a few days’ worth of nutritious meals
  • Get a ‘doughnut’ cushion, to help you sit more comfortably
  • Practise pelvic floor exercises
  • Buy comfortable sanitary towels

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; and that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

mom and baby

Get in touch with our Careline experts

Our midwives, nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. Need instant assistance? Our WhatsApp Customer Support team is here to help on-the-go!

  1. NHS. Breastfeeding: the first few days [Online]. 2019. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/ [Accessed July 2021]
  2. KidsHealth. Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting started. [Online]. 2019. Available at https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breastfeed-starting.html
  3. NHS. Episiotomy and perineal tears. [Online]. 2020. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/episiotomy-and-perineal-tears/ [Accessed July 2021]
  4. NHS. Caesarean recovery. [Online]. 2019. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ [Accessed July 2021]
  5. NCT. Bleeding after birth: 10 things you need to know. [Online]. 2018. Available at https://www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/your-body-after-birth/bleeding-after-birth-10-things-you-need-know [Accessed July 2021]

Last reviewed: 28th July 2021

Reviewed by Oriana Hernandez Carrion

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