Postpartum Care: What New Parents Should Know

The postpartum period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, begins right after delivery and usually lasts six to eight weeks, though some symptoms can last longer.

Giving birth is a major physical and emotional challenge and caring for a newborn while your body heals can feel overwhelming. Understanding what to expect, what’s normal, and when to reach out to your care team for help can help you navigate the postpartum period.

“The postpartum period is a time of immense change,” says Per Sandberg, M.D., FACOG, an maternal/fetal specialist at Sutter. “There’s no right way to do it. It’s a key moment to honor what feels right for you.”

Pay attention to your postpartum needs and symptoms. If anything comes up that worries you or you just have a question, call or message your OB/Gyn or midwife.

Give Yourself Time to Heal

“After birth, there’s a dinnerplate-sized wound inside the uterus that needs to heal,” says Dr. Sandberg. “If that were on the outside of your body, everyone would encourage you to lie down and rest.”

Post-delivery, Dr. Sandberg recommends “two weeks mostly in bed, followed by two weeks mostly on the couch." He recommends “two weeks mostly in bed, followed by two weeks mostly on the couch.” 

During this time:

• Rest as much as possible and ask for help with meals, chores, and older children
• Sit outside when you can — fresh air and sunshine can help lift your spirit
• Move slowly and gently stretch when you’re ready
• Keep your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible

Common Postpartum Symptoms

Bleeding and cramping

• Bleeding, like a heavy period, is normal and should taper off in one to two weeks (but can last up to six weeks)
• Call your provider if you’re soaking a pad every hour or passing large clots
• Use pads, not tampons, during this time
• Your uterus will shrink back to its usual size after birth, which can cause cramping 

Pain and soreness

• Vaginal soreness is common, especially if you had a tear or stitches. Most discomfort improves in three weeks, but stitches can take six weeks or longer.
• For C-section recovery, expect four to six weeks to feel better.
• Use cold packs, warm sitz baths and a donut pillow to relieve pain. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.

Breast changes

• After breastfeeding, rub some of the breast milk onto your nipples and let them air dry
• Breasts may be painfully swollen with milk, and if you’re breastfeeding, you may have nipple pain or cracking
• Breastfeed or pump often to relieve pressure
• If latching is painful, reach out to a lactation consultant
• Use a breast cream to ease discomfort

Swelling and fatigue

• Fatigue is expected — rest whenever possible
• Swelling is normal and usually resolves within 1-2 weeks  

Emotional Well-Being

Up to 85% of new parents experience the “baby blues.”  

“There’s a normal period of about two weeks when shifting hormones, lack of sleep and this huge life adjustment can cause new parents to feel weepy, tender and overwhelmed,” says Dr. Sandberg.

However, if you feel persistently sad, anxious, hopeless or irritable for more than two weeks, you may have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression isn’t a personal failure. It’s a treatable medical condition that affects at least one in seven new moms. It can happen right away after birth or months later. Without treatment, symptoms can hang on for months, even years.

What can help:

• Join a support group in person or online
• Lean on loved ones and ask for specific help (grocery shopping, meal prep, childcare or chores)
• Talk to your provider about therapy or medication — many antidepressants are safe while breastfeeding

Need immediate help?

• If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, don’t wait. Put your baby in the crib and dial the 988 crisis lifeline immediately.
• Call Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit postpartum.net

The Bottom Line

Healing takes time. Rest whenever you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Before your due date, make a plan for who you can count on for childcare, meals, and emotional support.

Pregnancy and birth are amazing accomplishments — a powerful reminder of how strong and adaptable our bodies and minds can be. Every recovery journey is unique, and that’s okay. Trust that with time, care and support, you’ll continue to grow stronger each day.