So, you’ve just had a baby. Maybe you're holding your little one in your arms, and your heart is bursting with love. But there’s this other reality—the one that’s rarely talked about in the “new baby bliss” photos. And it’s okay to admit it: that first week? It’s hard. Really hard.
Your body is recovering from a monumental task. Whether you gave birth vaginally or by cesarean, your body is doing its best to heal while you’re also trying to adjust to the wild world of newborn care. You’re sore. Exhausted. Emotional. And the sleep deprivation? Well, it’s real. Like, really real.
And here’s the thing—there’s no manual for this part. The “getting to know your baby” stage can feel overwhelming, especially because your baby is changing by the minute. One minute they’re alert and curious, the next they’re asleep for hours. Their feedings can feel like they’re constant, and figuring out breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) isn’t always as smooth as the baby books say. Then there’s the diaper changes. Oh, and did I mention the laundry? There’s a lot of laundry.
But here’s the silver lining: you’re doing it. This isn’t easy, but every small step you take is a huge accomplishment. And if it feels like you’re walking in the dark, trust me, you’re not alone. You’ve got this.
Now, let’s talk about how you can make this first week (and beyond) a little easier.
The Recovery for Mom
After giving birth, your body needs time to heal. You’ll likely experience vaginal bleeding (called lochia), sore nipples, possible swelling, and discomfort from stitches or healing incisions. Your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size, which can cause cramps, especially while breastfeeding. Plus, let’s not forget the exhaustion from labor and delivery itself.
But it’s not all about physical recovery—there’s emotional recovery too. You’re adjusting to this new identity as a mother, and it’s okay to feel a little (or a lot) overwhelmed. Hormones are all over the place, and sometimes, it can feel like your emotions are on a rollercoaster. Be gentle with yourself. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The Newborn Juggle
For your baby, the first week is all about transition. They’re adjusting from life inside the womb to the outside world. Their feeding patterns may be all over the place, and their sleep schedule is... well, let’s just say it’s not really a schedule at all. Newborns sleep a lot, but it’s in short bursts, and those bursts don’t always line up with your need for rest.
It’s also common for babies to experience a little bit of jaundice in their first week, which means their skin might look a bit yellow. This can be totally normal, but it’s always a good idea to follow up with your pediatrician just to make sure everything’s on track.
The physical changes in your baby’s body are wild. Their eyes might wander in different directions at first, their skin can be blotchy or peeling, and they may even have some extra fluid or swelling in places where they don’t need it. But this is all part of the adjustment process as their body begins to adapt to life outside the womb.
So, What Can Help?
This is where postpartum support comes in. And this is why having a doula during the first week after birth can be a game changer. A doula isn’t just for birth day—they’re also a huge support during the early days with a newborn.
Here’s what I can help with in that first week:
Emotional Support: I’m here to listen, offer reassurance, and help you navigate any challenges you might be facing. Whether you need a safe space to vent or a reminder that you're doing great, I’ve got your back.
Baby Care Basics: Need help with diapering, breastfeeding, or just figuring out how to soothe your baby? I can provide guidance on the practical side of things and give you tips for managing those first days.
Physical Recovery: I can help you with positioning and self-care strategies to make your recovery more comfortable. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Helping Your Partner: If you have a partner, I can provide them with the tools and confidence to be a bigger part of the support team during this transitional time.
That first week is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. The more support you have, the easier it can be to navigate everything that comes your way. Reach out, ask for help, and remember—you’ve got this.
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