What Happens *After* Delivery: The Postpartum Journey

• • Skin‑to‑skin contact: promotes bonding, stabilizes baby’s temperature and heart rate.
• • Delayed cord clamping: recommended 1–3 minutes for optimal iron stores.
• • Placenta delivery: uterus contracts to expel placenta; may cause strong cramping.
• • Vitals monitoring: blood pressure, pulse, bleeding assessed by healthcare team.

After birth, the uterus begins to contract and shrink (involution), returning to near pre‑pregnancy size by 6 weeks.

Expect cramping (afterpains), especially during breastfeeding as oxytocin spikes.

Monitor lochia: bright red (rubra) for 3–5 days, pinkish‑brown (serosa) for 2 weeks, yellowish‑white (alba) up to 6 weeks.

Colostrum, the nutrient‑rich first milk, is produced immediately and supports baby’s immune system.

Early, frequent feeding (8–12×/24 hrs) helps establish milk supply and stimulates uterine contractions.

Proper latch and positioning prevent soreness and ensure effective feeding.

• • “Baby blues”—tearfulness, mood swings, irritability—affect up to 80% of new mothers and usually resolve by 2 weeks.
• • Postpartum depression requires professional support: persistent low mood, hopelessness, or disinterest beyond 2 weeks.
• • Peer support, counseling, and open conversations with partner or CHW are vital.

Pelvic floor muscles stretch during delivery; Kegel exercises help restore tone and prevent incontinence.

Begin gentle contractions as soon as feasible—hold for 5 seconds, release for 5, repeat 10–15×, 3× daily.

Gradually reintroduce core strengthening under guidance—avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

• • Increase calorie intake by ~300 kcal/day if breastfeeding; focus on protein, iron, calcium, vitamins.
• • Stay hydrated—aim for at least 2.5–3 liters of water daily to support milk production and recovery.
• • Include healing foods: lean meats, legumes, leafy greens, whole grains, healthy fats.

Schedule your first postpartum visit within 7–14 days for wound check, bleeding assessment, and emotional screening.

Six‑week comprehensive exam: physical recovery, mental health, contraception planning, and pelvic exam.

Use the followUpScheduleGraphic to track appointments and vaccinations.

• • Safe sleep: back to sleep, firm surface, no loose bedding.
• • Umbilical cord care: keep dry and clean; watch for signs of infection.
• • Feeding cues: hunger signs, feeding frequency, ensuring adequate diaper output.
• • Bathing and hygiene: sponge baths until cord falls, gentle cleaning of eyes and genitals.

Partner, family, CHW, and peer groups share responsibilities—meals, diapers, emotional check‑ins.

Delegate tasks: meal prep, laundry, sibling care to focus on bonding and recovery.

Refer to postpartumSupportNetworkGraphic for roles and contact points.

• • Heavy bleeding soaking >1 pad/hour or passing large clots.
• • Fever >38 °C, severe pain, foul‑smelling lochia (infection signs).
• • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or calf pain/swelling (possible clot).
• • Persistent low mood, thoughts of harming self or baby.

• • SHELY Postpartum Hub: guided modules and community forums.
• • Postpartum Support International: helplines and peer support groups.
• • Recommended books: “The Postnatal Depletion Cure” by Oscar Serrallach; “Cribsheet” by Hopkins & Nitzkin.

The postpartum period is a transformative phase of healing, bonding, and adjustment. By understanding physical changes, prioritizing self‑care, building support, and knowing when to seek help, you lay the foundation for your own well‑being and your baby’s healthy start.

• • Share this guide with your partner and CHW to coordinate postpartum support.
• • Schedule your first postpartum check‑up and set reminders.
• • Begin gentle pelvic floor exercises and track progress.
• • Join a local or online postpartum community for shared experiences.