You've Got This Mama: A Postpartum and Newborn Guide - The First 6 Weeks
For Mom: What to Expect
Your Body
Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia): Bleeding and discharge may last 4–6 weeks. It starts off heavy and red, then gradually lightens.
Uterine Cramping: Your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. This can feel like strong menstrual cramps.
Sore Breasts: Breastfeeding moms may feel engorged or sore. Non-breastfeeding moms may also feel discomfort as milk comes in.
Incision or Tear Healing: If you had a C-section or vaginal tearing, be gentle and follow your care provider's instructions.
Fatigue: Exhaustion is common. Accept help, and prioritize rest over chores.
Your Emotions
Baby Blues: Feeling weepy, overwhelmed, or anxious is normal in the first couple weeks. Hormones are shifting, and sleep is scarce.
Postpartum Depression or Anxiety: If these feelings last longer, worsen, or interfere with daily life, seek help—you're not alone and support is available.
When to Call Your Doctor
Reach out to your care provider if you experience:
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in under an hour)
Severe pain or swelling
Signs of infection (redness, pus, foul-smelling discharge)
Feeling persistently hopeless or unable to care for your baby
Tips for the First 6 Weeks
Don’t be afraid to ask for help—from your partner, family, or friends.
Meal prep, laundry, and cleaning can wait. Your recovery, resting, and bonding with baby come first.
Connect with other new moms or support groups—it helps to know you're not alone.
Postpartum Health and Pelvic Floor Wellness
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum. Pregnancy and birth (vaginal or cesarean) can weaken, stretch and/or damage these muscles.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Urine leaking when coughing, sneezing, or laughing
A heavy or “dragging” feeling in your pelvic area
Painful sex (dyspareunia)
Trouble controlling gas or stool
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
A feeling of something falling out (tampon feeling) which could indicate prolapse
What You Can Do
1. Pelvic floor rehab : Specific contraction and relaxation techniques can help heal and support your recovery
2. Breathe & Align: Posture and breath work can improve core and pelvic floor healing. Avoid breath-holding and try gentle belly breathing.
3. Avoid Heavy Lifting Early On: Let your body recover before lifting anything heavier than your baby.
4. See a Pelvic Floor Qualified Practitioner: If symptoms persist or you want a personalized recovery plan, a pelvic health expert can help restore function and strength.
For Baby: What's normal (and what's not)
Feeding (Breast or Bottle)
Frequent Feeding: 8–12 times a day.
Breastfeeding Challenges: Sore nipples, latch issues, low milk supply, oversupply.
Formula Feeding: Spit-up, constipation, or fussiness may occur as baby adjusts.
When to Ask for Help:
Baby isn’t gaining weight
Fewer than 6 wet diapers/day after day 5
Persistent crying or signs of dehydration (sunken soft spot, sunken eyes, dry skin or skin appears less elastic, lethargy, drowsiness, or reduced activity, fast breathing or increased heart rate, poor feeding)
Feeding challenges: breast preference, fussiness, tongue or lip tie concerns, side of mouth leakage, weak latch on breast or bottle
Tip: A lactation consultant or feeding specialist can be incredibly helpful.
Head Shape & Tension
Flat Spots (Plagiocephaly): Caused by baby favoring one side or spending too much time on their backs
Neck Tightness (Torticollis): May cause baby to always look one way and avoid looking the opposite direction
It is important to address these issues early and see a qualified pediatric specialist (MD, DC, PT)
Common (Normal) Baby Behaviours
Startling or jerky movements (Moro reflex)
Grunting or straining when pooping
Fussy periods, especially in late afternoon or evening
Cluster feeding: Baby feeds more often at certain times
Things to Watch For (these could require attention if issue persists)
Dislike of tummy time
Persistant back arching and body tension
Discomfort with passing stool
Long, uncomfortable feeding session
When to Call the Doctor
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Difficulty breathing or very sleepy/unresponsive
Poor feeding or vomiting repeatedly
Signs of dehydration (as above)
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
Pacifiers/Soother
If you choose to use a pacifier, try to introduce one that can help with oral function and jaw development. The top three pacifiers for newborns include
Phillips Advent Soothie
Dr. Brown HappiPaci
Ninni Co Pacifier
Milestones: The First 6 Weeks
Starts to recognize familiar voices
Starts to enjoy high contrast visuals and faces
Cries for basic needs: hunger, discomfort, tiredness
Lifts head briefly during tummy time
May start cooing near the end of 6 weeks
Brings hands to mouth
Feeds every 2-3 hours
Sleeps 14-17 hours a day, in short bursts
Activities to do with Babe in the first 6 Weeks
Lots of contact napping
Tummy time with a goal of 30 minutes/day (lots of ways to achieve this - chest to chest, koala pose, on the ground, etc)
side lying play with contrast cards
gentle stretching and body massages (from the toes up to the head!)
getting outside daily
oral play: with a gloved finger, gently moving your fingers around the oral structures
give your little a facial - gentle massaging through the face can help with feeding and relaxation
The postpartum season is a time of immense change for both mom and baby, and neither should have to navigate it alone. By caring for mom and guiding her little one's growth, we can create a foundation of strength, healing, and connection that supports the whole family's well-being.
