First-Time Mom Survival Guide (1 of 10): What No One Tells You About the First Week Postpartum
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The first week postpartum is often a blur of emotions, recovery, and leaning into your new role as a mom. It’s a time when everything is changing, and the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. This time can be incredibly challenging, and it’s often not as “picture-perfect” as many new moms may expect.
In this guide, I’ll share the behind-the-scenes reality of the first week postpartum, from physical recovery to the emotional roller coaster, and offer tips on how to manage it all with a little more ease. Let’s dive into the truth about what really happens in those first few days after birth.
1. Your Body is Recovering, and It’s No Joke
One of the most common things people forget to mention about the postpartum period is how much your body is healing. You’ve just gone through an intense physical process, whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean birth, and the aftermath can be more challenging than anticipated.
What You May Not Expect:
Postpartum Bleeding: This can last for several weeks and might seem like it’s never-ending. It’s normal to have heavy bleeding in the first few days after birth, followed by lighter bleeding or spotting. You may also pass clots, which can be alarming but are typically part of the healing process.
Pain and Discomfort: Whether from stitches, vaginal swelling, or a cesarean incision, pain in the first week postpartum is common. You may feel sore and achy in places you never expected. Take your pain medication as prescribed, use ice packs or witch hazel pads, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks.
Shifting Hormones: Your body is undergoing significant hormonal changes. You might feel emotional, weepy, or even more irritable than usual. These hormone fluctuations are normal, but they can be disorienting, especially in the early days.
Pro Tip:
Remember, it’s okay to take things slowly. Your body is healing and you don’t need to rush back to your regular routine.
2. You Will Feel Exhausted Beyond Belief (And That’s Okay)
Sleep deprivation hits hard in the first week postpartum. Your newborn needs to eat every 2–3 hours (or more frequently), which means you’re up throughout the night, every night. Even if you’re able to catch a few hours of sleep, it’s fragmented and often interrupted.
What You May Not Expect:
The Exhaustion is Real: You’ll likely feel like you’re running on fumes, even if you’re doing your best to sleep when the baby sleeps. The lack of continuous rest takes a toll on your body and mind, leaving you feeling drained.
Mental Fog aka “Mommy Brain”: Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes and the changes your brain undergoes following delivery lead to brain fog, which can leave you feeling confused, forgetful, or just plain “out of it.” It’s completely normal, and it’s important to remember that this is only temporary.
Baby Blues: Between the exhaustion and emotional rollercoaster, you might experience the “baby blues,” a period of mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability. This is common and usually passes after a couple of weeks. But if it doesn’t, or if it feels too overwhelming, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Pro Tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or your partner, and allow them to take on some of the nighttime duties. Even a few hours of uninterrupted sleep can make a big difference in your recovery.
3. The Learning Curve is Steep: You’re Still Getting to Know Your Baby (And Yourself)
The first week postpartum is full of trial and error as you and your baby learn how to speak one another’s language. You might be figuring out breastfeeding, diaper changes, and simply how to comfort your baby — and it’s okay if it doesn’t come naturally right away.
What You May Not Expect:
Breastfeeding Challenges: Breastfeeding can be painful, and it might take a little while for both you and your baby to get the hang of it. Sore nipples, latch issues, production concerns and uncertainty about how much milk your baby is getting are all common worries in the early days. We are made to believe that breastfeeding is natural and easy, and for most new moms that is very far from true. This misrepresentation often leaves new moms feeling like a “failure,” but this is not valid! It is often far more difficult than anticipated. Give yourself grace as you navigate the process and know that breastfeeding struggles are common.
All the Crying…: Babies cry for many reasons, and you might find yourself feeling helpless or frustrated when nothing seems to calm them down. This is completely normal. Babies can be hard to soothe, and sometimes, the only thing that works is time.
The Pressure to “Do It Right”: There’s an overwhelming amount of advice from well-meaning family members, friends, and even strangers. You may feel like you're constantly second-guessing yourself. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting — trust yourself and your instincts.
Pro Tip:
Take it one day at a time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things aren’t perfect — you and your baby are both learning, and it’s a process.
4. The Emotional Roller Coaster is Real
In addition to physical recovery, the first week postpartum is also an emotional adjustment. The “baby blues,” fluctuating hormones, and adjusting to a completely new identity can make for a wild emotional ride. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, tearful, and unsure of yourself — and you’re not alone.
What You May Not Expect:
Overwhelming Emotions: The first few days can feel like a wave of emotions crashing over you. You might feel joy, love, anxiety, and sadness all in the same moment. This emotional volatility is perfectly normal.
The Identity Shift: Becoming a mom is a major life change. You may mourn the loss of your pre-baby self or feel uncertain about your new role. It’s a time of huge personal growth, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. It’s also okay to grieve the lift you had before your baby arrived. This does not mean you don’t love your baby. It does not mean you’re not grateful. It does not mean you’re a “bad mom.” Even amazing and welcome changes require that we give something up in order to change. It’s okay to grieve what you have given up.
Loneliness and Isolation: You might feel disconnected from the outside world, especially if you’re spending a lot of time at home with your newborn. The isolation can feel heavy, especially if you’re navigating early motherhood without much support.
Pro Tip:
Be patient with yourself. These emotional ups and downs are temporary, but if they persist or feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a perinatal therapist or support group for new moms.
5. The Support You Need Might Not Be Immediate
In the first week postpartum, you may have a lot of people offering help or advice, but it might not be the kind of support you need. Sometimes, the most valuable support is the quiet, unobtrusive kind — and it might take some time to figure out how to ask for it.
What You May Not Expect:
Support Can Be Overwhelming: Well-meaning friends and family members may offer advice or come over to help, but sometimes, you just need space. It’s okay to set boundaries and ask for the type of support you really need (whether that’s someone taking over cooking or just giving you a few hours of alone time).
The Need for Emotional Support: In addition to physical help with baby care, you may find that you need emotional support more than anything. Having someone to talk to — whether it’s a partner, friend, or therapist — can make a huge difference in your emotional well-being.
Pro Tip:
Be specific when asking for help. If you need someone to bring you food or take care of the laundry, don’t hesitate to speak up. The people who love you want to support you, and they’ll appreciate knowing how they can be most helpful.
Conclusion: The First Week Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Survival
The first week postpartum is one of the hardest and most transformative weeks of your life. It’s okay to feel like you're not “getting it right” — it’s normal to feel disoriented, tired, emotional, and uncertain. Give yourself permission to rest, ask for help, and take it very slowly.
There is no perfect way to navigate the first week postpartum, but by acknowledging the challenges, being gentle with yourself, and reaching out for support when needed, you’ll start to find your rhythm as a mom. You’ve got this, mama — and you’re not alone.
Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.
With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn
I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.
As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.
