Immediate Postpartum: Real, Unfiltered Guide
The immediate postpartum period, also known as the fourth stage of labor, covers the first hours after the birth of the baby. It is a unique, intense and often idealized moment. But here we want to offer you a real, unfiltered, empathetic vision based on scientific evidence, so that you know what to expect and how to take care of yourself in this delicate and transformative stage.
The immediate postpartum requires ongoing physical and emotional care.
What happens in your body right after childbirth?
Your body begins a series of natural processes that may surprise you. The uterus begins to contract to return to its original size (this can cause so-called woeness), you may have tremors, chills, or even a mild fever, and vaginal bleeding (lochia) is heavy at first. According to the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), it takes about six weeks for the uterus to fully involute.
You may also need stitches if you've had tears or episiotomy, or special care if you've had a C-section. In any case, it is essential to prioritize rest, skin-to-skin contact and adequate medical surveillance.
Emotional changes: hormonal roller coaster
You're not alone if you go from laughing to crying in a matter of minutes. The abrupt drop in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can cause what is known as the "baby blues," which affects up to 80% of women in the first days postpartum, according to the Mayo Clinic.
These feelings are usually transitory, but if they are prolonged or intensified, they could evolve into postpartum depression. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of self-care.
"In the immediate postpartum period, caring for the mother is just as important as caring for the newborn."
What does the baby need in these first hours?
The main thing is continuous contact with your mother, ideally skin-to-skin, as it helps stabilize your temperature, heart rate, and breathing. In addition, it favors the initiation of breastfeeding. The WHO recommends starting breastfeeding in the first hour of life.
If you are both well, there is no rush to weigh or bathe the baby. The priority is bonding, warmth and food.
What No One Tells You (But You Should Know)
💡 Here are some unpopular but necessary truths:
You may feel vulnerable, uncomfortable, or even "weird" in your own body.
You may not feel an immediate connection with your baby. That's more common than you might imagine.
The bleeding may be much heavier than you expected.
Going to the bathroom for the first time can be scary. It's normal!
Visits, while well-intentioned, can be exhausting.
What can you do to take care of yourself right now?
Ask for help: you don't have to do everything alone.
Listen to your body: If something hurts, bothers you, or worries you, say so.
Eat and hydrate well: your body needs energy to recover.
Sleep when you can: even if it's during micro-naps.
Avoid comparing yourself: each body and each experience is unique.
Surrounding yourself with emotional and physical support can make a big difference.
When to ask for medical help
See a professional if you have:
- Fever above 38ºC.
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain.
- Bleeding with large clots or foul odor.
- Symptoms of intense sadness, anxiety, or emotional disconnection.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice