Postnatal care: a practical guide for new mums

Postnatal care: a practical guide for new mums

Your baby has just taken their first breath, and now they're in your arms. You've waited nine months for this moment, imagined it a hundred times, and yet nothing quite prepares you for the meeting itself.

You're a mum now, or almost a mum, still reeling from the birth, your body sore, your heart turned upside down.

What will the next few hours and days hold — for your baby, your body and your mood? You're probably a little anxious, very tired, and above all in need of reassurance.

So here are a few practical facts about the postnatal period, remembering that every experience is unique: give yourself room for your own emotions, and if you feel a bit low, the first step is to talk about it.

Your baby's very first care

From birth, several things happen in quick succession. If needed, your baby's airways are cleared — but routine suctioning isn't recommended for a healthy newborn, contrary to what people sometimes imagine.

Then comes the cord. The midwife or doctor cuts it, then takes a little blood for a few tests whose only aim is to check that all is well. A small piece of cord stays attached to your baby's tummy: there's no need to remove it, it will dry and fall off by itself, like ripe fruit.

Your baby is then weighed, and this is often the first big number of their life. On average, a newborn weighs between 2.5 and 4 kg — below or above that, you'll probably be told they're small or 'big', but this is only a rough guide.

Their length is measured, and in some units a few drops of antibiotic eye ointment or drops are given as a preventive measure in the first few hours. Routine use varies, so ask your midwife if you're unsure.

The first bath: a matter of temperature

Your baby may be given a bath, and it's often a step newborns enjoy, finding in warm water the sensations and warmth they knew in the womb. A gentle pause that can calm little ones and grown-ups alike.

Their ability to regulate body temperature is still immature: this tiny person doesn't control their temperature well. Immersed in a bath at the right temperature, they settle again, snuggled as before.

Then come the final checks, simply to make sure their breathing, muscle reflexes and heartbeat are all fine — in short, that they're generally thriving.

What a newborn really looks like

Let's be honest: your baby doesn't look like the picture-perfect newborn just yet, and that's completely normal — they've only just arrived.

They're red, a little wrinkled, sometimes still covered in fine protective hair, and their skin may have patches of a whitish substance called vernix, whose job is precisely to protect that still fragile skin.

In fact, the first bath is increasingly delayed, by at least 24 hours: this protective layer deserves time to do its work, and the World Health Organization recommends waiting before washing a newborn.

As for their eyes, a small surprise: they may look blue at birth, but their final colour won't reveal itself until much later — often around six months, sometimes even after. So there's no need to decide anything too soon.

Their transformation comes quickly: around the third week, your baby stops looking like a newborn and starts to look like a lovely, chubby baby. And no, nobody really warns you when that happens.

Their head may look huge, almost out of proportion, but there's nothing abnormal about that: it will become more proportionate over the coming weeks. In the meantime, remember that their neck isn't yet strong enough to support the weight of their head — so it's important to support it whenever you pick them up or carry them.

Finally, good news: was your baby born with lots of hair? It happens, though usually it's the opposite. Either way, they won't keep it: it will fall out gradually and be replaced by new hair.

Their senses are already awake

Your baby is a remarkably good pupil. Their sense of smell, for example, is remarkably developed: within just a few days, they'll be able to recognise you by your scent alone. You have to admit that's magic.

When it comes to taste, they're hard at work too, and for them nothing beats the taste of your milk. They often prefer it, but every baby is different — formula isn't something to dismiss and is perfectly suitable when breastfeeding isn't possible or chosen.

Their hearing is doing rather well. Their vision, though, is still fairly basic: they mainly see contrasts and can only focus well up close — which works nicely when they're snuggled against you.

Your body, just after birth

On your side, you've just given birth and you're more than a little worn out. Your womb is already starting to contract, partly to return to its usual size — which takes time — and partly to move back down to its usual position.

Over the following days, you'll bleed to a greater or lesser extent: the first few days are the heaviest, then the bleeding settles significantly. Expect a few weeks before it stops completely, while everything settles back into place.

Your breasts will become noticeably fuller and firmer about three days after birth: this is your milk coming in. A good bra is essential — nursing bras are practical and, above all, supportive.

If you've chosen not to breastfeed, your milk will still come in. It usually settles on its own within a few days; a well-fitted bra, a little patience and cool compresses often help. If it's painful, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Your first period after birth and what follows

Your first period after birth varies from woman to woman, and depending on whether you breastfeed. If you breastfeed, your first period may arrive when breastfeeding ends, or earlier; the range is wide.

Be aware, though: breastfeeding only protects against another pregnancy for a certain time and only under certain conditions. After the first few months, pregnancy is still possible even if you breastfeed. It's often forgotten, but it matters.

If you don't breastfeed, your first period usually comes earlier, often within the first few weeks after birth — again, there's no universal rule.

And let's talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: your pelvic floor. Do take pelvic floor exercises seriously. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is available for new mums on the NHS, usually via a referral from your GP or maternity team. It's important, but it should be tailored and supervised by a professional: doing too much isn't recommended and can even be counterproductive.

Intimacy and emotional wellbeing

With sex, wait until you've fully recovered and healed. Don't force yourself, especially if it hurts. If pain persists for too long, speak to your GP, who can point you towards appropriate care and give you practical advice.

Finally, a few words about the baby blues, that low mood some mums feel after giving birth. Tiredness or exhaustion, tears, loss of interest in what's around you... none of this is shameful. It happens, and it says nothing about your abilities as a mother: don't blame yourself, and above all, talk about it.

Your partner, family and friends should be able to support and help you so you can rest. Talk to your GP, get out for a bit as soon as you have someone you trust to look after your baby — in short, take a break and keep making time for yourself, without guilt.

Budget

It's hard to give a single budget, but a few costs come up again and again for the postnatal period. A nursing bra usually costs between £15 and £40. A pack of breast pads is between £10 and £25, with washable ones working out cheaper over time. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is available on the NHS with a referral, which takes a lot off the bill.

For carrying, an ergonomic baby carrier or sling generally costs between £60 and £150 depending on brand and material — an investment that pays off over months of daily use.

Sources

• World Health Organization — Newborn health: recommendations on care and delaying the first bath
• NHS — Pelvic floor exercises after birth
• NICE — Postnatal care (NG194)