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Caring for you after your baby arrives.

The weeks after birth bring big changes for your body, your emotions and your family. Here is how to care for yourself as you recover, what to expect at your postpartum visits and when to call us.

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Warning signs
Postpartum at a glance
  • First check-in Within 3 weeks of birth
  • Full visit Usually around 6 weeks
  • Bleeding Can last up to 6 weeks
  • Moms’ support line 1-833-TLC-MAMA, 24/7
Your Recovery

The fourth trimester, week by week

Every recovery is different, but most follow a similar path. Here is what many women can expect.

In the hospital

The first 1 to 4 days
  • Right after birth Skin-to-skin time and your first feeding. Your nurses check your bleeding, blood pressure and uterus often.
  • Your first day Get up and walk with help as soon as you can. Moving helps prevent blood clots and speeds healing.
  • Before you go home Learn the basics of feeding, diapering and bathing your baby, and have your car seat installed.

The first two weeks

Rest and heal
  • Bleeding Heavy and bright red at first, then lighter and pinker as the days go by.
  • Baby blues Tears and mood swings are common in the first days and usually fade within 2 weeks.
  • Baby’s first checkup Usually 3 to 5 days after birth, with your pediatrician.
  • Within 3 weeks Your first postpartum check-in with us.

Weeks 3 to 6 and beyond

Getting back to you
  • Energy returns Slowly add more activity as you feel ready.
  • Bleeding ends For most women, bleeding stops by about 6 weeks.
  • Full postpartum visit An exam, a mood check, birth control and a plan for your ongoing health.
  • Your period It may return 6 to 8 weeks after birth if you’re not breastfeeding, and later if you are.
Healing Your Body

Gentle care for a body that just did something amazing

These everyday tips can make your recovery more comfortable, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section.

Bleeding

What’s normal

  • Bleeding can last up to 6 weeks and gets lighter over time
  • Use pads, not tampons or menstrual cups, until we say it’s OK
  • Small clots are normal in the first few days
  • Call us if you soak a pad in an hour or pass a clot the size of an egg or larger

After a vaginal birth

Perineal care

  • Rinse with a peri bottle of warm water each time you use the bathroom
  • Ice packs help in the first 24 hours, then warm sitz baths
  • Pat dry gently from front to back
  • A stool softener can make bathroom trips easier

After a C-section

Incision care

  • Keep your incision clean and dry. Let soapy water run over it in the shower
  • Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby
  • Hold a pillow against your belly when you cough, laugh or sneeze
  • Don’t drive until you can move without pain and are off prescription pain medicine

Pain relief

Medicines

  • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used after birth, including while breastfeeding
  • Ask us which pain relievers are right for you and how often to take them
  • Take prescription pain medicine only as directed
  • Keep taking your prenatal vitamin

Eat, drink and rest

Everyday care

  • Drink water often, especially if you’re breastfeeding
  • Fiber-rich foods help prevent constipation
  • Sleep when your baby sleeps, even for short stretches
  • Say yes to help with meals, chores and older children

Activity and intimacy

Easing back in

  • Short, gentle walks are a great place to start
  • Ask us before returning to exercise beyond walking
  • Most women wait about 4 to 6 weeks before sex. We’ll let you know when you’re ready
  • You can get pregnant before your first period, so plan your birth control early
Postpartum Visits

Your care doesn’t end at delivery

We’ll see you during the weeks after birth to make sure you’re healing well and feeling supported. These visits matter as much as the ones during your pregnancy.

Tip: Keep a running list of questions on your phone as they come up, and bring it to your visit. No question is too small.

CALL TO SCHEDULE

Early check-in

Within the first 3 weeks after birth. A chance to catch problems early and answer your questions.

  • For everyone How you’re healing, feeding and feeling
  • After a C-section A check of your incision
  • High blood pressure If you had high blood pressure in pregnancy, a blood pressure check 3 to 10 days after birth

Full postpartum visit

Usually around 6 weeks after birth. A complete look at your recovery and your health going forward.

  • Exam Your healing, blood pressure and a pelvic exam if needed
  • Mood A screening for depression and anxiety
  • Birth control Choosing a method that fits your plans
  • Your health Follow-up for conditions from pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Feeding Your Baby

Breast, bottle or both, we’re here to help

However you choose to feed your baby, the early weeks take practice. These basics can help you both settle in.

  • Feed often Newborns usually eat 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Watch for early hunger cues, like rooting and sucking on their hands.
  • A comfortable latch Your baby’s mouth should cover much of the darker skin around the nipple. Pain that lasts through a feeding can mean the latch needs adjusting.
  • Signs your baby is getting enough After the first few days, expect at least 6 wet diapers a day and steady weight gain at checkups.
  • Full, sore breasts Feed or pump often. A warm compress before feeding and a cool pack after can ease swelling.
  • Signs of infection A red, painful area on your breast with fever or chills needs a call to us.
  • Formula feeding Follow the mixing directions exactly, and ask your pediatrician which formula is right for your baby.

Breastfeeding? Let every provider you see know, so they can choose medicines that are safe for your baby.

Emotional Health

Taking care of your mind, too.

Big feelings are normal after having a baby. Your hormones, your sleep and your daily life all change at once. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.

Free support, 24 hours a day:

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA)
  • Free and confidential, in English and Spanish
  • Or call us at 770-451-3100 during office hours
CALL OR TEXT 1-833-TLC-MAMA

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or call or text 988 right away.

Baby blues

Very common in the first days after birth. You may feel weepy, moody or overwhelmed.

  • When Starts in the first few days
  • How long Usually fades on its own within 2 weeks
  • What helps Rest, food, fresh air and time with people you trust

Postpartum depression

Feelings that are stronger and last longer than the baby blues. It can start anytime in the first year, and it is treatable.

  • Signs Feeling sad or hopeless most days, losing interest in things you enjoy, or trouble bonding with your baby
  • Also Feeling worthless or guilty, or changes in sleep and appetite beyond what a newborn causes
  • What to do Call us. Counseling, support and medication can all help

Postpartum anxiety

Constant worry or fear that is hard to turn off.

  • Signs Racing thoughts, feeling on edge, or trouble sleeping even when your baby sleeps
  • What to do Tell us how you’re feeling. Help is available, and you don’t have to wait it out
Don’t wait

Postpartum warning signs

Serious problems can happen up to a year after birth, and most often in the first 6 weeks. If you go to an emergency room, tell them you recently had a baby.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, call us at 770-451-3100.

Call 911

  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • A seizure
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

Call us right away

  • Bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, or clots the size of an egg or larger
  • An incision that is red, swollen, leaking or not healing
  • A red, swollen leg that is painful or warm to the touch
  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher
  • A headache that won’t go away, or vision changes
Postpartum & Newborn Guide

Answers for you and your new baby

Northside Hospital’s guide covers your recovery, feeding and caring for your newborn. Keep it handy for those middle-of-the-night questions. It is available in English and in Spanish.

Newborn basics

  • Always lay your baby on their back to sleep, in their own crib or bassinet
  • Use a rear-facing car seat for every ride
  • See your pediatrician 3 to 5 days after birth
  • Call your pediatrician for a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher

Guide in English

“Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care,” published by Northside Hospital. Open the guide

Guía en español

“Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care” en español, publicada por Northside Hospital. Abrir la guía

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.

Gentle walking is usually fine within days of giving birth. Most women can slowly return to exercise over the following weeks, and it may take longer after a C-section. Ask us before starting anything more than walking.

If you’re not breastfeeding, your period may return 6 to 8 weeks after birth. If you are breastfeeding, it may not return for several months. You can get pregnant before your first period, so talk with us about birth control.

Waiting at least 18 months after giving birth before your next pregnancy is recommended for the health of you and your next baby. We can help you choose a birth control method that fits your plans.

Many medicines are safe while breastfeeding, but not all. Tell us and your baby’s pediatrician about everything you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements.

Usually once you can turn, twist and brake without pain and are no longer taking prescription pain medicine. For many women that’s about 2 weeks. Check with us first.

It’s common, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises often help. If it doesn’t get better, tell us. Pelvic floor therapy and other treatments can help.

Yes. Many women notice extra hair shedding a few months after birth. It is temporary, and hair usually returns to normal within a year.

Time for your postpartum visit?

Call us to schedule your check-in. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

CALL 770-451-3100
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