The early days

A lot happens in the first few days after birth as you adjust to your new role as a parent.

The young mums have created this section to talk about what to expect in those early days and offer advice and guidance through it.

What to expect in the days following birth?

The days following birth can be overwhelming with so many changes happening to both mentally and physically.

Physical changes

  • Be prepared for the possibility of staying in hospital longer. Have some extra items packed and prepared for family members to bring to you if needed.
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Sore breasts

Mental changes

  • It can be overwhelming in the first few days as you adapt to your new role and all the emotions that come with it, but this will pass as you learn your babies routine and coping skills.
  • Everyone talks about the overwhelming feeling of love you will feel when your baby is born, but not everyone feels this straight away and that's completely fine. You have just been through a physically and emotionally exhausting experience and may take time to recover. Be gentle with yourself.

The baby bubble

The baby bubble comes in the first few days/weeks following birth when your whole world revolves around your new little one. This can be a beautiful time spent loving and getting to know your baby.

During this time its ok to say no to visitors so that you can be alone with your new family and build on the special bond with your Newborn. Don't worry about offending family/friends by saying no, it is your choice and what you feel most comfortable with.

Enjoy every cuddles and time spent sleeping on your chest as it doesn't last forever.

Baby blues

As your hormones settle in the days following birth up to 80% of mums experience the 'baby blues.'

Baby blues can make you feel:

  • emotional, irrational or overwhelmed
  • tearful (without knowing why)
  •  moody
  • down or anxious

These symptoms will only last a few days. However, if your symptoms don't ease, become severe or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, speak to your midwife, GP, health visitor or emergency healthcare urgently.