The six weeks after birth — the postpartum period — deserve as much care as pregnancy itself. Your body is healing, your hormones are resettling, and you are learning a new life. Be patient with all three.
Your body: bleeding (lochia) lightens over two to six weeks. Rest when your baby rests, eat iron-rich food, and drink plenty of water, especially if breastfeeding. If you had stitches or a caesarean, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid heavy lifting until we clear you at your check-up.
Your mind: baby blues — teariness and mood swings in the first two weeks — are common and pass. If low mood, anxiety or hopelessness persist beyond two weeks, or you feel unable to care for yourself or your baby, that is postpartum depression and it is treatable. Telling us is strength, not failure; our team includes specialists who can help.
Come back and see us at six weeks for your postnatal check — and sooner if you have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad an hour, fever, severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, or a painful red area on the breast or leg. Your health is the foundation your family stands on — guard it.
Reviewed by the specialists at Medlyn Hospital. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis — if you are worried about your health or your child's, please speak to a doctor.