The first 6 weeks after delivery
Recovery, bleeding, emotions and when to call your clinic.
Bleeding after birth is normal and slowly fades from red to brown to pale over a few weeks. Cramping while you breastfeed is your womb shrinking back, uncomfortable but a good sign.
You are recommended postnatal checks in the first 24 hours, on day 3, between days 7 and 14, and at six weeks. These visits check your healing and bleeding, and your baby's feeding, weight and cord.
Rest when your baby rests, keep drinking and eating well, and let people help you. Healing is not only physical, and the first six weeks are also when your feelings will swing the most.
Key points to remember
- 1Bleeding should lighten in colour and amount week by week.
- 2Attend postnatal checks at day 3, week 1 to 2 and week 6.
- 3Rest and food are treatment, not luxuries.
When to get help
Get help urgently for bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, a fever, a foul-smelling discharge, severe headache, or pain and swelling in one leg.
Ask privately