What No One Tells You About the First Week Postpartum
Hey, mama.
If you’re in your first week postpartum—or getting close—I want you to know something right up front:
You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just postpartum. And that alone is enough to make this week feel overwhelming, beautiful, confusing, and exhausting all at once.
People love to talk about birth. They’ll ask about your labor story, the baby’s weight, and whether you got an epidural. But what no one really talks about… is what happens after.
So let’s talk about it.
Because this week is a lot. And if you’re feeling caught off guard.
You’re not alone mama.
Your Body Just Went Through Something Huge
You might still look 6 months pregnant. That’s normal.
Your belly doesn’t just shrink back like a balloon losing air—it takes weeks for your uterus to contract down.
You’ll bleed (even with a c-section). You might have stitches.
You’ll wear mesh underwear and giant pads. Peeing might feel terrifying. Going poop? Even scarier. That’s not talked about nearly enough.
You’ll sweat through your sheets at night—even if you’re cold. You might leak breastmilk randomly, or not at all, or just on one side.
Your body is healing, adjusting, and figuring things out, just like you are. And that healing? It’s not linear. One day you’ll feel okay. The next day, everything will hurt again.
The Emotions Can Hit You Like a Tidal Wave
You might cry over everything.
The baby’s tiny feet. A dropped sock. The way your partner is breathing too loud while you have a leech destroying your nipple at 3 am. Hormones don’t play fair.
You might feel incredibly happy and completely overwhelmed at the same time.
You may not feel that magical “bond” right away(or for a few months). That doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby—it means you’re human. Bonding grows.
You might feel touched out even though you’re rarely alone. The baby is on you, around the clock. And even though you wanted this—it's okay to feel overstimulated.
You might miss your old life, even while loving this new one. Grief and gratitude can co-exist. 2 things can be true at the same time.
Your Relationship Might Feel Off
You may feel like your partner doesn’t get it.
You just went through the most physically and emotionally intense experience of your life—and they’re asking what’s for dinner?
You might feel resentful, especially if you're doing most of the night wakings, feeding, or soothing.
You might want space—but also want to be held. You may not know how to ask for what you need.
It’s normal for things to feel weird for a little while. Postpartum can rattle everything—even strong relationships.
Here’s What You Really Need This Week
You need food. Like, actual nourishing meals—not just granola bars.
You need water. You need rest. You need someone to say, “You’re doing amazing. Sit down. I’ve got the baby.”
You need permission to not have it all figured out.
You don’t need a perfect schedule, or a Pinterest-worthy nursery, or to respond to every text right away.
What you need is support. Gentle, loving, “I’ve got this covered.” kind of support.
And if you don’t have it nearby, please know you’re not alone—I’m here to help you navigate this season.
This Week is Hard—But You’re Not Failing
If the first week has rocked you… it’s not because you’re weak.
It’s because postpartum is hard, like really hard.
You’re healing from birth, feeding a baby, getting no sleep, and trying to make sense of a million new feelings—all at once.
You’re not broken.
You’re postpartum.
And you’re doing a phenomenal job.
Sending you a warm hug, a fresh cup of coffee, and a reminder that you are so worthy of care, too.
Need More Support?
Follow me on Instagram @ashleyralphdoula for honest, encouraging content about postpartum recovery, newborn care, and motherhood that makes you feel seen.
Want to feel truly prepared?
Grab a copy of The Postpartum Blueprint—my $17 eBook packed with tips, checklists, and honest advice for navigating early motherhood with confidence.
Download my free “First 7 Days Postpartum Checklist”
This simple guide walks you through what to expect and how to care for yourself in those fragile first days.
Still packing your hospital bag?
Don’t forget to grab my free Hospital Bag Checklist so you feel calm and ready when the big day comes.
