Postpartum: The First 40 Days You’re Not Told About
Welcoming a new baby is exciting and joyful, but it can also bring uncertainty and overwhelm. Many parents have questions as they adjust to the major changes that come with a newborn. This guide provides reliable information to help you care for yourself, your baby, and your growing family.
The first 40 days after birth—often called the postpartum period—begin right after delivery and continue until your body has nearly returned to its pre-pregnancy state, usually within 6 to 8 weeks. This is crucial and considered as a sacred period for recovery and bonding for mother and her new born.
During this time, you will experience emotional and physical shifts while learning how to care for your newborn and adapt to your new family dynamics.
1. Your Body Needs More Time to Heal
Your body has just done something extraordinary: it created and delivered a newborn baby. Healing is not supposed to be rushed. After nine long months, you’re finally home with your baby, but remember that your own healing also matters. You’ll need rest, good nutrition, and support to rebuild your strength. Be patient with yourself—recovery takes time.
Newborns often wake every two to three hours to feed, which can be exhausting. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps and prioritize rest whenever possible.
Tips for caring for your body and mind
- Eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals each day.
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
- Rest whenever your baby sleeps.
- Add gentle physical activity—start with daily walks.
- Make time for activities you enjoyed before having your baby.
- Share how you’re feeling with your partner, friends, or family.
- Ask for help when you need it, and accept support when offered.
- Connect with other new parents through local programs, classes, or support groups.
If you aren’t feeling well physically or emotionally, speak with your healthcare provider.
2. You Don’t Need to “Bounce Back”
The first days and weeks after birth are about adjusting—not rushing. It’s normal to feel emotional, and some days will be harder than others. Your body is still changing, both physically and emotionally. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even longer before you feel like yourself again. You are evolving and not returning.
Try to keep realistic expectations about your body’s appearance and abilities during this period.
Schedule a postpartum visit with your provider 2 to 6 weeks after giving birth. If you have concerns before that appointment, reach out health care provider sooner.
3. Healing Food > (Matters More Than) Dieting
Your body needs warmth, nourishment, and softness and not calorie counting. Healthy eating supports your recovery and helps you care for your baby. What you eat and drink plays a major role in how you feel, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Healthy eating tips
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods each day.
- Drink water when you’re thirsty—it supports milk production.
- Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
- Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks.
- Include healthy fats like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and vegetable oils.
- Limit foods high in added salt, sugar, or saturated fats.
- Reduce saturated fats like butter, cheese, and red meat.
Many new parents want to lose pregnancy weight quickly, but strict dieting or rapid weight loss can be harmful—especially when you are breastfeeding. It often takes several months to lose pregnancy weight. Focus on whole foods, limit high-fat snacks, and add regular exercise to gradually rebuild strength and tone.
4. You Might Cry, A Lot
Postpartum emotions can be intense. You may notice physical changes, emotional ups and downs, and a slower-than-expected return to your previous weight. Be patient—healing takes time. It doesn’t make you weak but makes you a strong mother.
Once your provider gives clearance, begin exercising slowly and build up gradually with activities like walking, swimming, or gentle aerobics.
What’s normal
- The “baby blues” are common a few days after birth.
- Hormones fluctuate dramatically, affecting mood and clarity.
- You may also face abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding & discharge, constipation, haemorrhoids, perineum soreness, sore nipples and breasts
- Postpartum anxiety is normal—you may worry about your baby and new responsibilities.
- Some parents experience intrusive thoughts; your provider can help you get support.
- Taking care of yourself helps you care for your baby—eat well, rest, take breaks, and find moments to relax.
- Sharing your feelings with others can reduce stress and help you cope.
Newborns operate on a very different schedule than adults. Waking every three hours for feeding and comforting can leave you exhausted for months.
Tips for coping with exhaustion
- Let others handle any responsibilities not related to feeding or your own care.
- Keep your baby’s bed close to yours for nighttime feedings.
- Don’t feel pressured to entertain guests—step away to nap or feed your baby.
- Go outside daily for fresh air and movement.
- Take care of your emotional needs by asking for help, hugging someone you trust, or taking short breaks.
5. Bonding Requires Presence, Not Perfection
Your baby grows and develops quickly. During this time, they learn how to form close relationships, manage emotions, and explore the world. These early experiences shape their emotional health. Skin-to-skin, breathing together & staring into their tiny eyes. That’s enough.
Your connection with your baby—and their relationships with other caregivers—helps form secure attachment. This bonding supports brain development and long-term emotional well-being.
Your baby’s brain continues to grow rapidly after birth. Experiences and interactions shape their learning, problem-solving, and social skills. Positive, consistent, nurturing relationships support healthy brain development and reduce stress.
Skin-to-skin contact soon after birth helps bonding and boosts confidence. It reduces stress for both you and your baby. Continue skin-to-skin as much as you can in the early days and weeks.
Focus on your baby’s basic needs—feeding, soothing, diapering, sleep, and safety. Being emotionally present matters more than doing everything perfectly.
6. Your Relationship May Feel Different
A new baby changes your family dynamics particularly in intimacy and communication shifts. You and your partner may have less quality time and more stress, which can be challenging. You’re both learning a brand-new world.
Be patient with each other. Every couple goes through an adjustment period after welcoming a baby. Things get easier as routines form.
Tips for maintaining connection
- Communicate openly about how you’re feeling.
- If someone in the family feels left out, address it with kindness.
- Don’t feel guilty about carving out time alone with your partner.
- Reach out for help—whether from your family, community, or online support group
7. You Deserve Help—Ask for It
Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends—during the postpartum period and beyond. Your body is healing, and having support at home gives you the rest you need.
Caring for a newborn demands time and energy. Extra help with household tasks reduces stress and allows you and your partner to focus on yourselves and the baby rather than chores.
Conclusion
The first 40 days postpartum are not just a transitional phase — they’re a critical window of healing and growth. Your body, mind, and relationships are all in flux. It’s not about “bouncing back” quickly; it’s about repairing, bonding, and building a foundation for life as a parent.
Give yourself grace. Accept help. Take care of you just as much as you take care of your baby. And if things ever feel overwhelming — physically or emotionally — it’s okay to reach out for professional support.
