Early days

Your baby after the birth

Having skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after the birth can help you bond and can also help with getting breastfeeding started.

First feed, weight gain and nappies

Some babies feed immediately after birth and others take a little longer.

The midwives will help you, whether you choose to:

• breastfeed
• feed with formula
• combine breast and bottle feeds

It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. Putting on weight steadily after this is a sign your baby is healthy and feeding well.

Read more about your baby's weight, and how to change your baby's nappies.

Tests and checks for your baby

A children's doctor (paediatrician), midwife or newborn (neonatal) nurse will check your baby is well and will offer to do a newborn physical examination within 72 hours of birth.

In the early days, the midwife will check your baby for signs of:

• jaundice
• infection of the umbilical cord or eyes
• thrush in the mouth

They'll also check your baby's temperature, weight and reflexes.

On day 5 after the birth, or sometimes a few days later, you'll be offered the newborn blood spot (heel prick) test for your baby.

Before your baby is 4 weeks old you should be offered a newborn hearing screening test.

If your baby is in special care, these tests may be done there. If your baby is at home, the tests may be done at your home or in a clinic by the community midwife team.

Safe sleeping for your baby

Make sure you know how to put your baby to sleep safely to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2 weeks and beyond

Around this time your baby's care will move from a midwife to a health visitor.

The health visitor will check your baby's growth and development at regular appointments and record this in your baby's personal child health record (PCHR), also known as their "red book".

Most babies will regain their birthweight in the first 3 weeks.

You do not need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully instead.

You after the birth

The maternity staff caring for you will check you're recovering well after the birth.

They will take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure, as well as checking your breathing, how much you're bleeding, and if you're able to pee and poo.

They'll also feel your tummy to make sure your womb is shrinking back to its normal size.

Some women feel tummy pain when their womb shrinks, especially when they're breastfeeding. This is normal.

You'll also be asked about how you're feeling after giving birth.

Seeing a midwife or health visitor

Midwives will agree a plan with you for visits at home or at a children's centre until your baby is around 10 days old. This is to check that you and your baby are well and support you in these first few days.

You and your baby will also be seen by a health visitor when your baby is around 10 to 14 days old. This may be at home, or at a GP surgery, clinic or children's centre.

The health visiting team will check your baby's development, and give you ongoing support and advice for things like feeding, sleep, and your emotions and wellbeing.

Bleeding after the birth (postnatal bleeding)

You'll have bleeding (lochia) from your vagina for a few weeks after you give birth.

The bleeding usually stops after 6 to 8 weeks, but it can last longer. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor if you're worried.

Read more about your body after the birth, including when you might need urgent medical attention.

Feeding your baby

When you're breastfeeding in the early days, breastfeed your baby as often as they want. This can be very frequent early on, sometimes every hour.

Let your baby decide when they've had enough (this is called responsive feeding).

You can express your breast milk if you're having problems with breastfeeding caused by problems such as breast engorgement or mastitis.

Get breastfeeding and bottle feeding advice.

Your baby's crying

Crying is your baby's way of telling you they need comfort and care. It can be hard to know what they need, especially in the early days.

There are ways you can soothe your crying baby.

How you feel

You may feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is normal.

If these feelings start later or last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth, it could be a sign of postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression and anxiety are common, and there is treatment. Speak to your midwife, GP or health visitor as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed or anxious.

Find out how to cope if you feel stressed after having a baby. There are services and support for new parents that may help.

Sex and contraception

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready after having a baby.

There are no rules about when to have sex after giving birth. Every woman's physical and emotional changes are different.

You need to start using contraception from 21 days after the birth every time you have sex if you do not want to get pregnant again.

Talk to your doctor, midwife or contraception (family planning) nurse about contraception after having a baby. They can arrange contraception before you have sex for the first time.

Exercise

Being active may feel like a challenge when you're tired, but gentle exercise can help your body recover and may help you feel more energetic.

Gentle exercise can include walking, gentle stretches, and pelvic floor and tummy exercises.

It's important to do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles around your bladder, vagina and anus that become weaker through pregnancy and childbirth.

It's a good idea to wait until after your 6 to 8-week check before returning to more high-impact exercise, such as aerobics or running.

Find out more about your post-pregnancy body and keeping fit and healthy with a baby.