It's important to look after yourself as well as your new baby and don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Being a new parent can be daunting, its normal to feel a mix of emotions. Giving birth also affects your physical health and recovery will take time. In this section you can find more information on keeping you and your baby healthy during the first year.
Recovering from birth
Visit Bump, Birth and Beyond to find out more about the first weeks with your new baby and care you will receive from the midwifery services. Recovery after birth will take time depending on the type of birth you had, even with a straight forward vaginal birth you will need time heal. It's important to let your body recover.
Recovering from a vaginal birth is very individual. If you had stitches, tears or an episiotomy cut, it will take longer to heal. Regular baths or showers with plain warm water will keep the area clean. Changing your maternity pad regularly and washing your hands before and after going to the toilet will all help prevent an infection.
Your post-birth bleeding (lochia) will usually continue for about six weeks after birth. If your stitches are sore or uncomfortable, or you start to feel unwell tell your midwife, health visitor or GP.
A caesarean is a major operation and your recovery will usually take longer than a vaginal birth. You'll need to stay in hospital for at least one night to make sure all is well before returning home. Your midwife will give you advice on wound management and how to manage your pain levels. You will most likely be in some pain and discomfort - taking painkillers will help you physically and also make it easier for you to enjoy your new baby. Some gentle activities, such as going for a short walk, will help you recover and help reduce the risk of blood clots but be careful not to overdo it.
Breastfeeding after a caesarean is possible. You may have to try different positions to feed and care for your baby, lying down on your side or 'laid back' or sat up and well supported by pillows are all good options to try. Speak to your midwife or health visitor for more support.
You should be able to hold and carry your baby once you get home. For other activities including driving, exercising, having sex or carrying anything heavier than your baby, you'll need to wait until you feel comfortable, possibly six weeks or more. Ask your midwife or health visitor for advice if you're unsure when it's safe to start returning to your normal activities.
Your emotional wellbeing
Every birth experience is different. Even when things go smoothly, adjusting to life with a newborn can feel overwhelming at times. If your birth was difficult — or if you or your baby needed emergency care — you may need a little extra support as you process what happened. A birth can feel traumatic for many reasons: things happening unexpectedly, feeling out of control, or concerns about your own or your baby's health and safety. Your partner or birth partner may have been affected too.
Healing after birth takes time, and there is no fixed timeline for how you should feel. What matters most is that you don't face it alone.
If your mood is low and not improving a couple of weeks after birth, or if you're struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, please reach out for support. Some options include:
A birth debrief: Your hospital can arrange a conversation with an independent midwife (not involved in your care) to help you make sense of what happened and the decisions that were made
Your health visitor: They check in on every parent's mental health and wellbeing at every visit, with a longer conversation at your six-to-eight week appointment. You don't need to wait, you can contact your local team any time if you're struggling
Your GP: If any part of your pregnancy, birth or feeding experience has felt traumatic, your GP can help connect you with the right support
NHS talking therapies: Confidential, effective, and delivered by fully trained practitioners, these can help with stress, anxiety, depression, and more
More support and real stories
Our emotional and mental wellbeing section includes resources and recordings of local parents sharing their own experiences. Sometimes hearing from others who have been through something similar is the most reassuring thing of all.
Need to talk right now?
You can also phone the Perinatal Mental Health Helpline on 0800 107 0160 available 24/7 for parents to be and new parents. You can find more mental health support for yourself or others at the Medway Health and Wellbeing Information Hub.
Your pelvic health
Your pelvic floor muscles are put under more strain during pregnancy. Kent WEPP is a free, NHS-backed programme with safe exercise videos, pelvic health guidance, and wellbeing support — designed specifically for pregnancy and the postnatal period. Created for all fitness levels, including complete beginners.