What to Expect After Having a Baby: Navigating Your Postpartum Experience  

As a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse specializing in postpartum care at Foundation OB/GYN of Southern New Hampshire Health in Nashua, NH, I’ve supported many women through one of the most profound transitions of their lives: the journey into motherhood. My main goal is to help parents understand what to expect after having a baby, physically, emotionally, and mentally, so they feel prepared, validated, and supported. 

Understanding the Postpartum Experience 

The postpartum period, also called the fourth trimester, is a time of huge change. From physical changes after childbirth to emotional highs and lows, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Let’s talk about what’s typical, what’s not, and when it’s time to ask for help. 

Physical Changes After Childbirth: What’s Normal? 

Right after delivery, new moms experience a wide range of postpartum symptoms, many of which are surprising if no one prepared you for them. 

1. Uterine Cramping and Involution- Your uterus begins contracting right away, a process called involution. This can feel like menstrual cramps, sometimes quite intense. These afterpains help reduce bleeding and return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. 
2. Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)- You’ll experience postpartum bleeding, which starts off heavy and bright red. Over the next few weeks, the color changes to brown, pink, and finally a yellowish white. This discharge, called lochia, is normal, but call your provider if it’s unusually heavy or has a strong odor. 
3. Perineal Discomfort After Birth- Whether you had a natural tear or an episiotomy, perineal discomfort postpartum is common. We use ice packs in the hospital, and at home, I strongly recommend sitz baths to promote healing. You’ll also want to use a peri bottle for hygiene and may need stool softeners to ease bowel movements. 
4. Breast Engorgement After Birth- Between days 2–4, you may notice breast engorgement (swelling). Your milk coming in can cause hardness, swelling, and pain. If you're breastfeeding, feed often and use warm compresses. If you're not, avoid stimulation and use ice, NSAIDs, and a supportive bra. 

Postpartum Physical Recovery Tips for Home 

Here’s what to expect in the weeks following delivery: 

• Extreme Fatigue – You’ll wake up every two hours for feedings, so exhaustion is inevitable. Rest when you can and ask for help. 
• Postpartum Hair Loss – It can be alarming to see clumps of hair in the shower, but it’s normal. This peaks between 1–5 months postpartum and usually resolves by 6–15 months. 
• Postpartum Weight Loss – About 13 pounds are typically lost during delivery. Don’t stress about the scale. Half your pregnancy weight is usually gone within 6 weeks. 
• Vaginal Dryness Postpartum – Especially in breastfeeding moms, lower estrogen can cause vaginal dryness. This can affect intimacy. Talk to your provider about lubricants or estrogen-based solutions. 
• Postpartum Incontinence – Temporary urinary incontinence may occur from delivery-related pressure. Pelvic floor exercises and time usually help you recover within a year. 
• When Can I Resume Sex? – At your six-week checkup, we’ll talk about when it’s safe to resume intimacy, but every mom’s recovery timeline is unique. 

Emotional Changes Postpartum: Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression 

One of the most under-discussed parts of postpartum health is mental well-being. Here’s how I explain it: 

Baby Blues 

Many moms feel emotional, teary, or overwhelmed between two days and week two. This is common and usually short-lived. We call this the baby blues. 

You might feel like crying at any moment. These emotions are normal, caused by shifting hormones and sleep deprivation. They usually pass on their own.  

Postpartum Depression 

If you feel disconnected from your baby, hopeless, or have intrusive thoughts beyond the first two weeks, it might be postpartum depression. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, postpartum depression affects about 10-15% of women and is more serious than the baby blues. 

If you’re feeling depressed, not bonding, or hopeless, please reach out. We screen for postpartum depression and are trained to help. 

It is important to note that fathers may also experience postpartum depression. A 2019 study found that, “Occurring in approximately 8 to 10 percent of fathers, postpartum depression has the highest prevalence within 3 to 6 months postpartum but might insidiously develop over a year rather than four weeks postpartum. Additionally, irritability, indecisiveness, and restricted range of emotion might be observed more frequently in men.” 

When to Call Your Provider Postpartum 

Call your provider or go to the hospital if you experience: 

• A fever over 100.4°F 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Heavy bleeding or large clots 
• Fainting or shortness of breath 
• Chest pain 
• Vision changes or severe headaches 
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness 

Postpartum Support in Nashua, NH 

At Foundation OB/GYN in Nashua, we understand the complexity of the postpartum journey. You’re not alone. 

Local Resources for Postpartum Support in Nashua: 

• Southern New Hampshire Health Birth Center Classes 
• Behavioral Health Services in Nashua, NH 
   

You can call our office anytime, during or after hours, to speak with someone who understands and can help. We’re here for you. 

Remember, Your Recovery Is Unique 

Recovering after childbirth is not linear. It’s not just about the physical healing. It's about adjusting to your new role, understanding your body, and giving yourself grace. 

If you're in the Nashua, NH area, our team is here to support you with comprehensive postnatal care, mental health screening, lactation help, and resources for every stage of your recovery. 

Learn more or make an appointment

Jodie Piccirillo is an APRN at Foundation OB/GYN of Southern New Hampshire Health.