The first two weeks at home
What is normal, and what is not.
Expect afterpains, cramping that is worse during feeding and worse after a second or later baby. Expect heavy night sweats. Expect hemorrhoids and a genuine fear of the first bowel movement, for which stool softeners and drinking plenty are the answer and should be asked for before you leave.
Expect to feel emotionally unstable for the first week or two. Persistent low mood, inability to sleep even when the baby sleeps, intrusive frightening thoughts, or feeling disconnected from your baby beyond about two weeks are different, and should be reported.
What to arrange before the birthSomeone to be with you for the first days, food that does not require cooking, and stool softeners. Practical support is the intervention nobody prescribes.
Where this comes from:
173. Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, Barry MJ, Caughey AB, Davidson KW, et al. Interventions to prevent perinatal depression: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2019;321(6):580-587.
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More from After the birth
This page is educational. It supports the conversation with your own clinicians. It is not consent to any treatment, and it cannot assess you. If you are worried about a symptom now, see urgent warning signs.