Your whole life has changed and there is no right or wrong way to feel right now. Some women feel overwhelmed at the idea of being a parent and managing the needs of a tiny baby; others feel more relaxed and assured.
It is natural to experience a rollercoaster of emotions thanks to your postpartum hormones — a combination of intense love, joy, uncertainty, sleep deprivation, and even boredom… all in the same 24 hours.
Physically, you may feel sore and tired. It takes about six weeks for your body to recover from pregnancy and return to normal. Give yourself time, relax whenever you can, and above all, celebrate the amazing job you have done.
Use your time in hospital to rest and recover, bond with your new baby, and learn to care for them. We will see you after birth to ensure you understand the delivery, answer any questions, and address any concerns.
There are also a number of specialists on hand to provide assistance when you need:
We’ll ensure your recovery is progressing well and provide guidance on emotional and physical health. This includes:
Eating well and maintaining a balanced diet
Resting as much as possible
Limiting visitors to allow rest and bonding
Asking for pain relief if you need it
Using ice packs on stitches for comfort
Drinking water and eating fibre-rich food
Remember, if at any time you are worried about how you are feeling — physically or emotionally — talk to someone.