Week 1 postpartum
In short: what happens in week 1 postpartum?
In week 1 postpartum your womb shrinks quickly from the level of your belly button to about 500 g. Bleeding starts red and heavy, turning pinkish-brown by the week’s end. For the first 2–3 days your baby feeds on colostrum; milk usually comes in on days 2–5. Emotional ups and downs (the baby blues) are common this week.
Week 1 postpartum – animated guide
Week 1 (days {from}–{to}): the postpartum dial, womb, postnatal bleeding and your baby’s development (illustrative animation).
Mum
Afterpains are felt especially while breastfeeding; they show that your womb is shrinking. Stitches or a caesarean wound begin to heal; the first wee and first poo can feel daunting, but plenty of water and fibre help prevent constipation.
Your baby today
Your baby may lose up to 7% of their birth weight in the first days; this is normal. Black-green meconium turns green on days 3–4, then yellow. Jaundice may start on days 2–3; the heel prick test and hearing screening are done this week.
Feeding and nutrition
Feed your baby 8–12 times in 24 hours, whenever they want. When your milk comes in your breasts feel full; frequent feeds and a cold compress after feeding bring relief.
Emotions and rest
Tearfulness, unexplained sadness and anxiety affect most mothers around days 3–5 and usually pass within 2 weeks. Sleep is your best medicine.
Check-ups
A check for you and your baby is recommended in the first 24 hours after birth and again within the first week after going home.
Tips for today
- Sleep when your baby sleeps
- Change your pad every 4–6 hours and wipe from front to back
- Keep visitors to a minimum in the first week
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of fluid a day
When to seek medical help
Seek help straight away if bleeding soaks a pad completely within an hour, you pass clots the size of an egg, or you have a temperature above 38 °C, a severe headache, chest pain or breathlessness. Jaundice in a baby in the first 24 hours is also an emergency.
Postpartum week by week
Bleeding, Colostrum and Milk
Womb Shrinking, Cord Falling Off
Growth Spurt and Emotional Health
Bleeding Easing, First Month
Exercise, Sex and Contraception
The 6-Week Check and Day 40
Frequently asked questions
How much bleeding is normal in the first week after birth?
For the first 3–4 days it is heavier than a period and red, and there may be small clots. It lessens towards the end of the week and turns pinkish-brown.
When does breast milk come in?
Usually 2–5 days after the birth; it may be a little later after a caesarean. Until then, colostrum meets all your baby’s needs.
When do stitches heal after birth?
Episiotomy stitches usually heal within 1–2 weeks and dissolve on their own. Increasing pain, redness or discharge needs checking.
Is it normal for a baby to lose weight in the first week?
Yes, a loss of up to 7% is normal; babies usually regain their birth weight by days 10–14.
Postnatal care at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for a postnatal check, breastfeeding problems, a stitch or wound check, or support with postnatal depression.
The information on this page is general guidance for an uncomplicated postpartum period and does not replace a medical examination. Heavy bleeding, fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby are emergencies: call your local emergency number (999 / 911 / 112).
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus