Postpartum is raw, messy, and nothing like the movies. So here’s a no-fluff, no-filter blog post on the subject—just real talk on what happens after birth and the postpartum support you actually need.
Postpartum Care: The Gentle, No-Judgment Support Every New Mom Deserves
The moment you give birth, the world seems to shift all its focus onto the baby.
“How’s the baby sleeping?” “Is the baby eating enough?” “Look at those tiny fingers!”
But what about you? What about your healing, your mental health, your recovery from one of the most intense experiences your body will ever go through?
That’s where the need for postpartum care arises. That includes a comprehensive postpartum visit that evaluates your physical and psychological health.
We’re not talking about bouncing back here (let’s throw that phrase out the window). The focus here is true healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And the truth? Most moms don’t get nearly enough of it.
- Nearly 40% of women don’t even go to their postpartum checkups. (Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- The World Health Organization recommends at least four postnatal visits in the first six weeks—yet, more than 3 in 10 mothers and babies don’t receive any postnatal care at all. (Source: WHO)
So let’s talk about what real postpartum care should really look like.
Postpartum Recovery: Your Healing From Birth
Your body has grown an entire human. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body went through something major.
And now? Now, it’s supposed to heal.
The early postpartum period is when you monitor health risks that may arise shortly after giving birth. But healing isn’t only physical. It’s mental. Emotional. Hormonal. It’s waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.
Here’s what to expect:
- The first few weeks: You’ll likely feel soreness, exhaustion, and—let’s be honest—some heavy vaginal bleeding (which is totally normal but still kind of shocking).
- Up to six weeks postpartum: Your body is still deep in the recovery phase. Your pelvic floor muscles are healing, your hormones are all over the place, and you might still be experiencing vaginal discharge or breast engorgement if you’re breastfeeding.
- Your first postpartum visit: Ideally, that should happen within the first three weeks, with a more comprehensive checkup around six weeks postpartum to assess your healing, mental health, and any postpartum depressive symptoms. (Source: ACOG)
And here’s something important—you deserve more than one postpartum visit. The idea that one quick checkup at six weeks is enough? That’s outdated. True postpartum care means ongoing support, check-ins, and adjustments based on your needs.
At Bridges In Health, we’re changing the way you think about postpartum care. Healing takes time and support—not a one-time checkup and a pat on the back — and that’s what you’ll get here.
Infant Sleep: Why “Sleeping Like a Baby” Is a Myth
You’ve probably heard people say, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” It’s also possible that you’ve rolled your eyes every time you hear it. Because let’s be real—what if the baby only sleeps in 40-minute stretches? What if the baby only naps in your arms? What if the baby finally falls asleep, and you have a mountain of laundry, a hungry stomach, and zero energy left?
Newborn sleep is all over the place because
- Their tiny stomachs mean they wake up frequently to eat.
- Their sleep cycles are much shorter than ours.
- They don’t know the difference between day and night yet.
The result? You’re exhausted, and even when you do get a little sleep, it never feels like enough.
So, what helps?
- Forget “perfect” sleep schedules in the first few weeks. Focus on making sure the baby is fed, safe, and getting rest however they can.
- Safe sleep is the priority. Back sleeping, a firm mattress, no loose blankets—you already know the drill. But if the baby will only sleep in your arms, talk to a postpartum coach or sleep consultant for gentle ways to transition them to the crib.
- Take turns when you can. If you have a partner, trade shifts. If you don’t, lean on a postpartum doula or support system when possible.
Sleep is one of the hardest parts of postpartum. Bridges in Health knows that. That’s why the postpartum wellness coaching you’ll get from us includes real-life, practical strategies to help you navigate infant sleep challenges without unrealistic expectations.
Breastfeeding, Formula, and the Pressure to “Get It Right
Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s not always easy. And for some moms? It’s incredibly hard—painful, frustrating, and full of self-doubt. Here’s the truth: Every feeding journey looks different.
- Some moms breastfeed with no issues.
- Some struggle with latch, milk supply, or pain.
- Some supplement with formula, some exclusively pump, and some switch to formula completely.
And guess what? All of it is okay. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (Source: WHO), but that recommendation doesn’t account for the real-life struggles that many moms face.
If breastfeeding is hard, get support early:
- Lactation consultants offer assistance on latching, supply, and pumping.
- Postpartum coaches (like Dr. Kristal Lau) offer gentle, non-judgmental guidance to help you make the best choice for you and your baby.
- Breastfeeding medicine specialists help with medical concerns like mastitis, tongue ties, or low supply.
Know the Difference Between Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues
Postpartum emotions are real. And they hit hard.
One day, you’re staring at your baby with heart-melting love. The next, you’re crying because you dropped a sock. It’s okay. It’s normal. But how do you know if it’s baby blues or something more serious?
- Baby blues: Super common. Affects up to 80% of new moms. You might feel weepy, anxious, or overwhelmed, but it usually fades after two weeks.
- Postpartum depression (PPD): More intense, lasts longer, and could seriously impact your ability to function. It might feel like you’re drowning in sadness, guilt, or exhaustion that simply won’t go away.
And then there’s postpartum anxiety, which isn’t talked about enough. It’s not just about feeling sad—it’s feeling constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen. It’s overanalyzing every little thing, not being able to sleep even when the baby is sleeping, and feeling like you can’t relax.
Important: You are NOT failing if you’re struggling here. 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression (Source: WHO), and many more experience postpartum anxiety. The key is getting support—from a postpartum coach, therapist, support group, or even a trusted friend who gets it.
How Postpartum Coaches Provide Emotional Support
Think of a postpartum coach as your gentle, non-judgemental guide through the chaos of early motherhood. Not someone to tell you what to do—but someone to support you, encourage you and help you find what works best for you and your baby.
A postpartum coach helps with:
- Physical recovery: What’s normal? What’s not? How do you heal in a way that actually supports your body?
- Emotional support: Because some days, you simply need someone to remind you that you’re doing okay.
- Infant care: From infant sleep to feeding challenges, a postpartum coach helps take the stress out of figuring it all out on your own.
- Practical guidance: From scheduling postpartum visits to knowing when to call your healthcare provider, having someone to turn to makes all the difference.
- Referrals: They could point you to support groups for emotional support and counseling, especially if you have experienced pregnancy loss.
Your postpartum support should be ongoing, adaptable, and truly centered around your needs, your baby’s, and your family’s. We’ve got personalized care plans to ensure that don’t merely survive postpartum—but actually thrive.
Final Thoughts: Your Postpartum Care Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
Look, postpartum care isn’t a luxury. It’s not something you should have to “figure out” on your own.
- Your healing matters.
- Your mental health matters.
- You are not alone in this.
The World Health Organization has made it clear—postpartum care saves lives. It’s time we start treating it that way.
And if no one else has told you today: you are an incredible mother, even on the hard days.