This blog is written by Lauren Brenton from One Mama Midwife Antenatal Classes.
The first six weeks after your baby is born is often referred to as the fourth trimester. The reason it’s called the fourth trimester is because it is just as much of a physical and emotional adjustment as the trimesters of pregnancy. You’re adjusting to life with a newborn, your body is healing, your hormones are going haywire and you’re getting used to being sleep deprived.
Let’s talk through some of the most common issues that arise during this time, what’s normal, and a few ways to make things a little easier.
1. Engorgement and Breastfeeding
Your milk usually comes in around day three to five (however, for some women, this could be up to day 10) after birth, and while that’s a positive sign that your body is doing its job, it can also mean full, tender breasts and sometimes engorgement.
If you’re feeling like your breasts are rock-hard or uncomfortable, gentle hand expression or using the Haakaa Ladybug Silicone Breast Milk Collector can offer relief while also catching that precious let-down that would otherwise go to waste. Use caution to only express small amounts of breastmilk to make you comfortable, rather than expressing large amounts, as you want to avoid creating an oversupply.
If your nipples are sore or cracked, check your baby’s latch first, book an appointment with a lactation consultant and consider using a Haakaa Silicone Nipple Shield if the pain is caused by flat or inverted nipples. Remember, nipple pain should never be something you just put up with, and it’s usually a sign that positioning needs a tweak.
2. Baby Blues
It is very common for new mums to experience the “baby blues” around days three to ten postpartum. It’s that teary, emotional, sometimes overwhelmed feeling that tends to ease on its own after a week or two. At this time, women go through one of the biggest hormonal changes of their lives, the hormones of pregnancy turn off and the hormones of breastfeeding turn on.
These hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the huge life shift all play a role. Be gentle with yourself, talk to your partner or a trusted friend, and accept help wherever you can.
If sadness, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts last more than two weeks, it’s important to reach out to your GP, midwife, the Gidget Foundation, COPE or PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) as great starting points.
3. Recovery from Birth (Vaginal or Caesarean)
Whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth, your body deserves time and support to heal.
Vaginal births - Expect some perineal tenderness or stitches. Keep the area clean (a peri bottle can help with this), rest as much as possible, and try warm salt baths for comfort.
Caesarean births - Focus on gentle movement, good posture, and pain relief as needed. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for 6 weeks and give your scar plenty of air when possible.
4. Sleep (or lack of)
Newborn babies are unpredictable, and contrary to popular belief, they don’t feed like clockwork every 3 hours. Just like us, they don’t take an entrée, main and dessert every time they feed, so the length of time between feeds will vary. It’s important to follow your baby and feed on demand, unless there is a specific plan in place by your lactation consultant. Feeding so often is exhausting, so try to rest whenever you can; even short naps add up. I always found the best way to get naps in was to alternate with your partner, so that you both take turns napping rather than trying to nap at the same time.
This is also a time to let go of perfection. The washing and cleaning can wait. Your body and baby are your priorities right now.
5. Feeding Challenges
Whether you’re breastfeeding, expressing, or formula feeding, the early weeks can bring questions and worries about supply.
If you’re breastfeeding, frequent feeding and skin-to-skin are the best ways to establish and maintain your supply. For expressing, Haakaa’s Gen 3 Pump or Manual Silicone Pump can help you gently build up a small stash without overstimulating.
If formula feeding, remember that bonding happens through closeness, not just through milk. Eye contact, cuddles, and responsiveness matter far more than how your baby is fed.
6. The Endless Nappies
You’ll change what feels like hundreds of nappies in those first few weeks, and sometimes nappy rash just happens. Keep the area dry, use a barrier cream, and give your baby some nappy-free time. If redness doesn’t improve within a few days, or if there’s broken skin, see your GP or child health nurse. If you stored up colostrum during pregnancy in your Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collectors, this can be perfect for helping to heal nappy rash, also.
7. Adjusting to the New Normal
The first six weeks aren’t about “getting back” to anything; they’re about finding your new normal. Some days will feel calm, others chaotic and overwhelming. That’s okay.
Remember, this time isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about bonding, learning, and growing together.
It is okay to have days where you just rest and do nothing but enjoy those cute little baby snuggles.
If you’re looking to make your postpartum recovery and feeding journey smoother, explore Haakaa’s postpartum and breastfeeding range to make the little things easier when it matters most.
Written by Lauren Brenton, Endorsed Midwife & Founder, One Mama Midwife pty ltd.