Here’s what to expect the first week you bring baby home
Your body is going to feel like it has been through the ringer
While perfectly natural, giving birth certainly puts your body through a lot and you can be left feeling sore. Going to the bathroom will be a struggle, especially if you had to get stitches and your stomach will cramp as your uterus returns to its normal size. Most of these should pass after a little while but always discuss any problems or if you are worried about anything with your doctor.
Your doorbell will never stop
Well wishes will want to see your little bundle but you don’t need to offer every single one a cup of tea or even open the door. Family and friends won’t be put out as they will completely understand how you are feeling.
You will be tired beyond belief
Your body has just gone through a pretty traumatic experience, your emotions are all over the place and you will be getting very little sleep, so expect to feel tired. In fact, you will probably experience a sense of exhaustion like you have never before but knowing about it will better prepare you for it.
You will experience a new sense of perspective
You won’t care if the dishes are left piling up in the sink or that you haven’t put on clothes in a week, even when visitors call over. You will be too focused on your youngster that nothing that mattered before like appearance or how tidy your home is will matter.
You will cry, a lot
Expect to cry a lot during the first week and not just because you are sad. While many new mums can feel sad over how the birth went, you can blame exhaustion, hormones and adjusting to your new role for the neverending tears. Always talk to your midwife or GP if your feelings don’t ease or if they gradually get worse.
