Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing and exciting experience, but the postpartum period can be overwhelming for many new parents. Whether you're a new or seasoned parent, our weekly postpartum guides offer key insights into each stage to help you recover, heal, and support your mental health after giving birth.

At Chiyo, we're committed to supporting your postpartum journey with our evidence-based Postpartum Restore Program, designed to nourish your mind and body after birth. Our meals feature nourishing ingredients to promote healing, rebuilding, and recovery, to ensure you have the strength to care for yourself and your baby during this important time. 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 1

Here's what you may experience during your first week after welcoming your baby:

• Hormonal shifts: A sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone can lead to mood swings, night sweats, and heightened emotions.
• Physical healing: Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body is recovering. You may feel uterine cramping, vaginal soreness, and abdominal pain as your uterus contracts.
• Digestive changes: Constipation is common in the first week postpartum.
• Adjusting to breastfeeding: If you’re a breastfeeding mother, this is a crucial time for establishing your milk supply. You may experience nipple soreness, breast fullness, and tenderness.
• Mood swings and sensitivity: Many mothers experience the “baby blues,” including mood swings, frequent crying, and anxiety. These feelings typically improve within a few weeks with rest, support, and self-care.
  

 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 2

The second week postpartum remains a pivotal time for both you and your baby. You may still experience fluctuations in energy, heightened emotions, and hormonal changes. Here’s what you may be experiencing:

• Adjusting to a new routine: Establishing a daily routine will become more manageable as you learn to understand and predict your baby's needs. Sharing responsibilities with your partner can help create balance and support.
• Physical recovery: Vaginal bleeding (lochia) continues but gradually decreases, changing from bright red to pink, brown, and eventually yellowish-white. Blood clots may still appear, varying in size from small droplets to larger clots. After a C-section, postpartum bleeding may be brighter red and more stringy due to the surgical removal of the uterine lining.
• Uterine contractions: Mild uterine contractions may persist but are typically less intense. If you had a vaginal birth, perineal discomfort from stitches or tears may still be present as healing progresses.
• Health check-ins: Most women should have contact with their obstetrician or healthcare provider within the first three weeks postpartum.

 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 3

By the third week postpartum, you may find yourself gradually adjusting to the new rhythms and routines of motherhood. Energy levels continue to fluctuate as your body heals and hormonal shifts combined with sleep disruptions continue to impact your emotions. Here’s what you may experience this week:

• Physical recovery: Lochia  continues to lighten, transitioning to a yellowish-white discharge as your uterus heals. By the end of this week, most blood clots should have passed, and your uterus is steadily returning to its pre-pregnancy size and position.
• Emotional Changes: Many mothers begin to feel more emotionally stable as the baby blues start to fade. You may also feel a growing sense of confidence in understanding your baby’s cues, such as recognizing hunger and tiredness. 

 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 4

By the fourth week postpartum, you may find yourself settling into a new rhythm as your body continues to heal and you adjust to life with your baby. This week also marks the end of the traditional postpartum confinement period observed in many cultures, such as the Chinese practice of zuoyuezi ("sitting the month"). Here’s what you may be experiencing:

• Physical recovery and joint care: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin helped loosen joints and ligaments to prepare for childbirth. Relaxin remains in your system for up to eight weeks postpartum, so it is important to be mindful of joint strain when holding or nursing your baby. 
• Emotional growth: As you continue to bond with your baby, your emotional stability improves. Many mothers begin to feel more confident and at ease in their caregiving role.
• Improved immunity: In the first few weeks postpartum, both you and your baby had a lower immune defense, which may have left you feeling especially fatigued or worn out. By week four, your immune system is beginning to strengthen, which will help you regain energy and resilience for the weeks ahead.

 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 5

At five weeks postpartum, you may feel more comfortable in your new role, gaining confidence in your parenting skills and finding a rhythm in daily routines. You may even start reclaiming small moments of independence. Here’s what you might experience this week:

• Settling into new routines: By now, you’re likely feeling more in tune with your baby’s needs and behaviors, making daily routines feel smoother and more predictable. Trust your instincts—you’re doing great!
• Swelling: Many women experience swelling in their hands, feet, and face during pregnancy due to excess fluids. While this usually subsides within a few weeks postpartum, some may notice prolonged swelling, which can affect physical appearance and perception of post-pregnancy weight. 
• Vaginal healing: Around this week, your vaginal healing process largely depends on the severity of any vaginal tears that occurred during childbirth. Recovery time depends on the severity of any vaginal tears sustained during childbirth.
  

 

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Postpartum Experience: Week 6

Chiyo supports the postpartum period with our evidence-based Postpartum Restore Program, designed to nourish your mind and body after birth. We focus on healing, rebuilding, and recovery, to make sure you can care for yourself and your baby during this important time. 

• We focus on key nutrients like iron, vitamin C, lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats to support hormone regulation, tissue repair, digestion, and lactation during the postpartum period. 
• Our meals are nutritionist-approved and come with health-coaching check-ins.
• Our program is highly customizable to best support your needs. 
• We use nutrient-dense ingredients to support long-term health, rest, and recovery in the first 40 days after birth.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start focusing on self-care again?

Self-care is crucial from the beginning. Start with small activities that support your joy and relaxation, even if just for a few minutes a day. It's essential to prioritize yourself, especially with the many demands of caring for a newborn. Take time for activities that restore your spirit, whether it’s a warm shower, a face mask, or listening to your favorite music. You deserve a massage with ALL the essential oils.

What should I do if I'm struggling emotionally after childbirth?

Reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional if you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or feel overwhelmed. Seeking help is a sign of strength and can make a significant difference in your well-being. Check out these resources from Postpartum Support International to connect with the right support. 

 

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