Healing After Birth: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Giving birth is one of the most powerful things your body can do - and it deserves the same care, patience, and understanding as any other major physical event. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth, a caesarean section, or an assisted delivery, healing after birth takes time, support, and gentle attention.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what postpartum healing looks like in the first few weeks, what’s considered normal, and when to seek help. Because the more you know, the more confident and reassured you’ll feel.

Why Postpartum Recovery Looks Different for Everyone

There’s no one-size-fits-all postpartum experience. Your recovery will depend on:

• The type of birth you had
• Whether you had stitches or complications
• Your overall health and pre-birth wellbeing
• Whether you’re also adjusting to baby feeding, sleep deprivation, and emotional changes

Some people feel almost back to themselves in a couple of weeks. Others may take longer - and that’s OK.

Physical Healing: What to Expect After Vaginal Birth

1. Lochia (Postpartum Bleeding)

You’ll experience bleeding and discharge for up to 6 weeks after birth. This is your body’s way of shedding the lining of the uterus post birth.

What’s normal:

• Red, heavy bleeding for the first few days
• Gradual shift to pink, brown, then yellow-white
• Small clots (no larger than a 50p coin)
• A blood-like smell - not foul

Seek help if:

• You pass large clots or soaking through pads hourly
• The blood has a strong, unpleasant smell
• You develop fever, chills, or feel faint

Stay dry and comfortable with absorbent Maternity Pads, changing them every few hours or when needed.

2. Perineal Stitches and Tearing

If you tore or had an episiotomy, you may have stitches. These usually dissolve within 10 days, though ask your midwife or doctor for specific advice on your situation.

How to care for stitches:

• Keep the area clean with warm water
• Pat dry - don’t rub. A Post-Birth Wash Bottle really helps with keeping clean and soothing a sore area
• Let air circulate when you can (yes, that means no pants sometimes!)
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised

Watch out for: increased pain, discharge, or swelling around the area. These could be signs of infection – if you suspect this, speak to your midwife or GP as soon as possible.

Physical Healing After a C-Section

A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, and your body needs time to recover.

What’s Normal:

• Pain and tightness around the incision
• Post birth bleeding (just like vaginal birth)
• Fatigue and limited mobility
• Numbness or tingling around the scar

Wound care:

• Keep the incision clean and dry
• Wear high-waisted, breathable underwear
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby
• Consider a C-Section Hydrogel Pad after 10 days

Call your GP if you notice:

• Pus, redness, or warmth around the wound
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Sharp, worsening pain in your abdomen

What’s Normal Discomfort vs. When to Seek Help?

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re not “bothering” anyone - speak up and ask for help.

Emotional Healing:

Your mental and emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing.

The Baby Blues

These affect up to 80% of new mums and usually hit around day 3–5. Caused by hormonal shifts, symptoms include:

• Tearfulness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Mood swings

They typically resolve within a week. But if your mood stays low or you feel detached, anxious, or hopeless - especially beyond two weeks - it could be postnatal depression or anxiety. Reach out to your midwife or health visitor for support and advice.

Healing and Feeding: What to Know

If you’re breastfeeding, you may face challenges in the first weeks that affect your physical and emotional recovery:

• Nipple pain or cracks
• Engorgement or mastitis
• Latch difficulties

Pain isn’t something you have to “push through.” Support is available from your midwife, infant feeding team, or local breastfeeding group.

Recovery Tips

• Hydrate: Especially important if you’re breastfeeding or healing from surgery.
• Eat nutrient-rich meals: Include fibre, protein, and iron-rich foods to help tissue repair and combat fatigue.
• Take pain relief: Don’t be a hero—paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe while breastfeeding.
• Rest when you can: Lie down, put your feet up, and accept offers of help.
• Breathe and check in: How’s your mind? How’s your body? Is today manageable?

Midwife’s Top Tips

• Healing isn’t linear - some days will feel harder than others
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help with feeding, mood or pain
• Keep a note of symptoms that change suddenly - especially bleeding, fever, or persistent headaches
• Drink water, eat small meals, and move gently when you feel ready
• You matter too - prioritise yourself, not just your baby

Healing after birth is a physical and emotional process. It’s not about “bouncing back” or pretending you’re fine. It’s about listening to your body, honouring what you’ve just done, and seeking support when you need it. You brought life into the world. Now it’s time to care for yourself, too.