Motherhood brings an incredible transformation in every sense—from the physical to the emotional—including your relationships, priorities, and even your hobbies. Everything changes with the arrival of a baby! Facing all of this in the first days, combined with fatigue and hormonal changes , can feel like a shock. Take a breath. Knowing what you may face during the postpartum period can help you navigate this transition. In this article, discover what these first moments can be like and what you can do to overcome the obstacles that may appear along the way.

Fears and expectations: your worst enemies

The first thing you should know is that expectations and reality don’t always go hand in hand. Some women feel afraid when they arrive home with their baby in their arms: Will I be able to do it? What do I do if a problem arises? How are we going to take care of him? This is completely normal. Remember that you’re facing something entirely new—an unknown experience you’ll learn day by day through trial and error. Lowering expectations and putting negative thoughts into perspective can help you experience the postpartum period more calmly and realistically.

It’s also important to grieve your previous life. The arrival of your little adventurer will bring many changes to your daily routine. Routines and schedules will inevitably shift: a newborn needs constant care, rest, and feeding… It’s likely these changes will also turn your priorities upside down. And that’s okay. Let your new life begin!

Physical recovery takes time

After childbirth, women experience what is known as loquios . This is a discharge expelled through the vagina that contains remnants of pregnancy (blood, fluid, and placental tissue). It usually lasts between 15 days and a month and a half and doesn’t pose any major problems beyond the inconvenience of wearing a pad, as it isn’t painful. Another mechanism that begins after childbirth to help your body return to its pre-pregnancy state is *entuertos*. These are contractions that help the uterus regain its original size. They occur in the days following childbirth, and their intensity depends on whether this is your first pregnancy, as they tend to be more painful after a second birth. The reason? The uterine muscles have loosened more, and it takes longer for them to return to their usual state.

A vaginal delivery doesn’t have to cause physical or emotional aftereffects, but each woman will experience it in her own way— very personal . You should also keep in mind that childbirth is an unpredictable process, and things may unfold differently than expected.

If you’ve had an intervention such as a cesarean section or an instrumental delivery, recovery may be slower and somewhat uncomfortable. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it, and allow others to care for you so you can recover. Be patient, because although the puerperium or postpartum period is commonly referred to as the " quarantine ," the truth is that this time of recovery and adaptation can extend well beyond that.

5 tips to rest and take care of your emotional health: here are some ideas for you

Although motherhood doesn’t always come with universal feelings, there’s no doubt that all mothers agree on the tiredness they feel during the postpartum period. According to various studies, one in five women worldwide experiences a mental health problem during this time, and fatigue—along with the aftereffects of childbirth and lack of support—is among the main factors that can trigger it. Prioritize rest, because it will help you feel much better and face this stage in a healthier way. Some ideas to help you rest include:

1. Adapt to your baby's sleep patterns . It’s a saying from grandmothers, and you might think it’s impossible, but it really is a very good idea to take advantage of the moments when your baby sleeps to sleep yourself as well. Remember that your little adventurer needs you most of the time during these first days of life, and they still can’t distinguish between day and night. You have been their home for nine months! Now it’s time for them to get used to the outside world and develop their own biological clock, and that involves a big learning process.

2. Plan your meals . Ideally, during pregnancy, you and your partner, if you have one, can prepare healthy and delicious meals. That way, you can fill the freezer with ready-to-go containers you’ll be grateful for during the first days.

3. Delegate las tareas que no son urgentes. You don’t have to do everything. It’s highly recommended that during these first days you focus on your baby and your recovery; everything else can wait or be handled by others.

4. Ask for help when you need it. Ask for help whenever you need it—whether it’s to take a breather, clear up doubts, or organize the house. Speak up and clearly express what you need; your partner, friends, and family will likely be happy to support you and help make your postpartum period as manageable as possible.

5. Take your time. As the perinatal specialist psychologist Ester Ramírez said in one interview , there is enormous pressure for mothers to return to normal as soon as possible. Every motherhood journey is shaped by very specific economic, emotional, and material circumstances, so it’s not possible to set a single timeline. Don’t rush yourself or force yourself to feel better just because you think you’re supposed to. Be compassionate with yourself and your timing.

The role of the partner during the postpartum period

If you have a partner, keep in mind that their role is also key to your recovery during the postpartum period. They can help coordinate visits from family and friends, and they should also support and care for you so you can rest. This creates a chain of essential care that supports family harmony and helps this delicate mechanism—the family—work smoothly. When it comes to establishing a link between your partner and your baby, there are key activities such as feeding, skin-to-skin contact, bathing and diaper changing, and comforting during crying.

The couple also goes through a huge shift with the arrival of a baby. It’s time to build a ... new us as a family. At first, it can feel like quite an adventure to figure out each person’s role and to make time and space for both of you, but with patience and attention, it will be easier than you think. Communication is your best ally.

We hope these recommendations are helpful to you! If you have any questions or feel sad or overwhelmed, remember that your midwife or gynecologist can help you understand what’s happening, and together you can find a solution.