9 Things No One Tells You About the First 40 Days After Delivery

Everyone talks about pregnancy and gives advice about labour. But very few tell you what happens after the baby arrives.

The baby is finally here. Everyone is smiling and clicking photos. You will get congratulatory messages from everyone. But once the visitors leave and the house becomes quiet, reality slowly hits.

The first 40 days after delivery are very special. It is often called the fourth trimester. It can b

e confusing and physically exhausting. You are healing and suddenly you are responsible for a tiny human being. There is too much to handle.

If you are in this stage or preparing for it, here are 9 things you should know.

1. Your Body Needs More Time Than You Think

After delivery, your body does not immediately go back to normal. Your body has just done something incredible. Whether a c-section or normal delivery, healing takes time.

You may still look a few months pregnant. Your stomach may feel soft and bulgy. The stitches need healing.

If you had a C-section, the recovery may take even longer.

This is normal. Your body took nine months to grow a baby. It deserves rest and time.

2. Bleeding Can Continue for Weeks

Many new mothers are surprised by how long bleeding continues after delivery.

Post-delivery bleeding, which is called lochia in medical terms, can last for several weeks. However, this again differs from person to person.

It may start heavy and slowly become lighter. Some days it may increase again. You don’t need to worry about it as it is a part of healing.

However, if the bleeding is extremely heavy and has a strong smell, you should speak to your gynaecologist.

3. Your Emotions May Feel All Over the Place

One moment you will feel deeply in love with your baby and the next moment you will feel like crying for no reason. These are just hormones playing within your body.

Hormones change very quickly after childbirth which can cause mood swings. Many mothers experience baby blues in the first two weeks.

Sometimes, the baby blues get intense making you feel extremely low. Now that’s postpartum depression. Don’t ignore, talk to someone who makes you feel comfortable.

Remember, you are not weak, you are just a human who is healing.

4. Breastfeeding Is a Learning Process

People say breastfeeding comes naturally after delivery, but that does not mean it is easy.

You may experience sore nipples and breast pain. Some even face difficulty with latching. You may also worry if your baby is getting breastmilk.

Remember, both you and your baby are learning together. You can ask for help from your doctor. There is no shame in it.

5. Sleep Becomes Rare

Newborns wake up every two to three hours. Some babies have an irregular pattern, so they may need more attention at night. You may feel like you just closed your eyes and the baby is crying again.

This will make you tired and lack of sleep will affect your mood. Try to rest when the baby sleeps. Don’t rush to finish your tasks, let someone else handle them for you. The only thing that needs to be perfect right now is you and your baby. Rest everything can wait.

Your recovery is more important.

6. Your Relationship May Change Temporarily

Both you and your partner are adjusting to a new life. There may be small arguments as you both feel tired and stressed. This is normal.

Communication is very important during this time. Try to talk openly and support each other.

You both are new parents and still learning.  

7. You May Feel Lonely, Even With People Around

Usually during these 40 day, you have people around you to take care of. But still, you might feel emotionally alone. You miss your freedom. It’s okay to miss your old life.

Motherhood is a big identity shift. Just give yourself time to adjust.

8. Your Baby Will Do Things That Scare You

Newborns make strange noises. They sneeze, hiccup, grunt, and sometimes breathe irregularly. It can make you panic.

Most of these sounds are normal. Babies are adjusting to life outside the womb.

If something truly worries you, then it’s better to talk to your paediatrician.

9. Recovery Is Not Just Physical - It’s Emotional Too

The first 40 days are not just about healing stitches. You have become a mother. The emotional transition can be overwhelming. You are doubting every act of yours. You want to be perfect in everything you are doing for your newborn.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions.

And always remember, there is no perfect mother. There is only a learning mother and that is enough. And it does not end in 40 days or one year, motherhood is a forever learning process.

Why the First 40 Days Are So Important

In many cultures, the first 40 days after delivery are considered sacred. Mothers are encouraged to rest and eat nourishing food.

There is a lot happening in these 40 days. It is not the time to pressure yourself to bounce back. This is the time to recover and bond with your baby.

You have done something incredible, you have brought a life into this world. And that deserves appreciation and kindness towards yourself.