Episode 206 - The First 2 Weeks Postpartum (Part 1)

The first two weeks after birth have a lot going on… So I'm doing 2 episodes on it. Here you will learn what recovery can look like for both mother and baby. I discuss the wide range of postpartum experiences, the care gap that can exist after birth, and how support from midwives, nurses, GPs, partners, family, friends, and the wider community can help with feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing.

I’m also going to explain matrescence, the transition into motherhood, and the physical, emotional, and identity changes that can happen after birth. This episode covers practical early postpartum advice, including skin-to-skin contact, feeding, rest, wound healing, bleeding, swelling, afterbirth pains, and what to watch for if there are signs of infection or heavier-than-expected blood loss.

I give guidance on the first wee and first poo postpartum, as well as the importance of food, fluids, and support in the early days. The first days can feel intense, but we adjust and things usually become more manageable.

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Episodes Mentioned in this episode

• Episode 122 - Getting your baby to sleep
• Episode 127 - Do I need stitches if I tear at birth?

This Great Birth Rebellion podcast episode is generously sponsored by my dear friend and birth prep extraordinaire, Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is a doula and hypnobirthing practitioner whose online hypnobirthing course, The Birth Box, has already helped thousands of women get ready for labour by teaching tools to manage intensity, surrender to the ride, and reframe labour as a purposeful pain rather than a harmful one. Poppy is offering Great Birth Rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth Box, which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. Use the code Melanie at the checkout to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox.

You can watch this episode on YouTube here

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Disclaimer

The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it’s application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional.

The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care.

All transcripts are generated by ai and may contain errors