Megan from Learn Latch Loves joins us at M.Magazine.
A midwife, nurse, and lactation consultant with over 16 years of experience walking alongside women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum weeks, Megan gives us an insight to prepare for the symptoms we may not even know about the first few days and weeks after giving birth.
1. Afterbirth pains
Those crampy sensations in your lower belly after birth are your uterus contracting back down to size. They can feel stronger with each baby and are often most noticeable when breastfeeding. They usually settle within a few days, and gentle heat or safe pain relief can help.
2. The night sweats
Waking up drenched in sweat is common in the first week or two. It’s your body’s way of getting rid of excess fluid from pregnancy. Stay hydrated and sleep on a towel if you need to, it will pass.
3. Breast size changes
Your breasts can feel like they have a life of their own. They swell, soften, and change size through the day depending on feeding. Once supply regulates, they often feel softer and lighter, which doesn’t mean you have less milk, just that your body has balanced itself out.
4. Emotional ups and downs
The hormonal crash around day three to five can hit hard. Tears, irritability, and overwhelm can appear out of nowhere. It’s normal to feel emotional, but if sadness lingers or intensifies, it’s important to reach out for support. You don’t need to go through it alone.
5. Bleeding that lasts longer than you expect
Post-birth bleeding, or lochia, can last up to six weeks. It starts heavy and red, then gradually lightens and changes colour. Changing maternity pads every couple of hours can reduce infection risk.
6. The hunger and thirst
Feeding, healing, and lack of sleep all burn energy. Many new mums are surprised by how hungry and thirsty they feel, especially when breastfeeding. Keep snacks and a drink bottle nearby, and try to eat regularly to stay nourished. Don't skip snacks or meals. There is no need to drink to excess. Excessive amounts of water will not increase milk supply. 2.5L-3L per day is approximately what most lactating women will need.
7. Your core and pelvic floor feel different
Even without a major tear or stitches, muscles and tissues take time to recover. You might feel wobbly or notice changes in posture or bladder control. Gentle movement and pelvic floor exercises can help rebuild strength and confidence once you are ready. Even women who birth vaginally and don't need stitches can be quite swollen in their genitals and that can shock some women. Rest, cold packs and time can help to settle any of that swelling.
8. Your bladder and bowel may take time to find their rhythm again
After birth, pelvic floor muscles can be stretched and a bit sluggish. You might notice it’s harder to start weeing, or you feel like you can’t fully empty your bladder. Constipation is also common, especially after stitches or pain relief in labour. Stay hydrated, eat fibre-rich foods, and don’t strain. If you’re unsure what’s normal, ask your midwife, pelvic floor physio or GP for guidance
9. Swelling in the arm pits
Some women notice firm, tender swelling under their arms a few days after birth. This is often from the tail of Spence, the part of the breast tissue that extends into the armpit, becoming engorged when milk first comes in. It can feel strange but is completely normal and usually settles within a few days. Gentle massage toward the chest wall, cool compresses, and regular feeding or expressing help ease the discomfort.
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Written by Megan from Learn Latch Love
