Postpartum Guide for Couples: Week 1
Congratulations! Your little one is here and in your arms! A lot is happening this week, so let’s get started.
What’s Going On With Baby
A lot is happening with baby now that they are just one week old! If you are nursing, baby has transitioned over to breastmilk by this time and has been working on latching. If you feel like your baby constantly wants to breastfeed or take a bottle, that is normal and referred to as ‘cluster feeding.’ Babies may request to be fed once every hour for several hours. You may have noticed some hunger cues:
Rooting reflex. Baby will naturally turn their open mouth toward the skin (if you touch their cheek), a clear sign of hunger.
Mouthing/sucking. Sucking or chewing on their fingers or hands.
Lip-smacking. Smacking their lips or making tongue movements indicates hunger.
Increased alertness. Hungry babies will be more alert and attentive.
Fussiness/crying. A classic hunger cue!
What’s Going On With Mom
Your body just did some amazing things, Mom! This first week postpartum is significant as your body is beginning to heal and preparing to feed baby. You may first notice your body producing colostrum, the first milk with early nutrition and immune protection for newborns. After 2-5 days, your milk should be coming in. You will also experience a hormonal drop, which is defined by changes in:
Estrogen and Progesterone. There is a rapid drop in both of these hormones, triggering changes in the body like uterine contractions and the initiation of milk production.
Prolactin. Prolactin levels rise significantly to kick milk production into gear.
Oxytocin. This is released after labor to help with contractions and during breastfeeding to promote milk ejection.
Thyroid hormones. Levels may fluctuate after childbirth and contribute to symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and metabolism changes.
You will experience lochia—blood, mucus, and tissue discharge from the uterus lining. As your body goes through this, you’ll want to monitor postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) signs of heavy, excessive, and uncontrolled bleeding. As a reference, you shouldn’t soak through a pad in only an hour or see large clots. You should also watch out for postpartum eclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and seizures.
What’s Going On With Partner
Did you know that Dad can also go through emotional and hormonal changes? These changes are often called ‘paternal hormones’ or ‘dad hormones.’ Here’s some more information about the types of hormones that may be affected in men after the birth of baby:
Prolactin. Men can produce small amounts of prolactin, helping them bond and be a caregiver to their new baby.
Testosterone. Studies have shown that men may experience a temporary decrease in testosterone levels.
Cortisol. The arrival of a new baby can increase a man’s cortisol or stress level.
Oxytocin. Caring for and holding baby can stimulate the release of oxytocin.
Remember that not all men will experience these hormonal changes to the same extent. Here are more tips for the first week of fatherhood.
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The first week of fatherhood can feel surreal! Here are Ben's top tips to thrive!
