The First 3 Days After Birth: Your Transition To Motherhood

The first 72 hours after giving birth can feel like a blur — a whirlwind of love, learning, hormones, and very little sleep. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, those early days are a huge physical and emotional shift. At My Expert Midwife we believe in preparing you for what’s real, not just what’s picture-perfect so here’s what you might expect in those precious first few days. 

Day 1: Meeting Your Baby and a New You 

The moment you meet your baby is unforgettable, but so is the reality that your body has just been through labour or surgery. You may feel elated, shaky, exhausted, overwhelmed, or all of these at once. Your hormones are working hard, and so are you. 

Skin-to-skin cuddles, feeding (whether breast or bottle), and simply resting are the focus. Bleeding (lochia), cramping as your uterus begins to contract, and soreness especially if you’ve had stitches, are all normal. Ask for pain relief and support as you need it. Be kind to yourself, you have just run a marathon! 

Day 2: Milk, Tears, and the Unexpected 

Around day two or three, your milk starts to come in even if you choose not to breastfeed, and so can the tears. This hormonal surge is often called the “baby blues” and can make you feel tearful, anxious, or irritable without quite knowing why. This  should pass but if you feel your mood dipping further, or if these symptoms do not pass within a couple of weeks speak to a trusted friend or family member or reach out to your GP, Midwife, Health Visitor or us via our Call The Midwife non-urgent chat function which will send a message to our in-house Midwives to contact you on their return to their desks. 

Your baby may also cluster feed, wanting to be held or fed frequently, especially overnight. This is exhausting but entirely normal, and it helps build your milk supply and bond. Rest whenever possible, accept help (even if it’s just someone bringing you a cup of tea), and keep talking to your midwife, your partner, or someone who will simply listen without judgement. 

Day 3: Finding Your Rhythm (Even If It’s a Bit Wobbly) 

By day three, you may be starting to find your feet, or you might still feel like you’re spinning. Both are normal. Your baby is learning too, and every cuddle, feed, and nappy change is part of your growing connection. 

You might also be getting used to new routines, working through feeding challenges, or managing discomfort. Don’t suffer in silence whether it’s sore nipples, heavy bleeding, or worries about your baby’s feeding or sleep, your midwife is there to help. 

What You Need to Know 

• Rest is recovery — Your body is healing. Try not to rush. It took nine months to grow your baby, give yourself a pat on the back and time. 

• You’re not alone — Emotional ups and downs are normal. Reach out. Keep those conversations open, you are not bothering anyone. 

• Feeding takes time — However you feed your baby, it’s a skill learned together. Don’t rush it, be patient and ask for support. 

• Ask for help — From your midwife, your partner, or a friend. You’re not meant to do this alone. You’ll be surprised how much people want to help. 

These first few days aren’t about having it all figured out — they’re about adjusting, healing, and beginning. However you’re feeling, you’re doing something incredible: becoming a mother. 

You’ve got this. We’ve got you. 

By Registered Midwife Charlotte Hoskin, Lead Midwife for My Expert Midwife