Supporting new mothers with recovery, newborn care, and emotional well-being.

Every mother’s recovery timeline is different, but typically: 

• Vaginal Birth: Initial healing takes about 6 weeks, though full recovery may take a few months.
• C-Section: Recovery may take 6-8 weeks or longer, depending on individual healing.
• Emotional Recovery: Hormonal changes can impact mood, and some women experience postpartum depression or anxiety. Seeking support early is important.

Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours (8-12 times per day), whether breastfeeding or formula feeding.

• Breastfed babies may nurse more frequently as breast milk digests quickly.
• Formula-fed babies may go slightly longer between feedings.
• Watch for hunger cues like sucking motions, rooting, or crying.

Signs that your baby is well-fed include:

• 6+ wet diapers per day (after the first few days)
• Regular bowel movements (color changes from dark meconium to yellowish stools)
• Steady weight gain (per pediatrician guidance)
• Contentment after feeding (less fussiness, relaxed hands)

Postpartum mood changes are common, but if you experience:

• Extreme sadness or frequent crying
• Persistent anxiety, panic attacks, or irritability
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

It’s essential to seek help immediately. Gifted Hands caregivers are trained to recognize postpartum mood disorders and provide emotional support while helping with daily tasks so you can focus on healing. We also encourage speaking with a doctor or therapist if symptoms persist.

Newborns wake up frequently, making sleep deprivation a challenge. Here are some ways to improve rest:

• Nap when your baby naps (even short naps help)
• Share nighttime duties with a partner, caregiver, or family member
• Let us help! Gifted Hands offers overnight and 24-hour newborn care so mothers can rest and recover while we care for the baby.