The first year of parenting can bring excitement, change, and a lot of questions. Postpartum recovery, feeding and sleep, developmental milestones, and returning to work, are all stages that can introduce new questions and lifestyle changes. Progyny was joined by experts in postpartum wellness, infant feeding, and mental health to discuss what parents can expect throughout the first year and how to find support along the way.
This webinar featured:
- Audrey Schlote, RN, BSN, Pregnancy and Postpartum Member Services, Progyny
- Angela Mizell, MSW, LCSW, Parent Wellness Expert, Progyny
- Melanie Silverman, MS, RD, IBCLC, Chief Executive Officer, Pacify
- Dr. Sipra Laddha, MD, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, LunaJoy Health
Early postpartum stages: emotional and lifestyle changes
The early postpartum period is a major transition. Physical recovery, hormonal changes, interrupted sleep, and adjusting to your new life can all affect your mood and energy.
It’s normal to experience emotional changes, which can be due to changes in hormones and overwhelming feelings of bringing a newborn home. Often referred to as the baby blues, you may experience crying, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. These feelings typically peak around 3 to 5 days after delivery and should begin to return to baseline by about 12 to 14 days. If symptoms continue beyond two weeks or make it difficult to bond with your baby, consider reaching out for support. Your OB-GYN, pediatrician, or another medical professional can be a place to start.
Your support system matters, too. Rather than waiting until you’re overwhelmed, be specific about what would help. Consider keeping a list of household tasks that family or friends can take on when they visit, such as laundry or dishes, or watching the baby while you rest or do some self-care.
Sleep is also closely connected to emotional well-being. Newborns sleep in short stretches, which often means parents do, too. When possible, lean on your support network and delegate tasks to protect opportunities for rest. If you have an opportunity to sleep but consistently cannot, consider discussing what you’re experiencing with a medical professional.
Adjusting to feeding and newborn sleep
How you feed your baby is a personal choice and feeding does not have to look one way. Your needs and your baby’s needs may change over time, and the feeding approach you start with does not have to be the one you continue with. Your mental well-being can be part of that decision, too.
If breastfeeding, it can come with challenges such as pain, difficulty latching, or concerns about milk supply. When questions come up, a lactation consultant is a great resource to connect with to help navigate feeding challenges. If you find yourself worrying that your baby isn’t getting enough milk, lean on the available evidence you have such as diapers and pediatrician weight checks.
During the newborn stage, the wealth of information available online and opportunities for comparison can add to feeling overwhelmed around baby feeding and sleep. Try to focus on what is directly in front of you and what you and your baby need and take it day by day. Something that feels all-consuming today may look different tomorrow or next week.
Simple strategies can also help during stressful moments. This includes breathing exercises such as box breathing, sharing nighttime responsibilities when possible, and remembering basic needs to take care of yourself like eating regularly and drinking enough water. Setting realistic expectations is equally important. Babies’ sleep changes as they develop, and periods of progress can be followed by setbacks. Reminding yourself that each stage is temporary can help put difficult nights into perspective.
Developmental milestones and returning to work
Development happens within a range, and comparing your baby’s timeline with another can create unnecessary pressure. Keep regular appointments with your pediatrician and bring questions or concerns with you. Your pediatrician can help you understand whether your baby’s development falls within a typical range or whether additional support may be helpful.
As your postpartum journey continues, you may be planning a return-to-work strategy and childcare for your baby. Returning to work can bring a range of emotions. You might feel sadness or anxiety about leaving your baby, excitement about returning to a familiar environment, or several emotions at once. Give yourself space to experience those feelings and talk about them with someone you trust.
If you plan to pump at work, practice using your pump before you return. Once back at work, pumping on a schedule like your baby’s feeding schedule at home can help maintain milk supply.
Finally, talk with your partner or support system about the mental load of work, parenting, and household responsibilities. A constructive conversation about what needs to happen and who will handle each task can help make responsibilities more intentional, and less stressful.
If you are a Progyny member, know that Progyny is always here to support you across life’s milestones, and you can access additional resources at progyny.com/education.
Progyny members can contact Progyny at 888.597.5065 or via their organization specific phone number to learn more about your organization-specific benefit and available care options.