![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/afd16846-19c1-4756-8b6c-c13f6c5938eb/Hero-Postp?io=transform:fill,width:1000px&format=webp) # Postpartum Experience The weeks and months after giving birth are a time of healing, learning, and adjustment for both your body and mind. These resources can help you navigate this new chapter with confidence, care, and support. Whether you’re focusing on your emotional wellbeing, rebuilding muscle strength, or adjusting to life with a newborn, remember that healing takes time. You need patience and rest—and support—to be able to care for your baby and keep both of you safe and healthy. ## Explore resources to support your emotional, mental, and physical recovery. You’ll find guidance on caring for yourself and ways your friends, partners, and community can help you heal and adjust after birth. 1. ![Emotional Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/emotional-health.svg) Mental Health 2. ![Getting Support](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-support.svg) Getting Support 3. ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg) Physical Health ## Mental Health Resources Life after giving birth brings many emotions—joy, exhaustion, and sometimes sadness or worry. These resources can help you understand what’s normal, recognize when you might need extra support, and find ways to care for your mental and emotional health. **Key topics in this section include:** - Understanding mood changes after birth - Recognizing baby blues and postpartum depression - Self-care and coping strategies - When and how to reach out for help After birth, shifting hormones, lack of sleep, and the adjustment to caring for a newborn can make your emotions feel overwhelming. It’s common to experience “baby blues” in the first couple of weeks, while some people may face postpartum depression that lasts longer or feels more intense. It’s important to understand the symptoms to look for and know that there are ways to get help. ### Recommended Resources [ ![The mid adult woman with a baby touches her head and shows distress as she describes her pain to the unrecognizable mature adult female specialist.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/2d8f8eb1-3f1f-481e-8de5-0d4a8e6a9d39/iStock-1361756859?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Emotional Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/emotional-health.svg)Mental Health#### Emotions and Mental Health Concerns After Birth Many parents feel sad, worried, or overwhelmed during pregnancy or after having a baby. There are lots of reasons you might feel sad or worried, including changing hormones, which can cause depression in some people; being tired from being awake with your baby at night; and stress from caring for your new baby. If you have these feelings, talk to your healthcare provider. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/mental-health/mental-health-after-birth) ### More Mental Health Resources Showing 2 of 2 Filter by Content TypeArticle [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Hero-Newborn](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/82c40793-a6d9-4d89-ba67-fec214b3f043/BMC_01-29_3-4-Hero-Newborn?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Emotional Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/emotional-health.svg)Mental Health#### Caring for Your Mental Health After Your Baby’s Birth Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/mental-health/mental-health-after-your-babys-birth) [ ![People giving support on a group therapy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/2335e2f2-a329-4568-9fe7-0ef50db64b3b/iStock-1479095520?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Emotional Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/emotional-health.svg)Mental Health#### Get Help Now for Your Mental Health Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/mental-health/get-help-now-your-mental-health) ## Getting Support Resources Adjusting to life after birth takes time, care, and support. These resources can help you and your loved ones understand how to share responsibilities, care for your emotional health, and create a strong support network during the postpartum period. **Key topics in this section include:** - Ways family and friends can support you after birth - Tips for partners and support people - Helping older siblings adjust to a new baby - Finding community and emotional support Support after birth looks different for everyone, but having caring people around you can make recovery easier. Loved ones can help by bringing meals, watching older kids, or simply offering encouragement and rest. You can also connect with postpartum doulas, parenting groups, and local programs that provide meals, housing support, and emotional care for you and your family. ### Recommended Resources [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-PostP](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b82a77a2-b5cd-4f07-b60e-929d80bc7e5b/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-PostP?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting Support](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-support.svg)Getting Support#### Ways Your Support Person Can Help What does support look like after the birth? Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/getting-support/support-person-can-help) [ ![A mother with her children](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/75fe5fbc-4b47-4717-b8e5-c64b206d4363/bigstock-A-mother-with-her-children-11960402?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting Support](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-support.svg)Getting Support#### Older Siblings: Preparing to Bring Home a New Baby Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but also hard. Older siblings may have many big feelings. This is normal. Every child is different, but here are some ideas that can help. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/getting-support/older-siblings) ### More Getting Support Resources Showing 1 of 1 Filter by Content TypeArticle [ ![Food Pantry IMG_0656](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c93d9201-8661-40ce-8fad-3bcc530086db/Food-Pantry-IMG_0656?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting Support](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-support.svg)Getting Support#### Resources for Families Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/getting-support/resources-families) ## Physical Health Resources Your body continues to change and heal after giving birth. These resources can help you recover safely, manage common discomforts, and regain strength at your own pace. **Key topics in this section include:** - Healing and recovery after birth - Safe birth control options - Exercise and movement after delivery - What to expect after a C-section Recovery looks different for everyone, and your body may need time to heal, adjust, and find a new rhythm. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, be sure to get the rest and support you need to help feel stronger each day and care for yourself as you care for your new baby. ### Recommended Resources [ ![Cropped shot of a healthy female carrying her baby. Close-up of a woman in underwear with feet of child on postpartum belly.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/11b8cc2e-394b-488a-a567-f3f001bc4d54/iStock-1292692527?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Changes to Your Body After Birth Your body goes through so many changes after birth. Here are a few things you may feel, and some things you can do to help if you are uncomfortable. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/changes-your-body) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-Intimacy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b4763906-425e-4935-bd6f-62c2255ad992/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-Intimacy?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Birth Control After Having a Baby Birth control helps you plan if or when you want another pregnancy. There are many safe options to use after giving birth, even while breastfeeding. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/birth-control-after-having-baby) [ ![BMC_01.29_16:9 - Misc-CsectionMassage](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/16e384fa-833a-4296-ba8f-5ff6f5963ffe/BMC_01-29_16-9-Misc-CsectionMassage?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Recovery After a C-Section Recovering from a C-section takes time, but there are steps you can take to feel better and heal well. This page offers simple tips—from walking and eating to caring for your scar. Whether you’re still in the hospital or resting at home, these small actions can make a big difference in how you feel. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/healing-after-c-section) [ ![A racially diverse group of fit-looking people stretch as they face away from the camera at an outdoor yoga class held in a grassy field on a sunny day (iStock)](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/20a8c858-7094-4248-a3ea-17b9dab7c891/Outdoor-Yoga-iStock-182149444?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Pelvic Floor Recovery and Exercising After Birth Your body went through many changes during pregnancy, and it will take time to heal and feel like yourself again. After pregnancy and birth some people will feel pelvic pressure, have trouble controlling their pee or poop, or feel pain. Pelvic floor exercises can help you heal and get back on track. Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/pelvic-floor-recovery-and-exercise-after-birth) ### More Physical Health Resources Showing 5 of 5 Filter by Content TypeArticle [ ![Female reproductive system made of paper and hands isolated on blue background](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c9cad0e6-fcbb-4d44-bab8-fc8810ecbcd0/1292946572?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Permanent Birth Control: Postpartum Tubal Ligation Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/exploring-permanent-birth-control) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-Intimacy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b4763906-425e-4935-bd6f-62c2255ad992/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-Intimacy?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Sex and Intimacy After Having a Baby Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/sex-and-intimacy-after-having-baby) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-PostP-2](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/0b5a8580-0cce-4ef3-b156-0b95c0dbe9d7/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-PostP-2?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Feeding Yourself While Feeding Your Baby Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/feeding-yourself-along-baby) [ ![BMC_01.29_16:9 - Grid-PostP-Warnings](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c29a5d73-c259-4895-b2a0-b9f4410eed39/BMC_01-29_16-9-Grid-PostP-Warnings?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Postpartum Warning Signs Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/postpartum-warning-signs) [ ![Exhausted mother holding her crying newborn baby. Postpartum depression.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/2242812e-6ecd-477a-b298-202f42d76e16/iStock-1500858096?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Physical Health](/sites/default/files/2025-10/physical-health.svg)Physical Health#### Postpartum Perineal Care Article ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/physical-health/perineal-care) ## Explore the Other Phases of Pregnancy Look back on how far you've come or dive right into our full resource collection. Either way, we hope you feel supported with what you need as you continue on your journey! [ ![During Pregnancy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4f3595d3-4201-47e5-8b18-6ebfb5b3a88f/Home-Preg-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### During Pregnancy As your journey begins, learn what to expect and how to stay healthy and prepare yourself for everything that's ahead during pregnancy. ](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy "During Pregnancy") [ ![Labor and Birth](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/d7195390-7568-4831-8f58-c61b49893ed0/Home-Labor-2-1?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Labor and Birth Whether it's your first baby or you've done this before, learn the information you need to feel informed and supported during labor and your stay at BMC. ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth "Labor and Birth") [ ![Newborn Care](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/7f5c8b6b-47de-4928-a707-feab6621d73b/Home-Newborn-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Newborn Care There's a lot to discover as you start to care for your baby. Learn practical information on how to care for your baby as you get to know them. ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care "Newborn Care") [ ![Postpartum Experience](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b1c82991-7b07-41af-85eb-64c8200a72c3/Home-PostP-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Postpartum Experience It's important to take care of yourself while you're taking care of your new baby. Learn tips for healing and getting the confidence you need as you start your new life. ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience "Postpartum Experience")