Eagle-X Impact Foundation
Wings of Care
Empathy • Support • Grace
Postpartum Care Guide
A Comprehensive Guide for the First 6 Weeks
Week-by-Week Physical Recovery
Week 1-2: Immediate Postpartum
- Bleeding (Lochia): Heavy bleeding is normal. Use pads, not tampons. Change every 2-4 hours.
- Cramping: Afterpains (uterus contracting) are normal, especially during breastfeeding.
- Perineal Care: If you had a vaginal delivery, use peri-bottle after every bathroom visit. Take sitz baths 2-3 times daily.
- C-Section Incision: Keep clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
- Rest: Sleep when baby sleeps. Aim for at least 7-8 hours total (even if broken up).
Week 3-4: Continued Healing
- Bleeding: Should be decreasing to light spotting. Still red or pink.
- Energy: You may start feeling slightly more energy, but still need lots of rest.
- Movement: Short walks (5-10 minutes) are good. No strenuous exercise yet.
- Incision/Perineal Healing: Should be less painful. Continue gentle care.
Week 5-6: Preparing for 6-Week Checkup
- Bleeding: Should be minimal or stopped. Brownish discharge is normal.
- Exercise: Can gradually increase activity. Ask doctor about resuming exercise at 6-week visit.
- Sexual Activity: Wait until 6-week checkup and clearance from your doctor.
⚠️ Call Your Doctor Immediately If:
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Leg pain, swelling, or warmth (could be blood clot)
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
Mental & Emotional Health
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
| Baby Blues (Normal) | Postpartum Depression (Seek Help) |
|---|---|
|
• Mood swings • Crying spells • Anxiety • Starts days 2-3 postpartum • Resolves within 2 weeks |
• Lasts longer than 2 weeks • Interferes with functioning • Feelings of hopelessness • Trouble bonding with baby • Thoughts of harming self/baby |
📞 Mental Health Resources:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Wings of Care: services@eagleximpact.tech | 346-242-3200
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Wings of Care: services@eagleximpact.tech | 346-242-3200
Feeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding Basics
- Feed on demand (8-12+ times in 24 hours for newborns)
- Look for feeding cues: rooting, hand to mouth, fussiness
- Good latch is key: baby's mouth should cover most of areola
- Expect engorgement days 3-5; use cold compresses between feedings
- Contact lactation consultant if painful or struggling
Formula Feeding
- Newborns eat 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours
- Feed on baby's cues, not on a strict schedule
- Prepare bottles with clean hands and equipment
- Never reheat used bottles; discard after 1 hour
Houston Lactation Support
- Lactation Link: In-home lactation consultants (IBCLC)
- Texas Children's Hospital: Lactation services
- Memorial Hermann: Lactation consultants
- La Leche League Houston: Free support groups
Self-Care Checklist
- Eat 3 meals + snacks daily (keep snacks at feeding stations)
- Drink 10-12 cups of water daily
- Take prenatal vitamin daily
- Shower/bathe daily (or every other day is okay too!)
- Get outside for 10-15 minutes daily if possible
- Accept help when offered
- Rest when baby rests
- Do one small thing for yourself each day
- Connect with other adults (call, text, video chat)
- Be gentle with yourself—healing takes time
When to Call the Pediatrician
- Fever: Any fever in baby under 3 months (rectal temp 100.4°F or higher)
- Feeding: Baby not eating, difficulty waking to feed, or refusing multiple feedings
- Diapers: Not enough wet/dirty diapers (see chart below)
- Jaundice: Yellow color worsening or spreading to legs/arms
- Breathing: Fast breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, blue color
- Umbilical cord: Redness, swelling, or foul smell
- Unusual behavior: Extremely fussy, inconsolable for hours, or unusually lethargic
Diaper Output Guide (First Week)
| Day of Life | Minimum Wet Diapers | Minimum Dirty Diapers |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 | 1 (black/tarry) |
| Day 2 | 2 | 2 (black/tarry) |
| Day 3 | 3 | 3 (greenish-brown) |
| Day 4 | 4 | 3-4 (yellow) |
| Day 5+ | 5-6 | 3-4 (yellow, seedy) |
Partner/Support Person Guide
How to Help
- Take on household tasks: Laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning
- Baby care: Diaper changes, bathing, soothing, holding while mom rests
- Night support: Bring baby to mom for feeding, burp baby, change diapers
- Emotional support: Listen without fixing, validate feelings, offer reassurance
- Screen visitors: Limit visitors, enforce hand washing, protect rest time
- Monitor mental health: Watch for signs of PPD/PPA, encourage professional help
- Encourage self-care: Give mom time to shower, nap, eat
Your 6-Week Postpartum Checkup
What to Expect
- Physical exam (including pelvic exam if vaginal delivery, incision check if C-section)
- Blood pressure check
- Discussion of bleeding, pain, recovery
- Mental health screening (PPD/PPA)
- Birth control discussion
- Clearance for exercise and sexual activity
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- When can I resume exercise? What types?
- When can I resume sexual activity?
- What birth control options are safe while breastfeeding?
- Are my symptoms of [bleeding/pain/mood] normal?
- Should I continue prenatal vitamins?
- When should I schedule my next checkup?
- What can I do about [specific concern]?
Important Appointments to Schedule
- Baby's first pediatrician visit (usually 3-5 days after birth)
- Baby's 2-week checkup
- Baby's 1-month checkup
- Your 6-week postpartum checkup
- Lactation consultant (if needed)
- Mental health provider (if struggling)