After a birth: recovery, feeding and wellbeing

The first weeks and months after a birth: how bodies heal, feeding without judgement, sleep, mood, and the symptoms that need help straight away.

5 min read After a birth: symptoms that need help When bleeding, fever, chest pain, headaches or mental health changes after birth need urgent or emergency care. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Baby blues, postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis How baby blues, depression and psychosis differ after a birth, with clear routes to treatment and urgent support. Includes when to get help.
4 min read Breastfeeding problems and getting help Help with painful feeds, swollen breasts, mastitis and tongue-tie, plus when to check medicines with a pharmacist. Includes when to get help.
4 min read Contraception after a birth When fertility can return, contraception options while breastfeeding, and the conditions for using breastfeeding as contraception.
4 min read Feeding your baby: breast, formula or both Practical support for breastfeeding, formula and mixed feeding, with safe preparation and UK and US advice on vitamin D.
4 min read Getting active again after birth A gradual return to movement, with guidance on pelvic floor recovery, abdominal separation and getting back to running. Includes when to get help.
4 min read Perineal tears and stitches: healing A plain guide to tear degrees, stitch care, signs of infection and getting help with pain or bowel control. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Recovering from a caesarean Wound care, gentle movement, lifting and driving after a caesarean, with clear signs to seek help. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Sex and relationships after a birth Returning to intimacy at your own pace, getting help for dryness or pain, and talking about support and contraception. Includes when to get help.
5 min read Sleep and tiredness after a birth Practical ways to share nights and rest, safer sleep for your baby, and when tiredness needs a medical check. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Your body in the first weeks after birth What to expect from bleeding, cramps, breasts and toilet trips after birth, and when to get checked. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Your pelvic floor after birth How pelvic floor exercises can help after birth, how to practise them gently, and when to ask for physiotherapy. Includes when to get help.

Written by the Veya team from the sources listed in each guide. They aren’t medical advice; if you’re worried about a symptom, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.