The Baby's Routine During the Postpartum Period and What Influences It During the First Weeks
What Does the Postpartum Period Involve?
The postpartum period is one of the most significant times in a woman's life—not only in terms of physical recovery but also in psychological adjustment to a new role. The body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, hormones fluctuate, and daily care for a newborn is added to the mix. Although it is a transitional period, the intensity of experiences, fatigue, and uncertainty can lead to the feeling that time flows completely differently.
Today, there is much discussion about what is "normal" during the postpartum period—how the baby's routine should look, how often to breastfeed, whether and when to go outside with the newborn, and what might happen if a woman does not adhere to the postpartum period. While it used to be considered almost a sacred rule, today the rules are changing and adapting to reality.
What Happens to the Body During the Postpartum Period?
Childbirth is an enormous physical challenge, whether it occurs naturally or via cesarean section. During the postpartum period, the uterus contracts, lochia discharge occurs, and the body heals and adapts to new hormonal conditions. Many women experience back pain, perineum pain, or abdominal pain, along with mood swings and fatigue, often exacerbated by disrupted sleep.
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From a medical standpoint, the postpartum period lasts approximately six weeks, during which the body typically returns to its original state. However, every woman is different—some feel strong after just a few days, while others need months. Adhering to a restful routine during the postpartum period is not a sign of weakness but of respecting one's own needs.
Baby's Routine During the Postpartum Period
Some might imagine that a newborn sets a routine after a few days. The reality is often different. In the first weeks after birth, the baby sleeps irregularly, waking for feedings usually every 2–3 hours, blurring the line between day and night.
A baby's routine in the postpartum period develops very gradually. It is influenced not only by its physiological needs but also by how the parents adapt to the new situation. A baby doesn't know day from night—the daily rhythm begins to develop around the 6th to 8th week of life when it starts to recognize the difference between light and dark.
The experience of new mom Aneta illustrates how variable this period can be: "For the first three weeks, I thought we were doing something wrong. He slept for a maximum of two hours at a stretch, even at night. He cried when we put him down. But then there was a turning point, and suddenly he was falling asleep on his own in the stroller. Suddenly, things started to come together for us."
If parents try to teach the baby a "routine" too early, it can lead to frustration and exhaustion. It is much more useful to watch the baby's signals—when it starts to be tired, when it is hungry, when it needs contact. And trust that things will fall into place over time.
How Often to Breastfeed During the Postpartum Period and Why It's Not Just About Hours
One of the most common questions new mothers ask is how often to breastfeed. The answer is—as often as the baby needs. During the postpartum period, not only is breastfeeding as a process formed, but lactation itself as well. Breastfeeding "on demand," without a fixed time schedule, is recommended by most experts, including WHO and UNICEF, in the first weeks.
The baby regulates not only its food intake but also milk production through breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not only about nutrition—newborns also soothe themselves through it and form a bond with the mother. Some babies want to breastfeed 8 times a day, others even 15 times. And that does not mean anything is wrong.
Breastfeeding can be challenging at first—sore nipples, uncertainties about latching, and doubts about whether the baby is getting enough. If conflicting advice comes from different sides ("Feed every 3 hours!" vs. "Don't breastfeed when it cries, so it doesn't get used to it!"), it can be confusing. It is important to listen to your body and the baby and, in case of uncertainty, consult a lactation consultant.
Is it Safe to Go Outside with a Newborn During the Postpartum Period?
The idea that a woman should spend six weeks after childbirth exclusively at home in bed is now outdated. However, the question "when to go out with the baby" remains common. The answer depends not only on the weather but also on the health condition of the mother and baby.
Going outside during the postpartum period is not only possible but beneficial if the woman perceives it as pleasant. A half-hour walk in the fresh air can improve mood, support baby’s sleep, and provide a much-needed sense of normalcy. In winter, it's advisable to choose short walks in milder temperatures; in summer, avoid direct sunlight and heat.
Mothers often say that it was the walks that helped them cope with the most mentally challenging part of the postpartum period. They didn't need to talk or do anything—just walk, feel the air, and hear the rustling of leaves or the patter of rain on the stroller's roof. So simple, yet healing.
What Can Happen If a Woman Does Not Adhere to the Postpartum Period?
There are various debates about the concept of "not adhering to the postpartum period." What does it actually mean? While rest in bed and minimal movement were once recommended, today we know that appropriate activity benefits both healing and mental health. The problem arises if a woman cannot regenerate—perhaps because she returns to physically demanding work, has no time to rest, or experiences chronic stress.
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Not adhering to the postpartum period can lead to slower healing, exhaustion, postpartum depression, and breastfeeding issues. However, this does not mean that every woman who gets out of bed in the first week after childbirth is neglecting something. More than specific rules, it's about whether the woman has the time and space to listen to her body.
The reality for many women is that they have older children at home, a working partner, or live far from extended family. Under such conditions, "adhering to the postpartum period" can be almost impossible. Here, community support, a doula, or a lactation consultant can help.
Sensitive care for the mother during the postpartum period prevents future problems, not a luxury. And this is evidenced by the words of midwife Kateřina: "The worst thing is when a woman has to be a hero. The postpartum period is not a time to prove something. It's a time to be cared for—and as a society, we should enable that."
The postpartum period is not just a physical phase but a profound transformation of identity. It is a time when a mother is born—and that is a process that requires time, support, and compassion. No matter what approach a woman chooses for the postpartum period, it is important that she feels safe, heard, and respected. Because only then can she truly shine—not just as a mother but as a whole and strong being.
