Maternity period
The first week after birth: intense, special, and impossible to plan
The days after giving birth can feel like a whirlwind — love, exhaustion, adrenaline, and uncertainty all at once. While you’re getting to know your baby, your body is also recovering from childbirth. Add to that the visits from the maternity nurse, health checks, guests, and sleepless nights… Sound intense? It is. But it’s also beautiful — and yes, you can prepare for it.
What to expect in the first week
- The first week is all about recovery, bonding, and care.
- Your body (and emotions) will go on a rollercoaster ride.
- You’ll see several health professionals — each with their own role.
- Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal.
- Plan few visitors and prioritize rest.
- Baby blues are normal — be gentle with yourself and each other.
- Good preparation really makes a difference.
Your baby doesn’t come with a manual — so there’s some trial and error. What does your baby need? How do you recognize hunger cues? How do you know if things are going well? These are all very normal questions. The good news: you’ll learn a little more each day. It’s a process of discovering, trying, and adjusting — and that’s perfectly okay.
Meanwhile, both you and your baby are recovering physically. Babies can also feel the effects of birth, just like you — things like mild nausea, headaches, or general discomfort are common. Even if you feel relatively well, rest is essential. Spend as much time in bed as possible, and let your partner and the maternity nurse take care of the household. Allow yourself to rest and be cared for. Your partner also needs time — to process the birth, to adjust to parenthood, and to enjoy this special beginning as a family.
Most families go home shortly after birth, but sometimes you’ll stay in the hospital a bit longer — for example, after a cesarean section, significant blood loss, or high blood pressure. In that case, the hospital staff provides the initial postpartum care. Once you’re home, we’ll take over and visit you there.
Did you know that 82% of our clients say they felt unprepared for the first week after birth? Give yourself a calm start: read up, talk together about what to expect, and fill out your Postpartum Plan!
1. Rest, recovery, and life with a newborn
Your baby is here! But instead of floating on a “pink cloud,” you might find yourself in a new reality where sleep is rare, your body feels sore, and your baby communicates in mysterious cries. In these first days, your body is healing — from blood loss, swelling, or stitches. Your baby is also adjusting to life outside the womb and may experience things like mild nausea or headaches.
The maternity nurse will help with baby care and feeding, and your partner (or another loved one) is crucial for both practical and emotional support. As a mother, try to rest in bed as much as possible and take frequent breaks — even when you feel fine.
2. An emotional rollercoaster: welcome to the hormone circus
You might feel amazing… or not at all. Maybe both, within the same hour. Emotionally, a lot happens in the first week — and that’s completely normal.
- Baby blues: Around day 3 or 4, emotions may suddenly overflow. This is caused by hormonal changes, exhaustion, and the intensity of new parenthood. It usually passes within a day or two.
- Worry or anxiety: Feeling extra responsible or even fearful is common.
- Different emotions between parents: You and your partner may experience this period differently. Talk openly and check in with each other every day.
- Recognise signs of postpartum depression or birth trauma: Learn more in our article about mental health after birth.
How are you — and how are we?
💡 Tip: Set aside a daily moment to check in with your partner. How are you both doing? What do you each need? And most importantly — listen without judgment.
3. Who will visit during the first week?
Midwife
We’ll visit you around day 3 and day 10 (and more often if needed) to check your recovery, your baby’s health, and to answer your questions. We’ll also call in between to check how things are going. You can read when to contact us during the postpartum week in our overview.
When to call us – instruction card
Maternity nurse
Your maternity nurse is your right hand during this week. She helps with baby care, explains feeding, and monitors both you and your baby’s wellbeing.
Public Health Service (Consultation office)
Between days 5 and 7, someone from the youth health service visits to perform the heel prick and hearing test.
– The hearing test checks whether your baby can hear well enough to develop speech.
– The heel prick tests a small blood sample for several rare but serious congenital conditions.
General Practitioner (sometimes)
Some GPs make home visits after a birth, but this is rare in Amsterdam.
4. Visitors — only if you feel up to it
Visitors can be lovely, but also tiring. Many parents find it overwhelming during the first week. You need rest, your baby mostly wants to sleep and feed, and the maternity nurse is around often.
Our advice? Keep it small. Only invite people you feel truly comfortable with. Avoid scheduling visits if you expect emotional ups and downs or if your recovery needs extra rest. And don’t be afraid to say “no” — it’s not impolite, it’s self-care.
💛 Not sure about something? Talk to us — we’re here for you.