Maternity Week Tips

How to make your first week with your baby a gentle start

The maternity week is your first week as a mother, a period in which you recover from childbirth and slowly get to know your baby. That week is all about rest, bonding, feeding and taking good care of yourself. You’ll also receive support from a maternity care professional who helps you care for your baby. But she does more: she also monitors your health and helps with practical tasks around the house. Despite that help, a maternity week can feel quite intense — both physically and emotionally. Preparing yourself can make a big difference. Here we share a few tips so that both you and your baby can get off to a good start.

What can you expect during the days of the maternity week?

Every day in the maternity week is different, and every woman is different. But a few things are nearly always the same:

• Your body is recovering from childbirth
• You learn how to feed your baby (breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
• You receive help from the maternity care professional
• The midwife visits a few times
• You experience physical discomforts, but they usually improve fairly quickly

The first days of the maternity week are often the most intense — both physically and emotionally. Our most important advice is to plan as little as possible and to let go of expectations. Let everything revolve around you and your baby. The rest can wait.

Is the maternity week tough?

You may find the maternity week challenging, although that is very personal and depends in part on how your birth went. In any case, your body will need to recover while your hormones are running wild. Many women feel tired, vulnerable or overwhelmed during those days. And that is all perfectly okay. Be kind to yourself, ask for help and take plenty of rest.

What does maternity care help with?

Normally, you receive maternity care immediately after giving birth, but it may start later depending on where and when you deliver and whether you need to stay in the hospital for a few days. When the maternity care professional arrives, she helps you with the following:

• Monitoring your health and your baby’s health
• Feeding, changing and bathing your baby
• Light household tasks (such as laundry or preparing breakfast)
• Guidance for you and your partner
• Providing emotional support
• Protecting your rest (even from visitors!)

Maternity care professionals have the experience to guide you in the best possible way during this week. Lean on her, and allow yourself to be cared for and pampered — you deserve it.

Take care of yourself during the maternity week

You have just accomplished something incredible and brought your baby into the world. Use this maternity week to take good care of yourself:

• Do only what gives you energy: read, listen, watch or sleep — everything is fine.
• Be clear with visitors: your rest and your baby’s rest come first. And if you find that hard, the maternity care professional will gladly support you.
• Plan little: of course everyone wants to visit, but that is probably too much right now. Keep your schedule light and make sure to include rest moments. And remember: rest is recovery.
• Let your partner take time off: many partners only take leave after the maternity week, but having that first week together can be incredibly valuable while you get used to your new rhythm. Plus, your partner can learn all the practical tips directly from the maternity care professional!

Create rhythm and structure

It may sound old-fashioned: Rest, Cleanliness, Routine. But by creating rest and structure now, you help both yourself and your baby. A steady rhythm of feeding, cuddling and sleeping gives your baby a sense of security and brings structure to your days more quickly.

What should you have at home for the maternity week?

Not only labour requires some preparation — the maternity week does too. Whether you deliver at home or in the hospital, you should have at least the following:

• Maternity kit (usually available through your health insurer)
• Comfortable clothing and underwear
• Nursing pillow
• Muslin cloths
• Cooling packs and a heat pack (such as a cherry pit pillow)
• A few meals in the freezer

Make sure your midwife knows who your maternity care professional is. They will contact each other during your birth. If you give birth in the hospital, you will contact your maternity care professional yourself afterwards so they know when to come to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which day after giving birth is the most painful?

This varies per person, but the first 2 to 3 days after giving birth are often the most sensitive, especially if you have stitches or engorgement. After that, things usually improve quickly.

Does maternity care do the groceries?

No, maternity care professionals do not do grocery shopping. Arrange deliveries in advance or let your partner handle the shopping.

How soon can I shower after giving birth?

You can usually shower fairly soon after giving birth, depending on how your delivery went. The maternity care professional will help you with this.

What do you wear during the maternity week?

Comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off, such as a soft pyjama or loungewear, loose-fitting underwear and possibly a nursing bra.

How do I survive the maternity week?

By planning very little, resting a lot, eating well and accepting help. And by reminding yourself that everything is new — and that you are doing an amazing job!

Pregnant or recently delivered in Amsterdam-Zuid?

Our midwives are here for you, also during the maternity week. We work closely with great maternity care organisations and visit you regularly after childbirth. Do you have questions or would you like to register? Let us know. Together, we’ll ensure a wonderful start.