What might linger a little longer is puffiness around the eyes if you have it. The good news is that the bruising and redness will disappear and your eyes will return to normal in a matter of weeks or even days. If you pushed long and hard to get that cute little baby out, you may feel as though you've gone a few rounds in the ring - and you may look that way too.īlack, blue and bloodshot eyes are typical of brand new moms, but this postpartum symptom is harmless and temporary, the result of straining the muscles in your face when pushing. If necessary, a stool softener and a mild laxative can team up to make that first movement a little less uncomfortable, but ask your practitioner first. You're probably worried about splitting your stitches (don't worry, you won't), aggravating your hemorrhoids, experiencing intense pain (again, so soon?!!), or being embarrassed, especially if you're still sharing a room in the hospital.īut the sooner you get your bowels moving again, the better all around.Īs always, fiber and liquids are your friends (though don't overdo either), and a little walking can help too (easy does it at first). For another, your bowel itself may be reluctant to get back to work right away - especially if those muscles were traumatized during childbirth (give me a break, will ya?).Īside from that, but just as powerful, is the fear factor. For one thing, your stomach muscles, which help you go, have become stretched and weakened. So it’s only natural that you might be stressed about having to push out that first postpartum poop too.Īnd don’t be surprised if your first stool after delivery is a bit slow in coming. You've just pushed out some 7 pounds of baby, give or take - and things are going to be tender in that region for a little while. For now, take advantage of her sleepiness and try to rest when she’s resting.

She’ll have longer periods of wakefulness as the weeks unfold. And you thought you were the only one who was tired! A long stretch of pronounced drowsiness the second and even third day of life is to be expected - and possibly designed to give newborns a chance to recover from the exhausting work of being born. And that’s something you’ll likely be doing a lot this week … and in the weeks to come!īut perhaps the most noticeable of her newborn behaviors will be those built-in reflexes that come standard issue to all new babies, including the all-important rooting reflex (when her cheek is stroked she’ll turn in that direction, which helps baby locate the breast or bottle), the startle or Moro reflex, and the sucking reflex (nature’s way of ensuring baby gets those feeds at the breast or bottle).ĭon’t be surprised if your baby seems very sleepy at first. She’ll also be able to focus on objects that are within 8 to 12 inches away - exactly the distance your face will be when you’re gazing at her. What will your baby be able to do this week? She’ll be able to lift her head briefly when placed on her tummy.

Newly born black baby