As soon as you share you’re expecting, the questions start rolling in. How are you feeling? When’s your due date? Do you know what you’re having?
But after baby arrives, things shift. Everyone wants to know how the baby’s doing, but not many stop to ask how you’re holding up. And the truth is, you’re still right in the middle of it; healing, adjusting, and figuring out this new rhythm.
You just did something amazing. Bringing your baby into the world is no small thing. And with all the joy and awe, there’s also a massive transformation happening in your body, your emotions, and your whole sense of self.
At Safe Haven, we talk often about how the postpartum season is more than just recovery, it’s a transition. In fact, it’s one of the most overlooked transitions in a woman’s life.
That’s why I’ve been deeply connected to the work of BIRTHFIT, a community that focuses on supporting families through the motherhood journey. One of the most powerful concepts they share is about the first two weeks after birth. This window is a time of co-regulation and deep healing. It’s a reset for your nervous system, your identity, and your body.
Your body has already begun shifting. You might notice your belly feels different, your uterus is still contracting back down, and you may feel discomfort from bleeding, soreness, or even those intense “after pains.” These are normal and temporary, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Padsicles, rest, and slowing down matter more than ever right now.
Digestive changes are super common during this time. Things like constipation and hemorrhoids show up more often than you’d think. Staying hydrated, eating plenty of fiber, and soaking in a sitz bath can really help you feel a lot more at ease.
Breastfeeding can be a journey of its own. Your milk might take a few days to come in and that’s completely normal. In the beginning your baby just needs colostrum. Those first drops are packed with everything they need.
As your milk starts to come in you might feel your breasts getting fuller, warmer, and even a bit uncomfortable. Things like engorgement, nipple soreness, or trouble with latching can feel like a lot. That’s where the right support makes such a difference. A great lactation consultant can be a total game changer and I always recommend combining that with gentle craniosacral informed chiropractic care to help ease any tension your baby might be carrying from birth.
The physical discomfort doesn’t stop at the pelvis. You might feel it in your back, shoulders, wrists, and neck, especially from feeding positions and carrying a baby. This is where chiropractic care becomes so essential in helping you navigate all these biomechanical shifts while your hormones balance and soft tissues recover. I also encourage new mamas to seek out a pelvic floor therapist.
This transition can feel both raw and sacred. Breastfeeding, even when it’s going smoothly, can bring up a mix of emotions like connection, exhaustion, and vulnerability. It’s beautiful and intense all at the same time. And when it’s not going well, it can feel really defeating. Please know you’re not alone. Support is out there and it truly makes a difference.
You may notice changes in your mood. The “baby blues” are very real, and incredibly common in the first few weeks postpartum.
Tears, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, it’s part of the hormonal rollercoaster that comes after birth. But if those feelings persist or worsen, it could be postpartum depression or anxiety. Reach out. Talk to someone. You deserve care too.
Sleep deprivation doesn’t help. It’s more than just being tired. tt can affect memory, milk supply, and your overall ability to function. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to nap when baby naps. And if your baby isn’t sleeping well or seems unsettled, it may be worth having them checked for nervous system stress that could be interrupting deep sleep cycles. That’s something I check for often in our tiniest patients.
We don’t talk about this enough, your relationship with your partner may shift. You’re both adjusting to new roles, routines, and a new kind of closeness that includes less sleep and more responsibility. This is normal. Communication, patience, and finding small moments of connection go a long way. Encourage your partner to take an active role, it helps both of you, and strengthens the bond with baby too.
Motherhood changes you. In all the best ways and in some ways that can feel hard to put into words. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Safe Haven, we’re here to support your healing, to hold space for your experience, and to remind you that how you’re doing matters too.
Your body is wise. Your feelings are valid. And you’re doing beautifully.
At Safe Haven, we’re here to support you, not just through pregnancy, but through the full journey of motherhood. If you need help, a listening ear, or just a safe place to land. We’ve got you!
You are not alone.
You are doing enough.
And you are already an amazing mother.
– Dr. Hira Khan, DC, CACCP
Board-Certified Pediatric & Prenatal Chiropractor
Safe Haven Chiropractic | Loudoun County, VA
Morning
Afternoon
Monday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Thursday
9:00 – 1:00
3:00 – 6:00
Friday
Some Friday Appointments
44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 216, Ashburn, VA 20147.
Phone: (571) 549-6555
Fax: (571) 549-1776
