Your recovery at home

It will take time to recover from labor and birth. This period of time is called "postpartum" and means "after birth." The postpartum period is a special time of adapting to parenthood as well as physical recovery. It takes months, not weeks.

You have to get to know your baby and become comfortable with the caregiving tasks. You and your partner will have to adjust to being a family, or a larger one. You also need to adjust to changes in your relationships with family members and friends. Be gentle with each other during this period of change.

To do list

Rest when your baby sleeps.
Limit visitors.
Accept all offers of help.
Attend a parenting class. For Abbott Northwestern, United and Mercy Hospitals and St. Francis Medical Center, visit Amma Parenting Center, Blooma or Everyday Miracles. For all other Allina Health hospitals, go to our Find Classes page.
Plan to exercise when your doctor says you are ready for it.

Forms and worksheets

Questions to ask when breastfeeding worksheet

Choosing child care worksheet

Social Security Administration: Social Security card application

Home safety checklist

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, eighth edition, ob-ah-90026

Reviewed By: Allina Health's Patient Education Department experts

First Published: 10/04/2002

Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021