9 things women say immediately after childbirth

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Childbirth is one of life’s most transformative moments.

Carrying a pregnancy for 9 month is hard enough, but the actual birth itself is emotional, exhausting, and at times, overwhelming.

It has been described as a life-death situations. And for the women who are lucky to be alive after this ordeal, they are left with a lot of thoughts and questions.

Some have practical or emotional questions that they ask after the baby is out.

We have compiled a list of the frequently asked questions that new and experienced mothers ask right after birth.

Here are 9 of them:

9 things women say after childbirth

1. Is my baby okay?

One of the first thoughts most new mothers have is about their baby’s health. That first cry can feel like music, but if there’s a delay, even a short one, anxiety can kick in. Medical staff typically perform quick assessments, like the Apgar score, within minutes after birth to check the baby’s breathing, reflexes, and heart rate. Still, asking “Is my baby okay?” is a natural instinct.

2. Can I hold my baby?

There’s a powerful longing to hold your newborn the moment they arrive. But depending on your birth experience, such as a C-section or complications, immediate skin-to-skin contact might be delayed. If you can’t hold them right away, watching your partner do so or simply seeing them close by can be healing.

3. I’m so tired

Whether you’ve laboured for 36 hours or had an unexpected C-section, the exhaustion of childbirth is real. Some women feel an initial adrenaline rush, but once that wears off, the physical and emotional fatigue settles in. Hospitals often encourage rest by showing the best sleeping positions for pregnant women and providing support staff after birth so new mums can get a few moments of sleep and recharge before heading home.

4. When can I eat?

After hours, or even a full day, without food, hunger hits hard. Many hospitals restrict food during labour to avoid risks if surgery becomes necessary. So it’s no surprise that one of the most common post-birth questions is, “When can I eat?”

5. What can I eat?

After months of avoiding a lot meals due to the pregnancy, many new moms are eager to eat all the things they’ve missed. In this instance, the medical staff would recommend fibre-rich foods and lots of water to ease digestion and reduce the risk of postpartum constipation.

6. When can I start breastfeeding?

If you choose to breastfeed, it can often begin within the first hour after delivery. Nurses, at this point, will guide you through positioning and latching. While it may not come naturally at first, that’s perfectly okay. Breastfeeding is a skill the mum has to learn, including foods she needs to avoid during this process.

7. When will I be able to get out of bed?

Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, getting out of bed too soon can feel impossible. But with help from medical staff, many moms are encouraged to move gently within the first day. Walking, even just a short distance, can improve circulation, prevent blood clots, and speed up recovery.

8. When can I take a shower?

That first post-birth shower has often been described as one of the most refreshing experiences ever. Unless your doctor advises against it, you can usually shower once you’re steady enough to stand. Just be cautious because dizziness is common.

9. When do we get to go home?

After the emotional rollercoaster of birth, most moms are eager to leave the hospital and settle into their new normal. Discharge time depends on the type of delivery and any medical issues. Typically, vaginal births warrant a 24-hour stay, while C-sections require 2–3 days.

Every woman’s post-birth experience is different, but the emotions, questions, and candid remarks often sound surprisingly similar. It’s okay to feel joy, fear, exhaustion, and awe all at once. You just brought a life into the world.