OBGYN Mom Shares Secrets for Making It Through the First Week Postpartum

This week, Sarah Bjorkman, a board-certified OB/GYN discusses what it has been like the 1st week postpartum with baby #2. She shares tips/tricks to survive and thrive that first week home!
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Also check out our video: Pediatrician Shares What You NEED to Know About Caring for a New Baby
• Pediatrician Explains ...
00:24 Intro
00:31 Pep Talk
2:25 Baby Wearing
3:20 Perineal Care
8:05 C-Section Recovery Tips
9:31 Physical Activity/Exercise
10:38 Sleep
12:12 Nipple Care
13:05 Breastfeeding
14:50 Hakaa
15:55 Bottlefeeding/Tips for Not Breastfeeding
16:30 Pumping
17:15 Postpartum Depression/Anxiety
18:55 Managing Multiple Kids
20:25 Favorite Pumping Bra
Intro Music: A WAY FOR ME - Nicolai Heidlas by Chem Ocampo
Keywords: pregnancy update, the doctors bjorkman, first trimester pregnancy, second trimester pregnancy, third trimester pregnancy, fourth trimester, pregnancy vlog obgyn, postpartum, postpartum depression, birth video, new dad, new mom

[@nikkiwillson1285]

Thank you for looking exhausted, with imperfect makeup. So many videos on similar topics I’ve seen are of mamas months down the road so they look energetic and perfect and totally together. I love the honest feeling of this video.

[@jessicamullican9659]

Thank you for this video - 35 1/2w and the fact I’m about to have a newborn is really starting to hit me! Thanks for being real and laying it all out there for us 😎

[@ryniepan3038]

I’m a first time mom and my son is 2 weeks old now, all I can say is please make sure you take care of yourself too! I wasn’t sleeping or eating well for the first week and it landed me in the ER with shortness of breath and hyper-fatigue. It’s so hard to remember that you need to heal from the birth too but baby can’t grow healthy if you aren’t healthy!

[@lacasavloga3997]

My baby is 4 days old. I love that i can still rely on your channel to get me through the newborn phase as i binge watched your videos during my pregnancy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@KillerKillman]

I’m a first time Mom, and just hit 39 weeks so my little one will be here soon! I’m starting to hit that excited but nervous because I feel like I know nothing mode. Watching yalls video’s have been my mental game’s saving grace. 🙌🏽

[@tatsianatati8375]

Almost 35 weeks here. Thank you for being real and sharing this precious information ❤ stay strong and healthy all moms!

[@user-sb3bf3uo3y]

I'm so grateful to have found you! My friend had her little one about a month ago and she highly recommended your channel! I am due today actually with our first (no signs she is coming yet) and I am thrilled to have found so many of your helpful videos!

[@susy4648]

Thank you for being so honest. I’m 32 weeks and I’ve found your videos very helpful ❤

[@elenakhorysheva5374]

Sarah, congratulations for you and your husband and older daughter! It’s very exiting that you have a baby! 🎉

[@christinegeorge622]

Thank you for being real in your videos and not just medical talk we wouldn't understand ❤

[@michete]

We just had our first baby 3 weeks early and today is our first day home, im feeling anxious and overwhelmed and i really appreciate your videos 🖤

[@adrianapomatto1614]

22 weeks pregnant and you guys are by far my favorite channel for preparing for our first baby!! I'm so excited to meet her and you guys are bringing me a ton of comfort and knowledge. Been sharing this information with my husband.

[@edilbertosoriano8024]

Dear Dr This was one of the best videos . Super honest and well explained. Thank you

[@bluetrolling]

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to provide us with these tips. My son will be about 1.5 y.o. when our daughter is born. Congratulations on your baby 👶! ❤️

[@lisagiannoumis3816]

This is amazing you took the time to do this in the early crazy days. Love your content! And since I'm on baby 2 now also, I'd love your tips on managing two, if you have anymore.

[@Diana-cm7vg]

OmG thank you!! I will be having a C-section next week and I am SO nervous and excited 😆 I don't know what to do!! But watching your videos make me feel a bit prepared. God bless you and your beautiful family! 🙏☺️✨

[@jay-so1pe]

especially you're tending towards oversupply and worried about using the haaka with much suction, the haaka ladybug (it fits in your bra!) is great and can be used in more feeding positions. I leaked through every feed in the early days and it was so nice to not be soaked and my future self appreciated having the buffer in the freezer after we introduced the bottle.

[@darilmurfitt6512]

Thank you for the tips….Really appreciate you taking time to make this video!

[@poornimabodkekolwalkar4716]

Thankyou so much Doctor!!! I am due for my C-Section on March 29th. We have been following your channel very regularly. Thankyou so much for all the guidance. Heartiest Congratulations to You & Your Lovely Family!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Loads of Love & Best Wishes!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@PrincessSherK]

I appreciate this video I’m 33 weeks right now, having a 37 week induction due to health reasons. This is my number 2 but my daughter is 18 so it’s been awhile since I did all of this.

[@danielleniez96]

Congrats on number 2! I'm glad you are all adjusting well to being a family of four. As a mom who is set to her her 2nd when her 1st will be a year and four months, I would love to see any videos on how to balance two young kids. I loved the tips on a yes space for the older baby.

[@clairegasamagera3777]

This happened to me. I have two sons who are 15 months apart. They are now 4 and 5 and look like twins Just like you, I was worried about how things will play out. Well, the youngest son is a tough cookie! He let his big brother retrieve to rebecoming a baby and take his place. My oldest son is a winny needy boy, while my youngest is very independent, dresses himself up... My youngest son is stronger and bossy and most of the time my oldest son is his follower. 😂😂😂😂 That is how things played out .. and I pray things go well with you too. Sending love to Mom to Mom! You got this!

[@xxpassion11]

Your videos are really appreciated ❤thank you and congrats on the second mini human!

[@astridquarry1248]

Yes to the baby wearing video! I have a moby wrap, and I hope baby and I like it, it seems cosy and practical.

[@kgordette3750]

When you first posted your first few videos I found your post and we had just begun trying for a baby.. I showed my husband your videos and said we should watch you guys each week along with our pregnancy 😅 ....2yrs later no baby for us... have started IVF and I am hoping this month will be the one but I still haven't watched most of your videos because I am waiting to follow along with my pregnancy when that finally happens ❤❤❤

[@Shelbyk101]

I find your videos so real, thank you so much! 🙏

[@tabithaalethea1401]

very helpful video! thanks so much for sharing these tips. I really love your channel

[@callmebrownielover4832]

Thank you so much for these PP videos! Much needed as I’m 16 weeks pregnant with my second and my first is 10…So needless to say it’s been a long time and I’m really trying to be better prepared for the postpartum experience this time cause it is amazing but so so hard! So thank you!! ❤ And congratulations on your new little one! 😊

[@marquis101]

Yes! I'm 27 weeks and have a 6 year old. I feel like I'm having my first again cause I don't remember anything from my first it's been so long! 😂

[@Stella-se1lg]

❤Thank you for your honest review and admit that it's hard. It's hard!

[@tpatel3314]

I hope you’re all doing much better with the adjustments and sleeping!! Thank you for all of the videos you both make I have found them so valuable. I’m due this week waiting any time for baby girl 😁 do you have any information about abdominal binding? You mentioned a little bit in your video but I’d love to know more. Keep up the great work Dr mom and dad!

[@emilymclaughlin3655]

Love your videos! That rainbow wrap is gorgeous!

[@jessicafuentes7099]

Gosh this channel is always the most practical, helpful, great resource !!! Thank you!

[@hillary6563]

I'm on week two with my first child recovering from an emergency C-section. Between the hormones, producing enough milk to keep her weight up, and trying to sleep when she sleeps, every day is getting like a weeks worth of learning. Thanks for all the tips!

[@arich969]

If you have any advice about the role of the mother/mother-in-law/close friends in the days and weeks following the birth, I'd love to hear it. How can I best help the new parents without crowding them? How much help do most new moms want? And from whom? My daughter-in-law's mother will likely not be here when baby is born, so I want to be available and helpful, but also sensitive to cues that I need to give the new family their space.

[@gogreennn]

I think you’re already on the right path by asking this question! I’d suggest asking new mom if/when she wants visitors. Let her know you’re happy to help in any way that’s needed but also want to respect her space. Offer ideas of ways you might be able to help if new mom is drawing a blank, like bringing meals, cleaning, watching baby while mom showers, naps, etc. Be mindful that mom is probably tired, in pain and mentally exhausted. If she’s breastfeeding, she may not feel comfortable doing that in front of visitors so try to give her space. Consider making visits brief.

[@arich969]

@@gogreennn This is all great advice! Thank you!

[@Nessaface02]

My mother in law came and I wasn’t happy about it when I had my baby one month ago. However I think what would have been helpful is have your daughter in law make a list of all the things she needs done around the house that way you don’t need to bother her or ask her “what do you need” because that’s exhausting especially when you are in one of the most vulnerable times of your life. Also be sure to give her space. My MIL was constantly talking to me about random stuff that I didn’t care about and I was sooo tired and don’t thrive without some alone time. Idk just some things I wish I had while my MIL was here.

[@arich969]

@@Nessaface02 Thank you for being open and honest about this. I am definitely going to try to find a good balance. I sincerely want to be around as much or as little as the new family wants me to be.

[@ShayMccully]

Your videos are so helpful. Thank you

[@jaord530]

“Miralax is a mush not a push” 😜 love that haha! Thanks for these awesome tips.

[@ritacasaverde]

Congratulations on the second baby! I followed your journey last time with my first. He’s 14 months now. Not sure if we’ll have more but will follow your second baby journey just in case 😅 💕🙈

[@lisakoffler3732]

This video is most helpful. Thank you.

[@Tiffany-qu1gh]

Definitely more on managing two kids please!

[@meditationmindbodysoulmusi1195]

Her and her husband are both doctors you know they have a nanny or two I work for a woman doctor and she has Nanny’s

[@omomo202]

27 weeeks along and I’ve been watching a lot of these videos because I want to be prepared! ❤

[@gala2083]

Great video! Thanks

[@reneeirena]

30 weeks now. I've finally gotten over my fear of childbirth but I'm so scared of what's going to come afterwards. Thanks for the tips.

[@minervaborunda5742]

the after is what is very scary but dont worry you got this, one day at a time. be nice to yourself, give yourself grace and just know you are the best mom for your baby

[@Nessaface02]

100% agree the aftermath is way worse than the actual child birth - I had a 26 hour labor, 5 hours of pushing and a 10lb baby a month ago . Be nice to yourself and rest rest rest as much as you can. I lived off of the Tucks pads and ice pads. Also if you start to feel better still rest!!

[@MeMe-ht2hd]

Same. Childbirth is my fear as well. 😢

[@megs.9915]

FYI, although it is important to know about the challenges, you should also know that your physical recovery might be very smooth! My pain subsided very quickly (I started forgetting to take the Advil on a 6-hour schedule after a few days, and realized I didn't need it) and I haven't had any lasting physical issues at all. Not saying this to invalidate the very real possibilities of a challenging recovery, but I just want people to know that it is possible for it to go better than you expect. Best wishes for your delivery and postpartum!

[@minervaborunda5742]

@@megs.9915 What I meant was the mental challenges one goes through after delivery. For me the physical healing was easy it was the mental challenges I faced that was very difficult and no one really talks about them. Post-pardum depression and post-pardum anxiety is very scary and very tough to overcome and I wish it upon no one. That's what I meant by the after is what's harder.

[@fatimahaz-zahra9276]

may god bless you❤ this really helped me as a new mom

[@vivianapotter]

Amazing video. Thank you very much for sharing:)

[@noellelane5229]

You are fantastic. Everything about u is great!

[@lianakarpova2466]

Thanks for finding time to educate us about pregnancy and parenthood journey. Health and love to u🤍

[@sarahaguirre3831]

Thank you :) I too had a baby this week! Congratulations Mama!

[@marieroxylox1456]

I had one too on Sunday! Congratulations mama!

[@arwenbristow]

Me too on Friday!

[@clarissadossantos9944]

Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@shelbyborchers1660]

❤Would love to see an updated car seat video from y'all. Trying to decide between everything out there is so difficult!

[@ilovecupcakes8988]

THANK YOU SO MUCH 😢❤

[@BN-sm7pd]

Congratulations!! 🎊 I’m also a healthcare provider, and after my first delivery (natural) I was experiencing more than expected soreness and swelling down there. I kept asking for the ice pads but the PP nurse said not to use them past the first day or 2. However, I knew I needed to decrease my perineal swelling. I’m so glad I kept icing as I had internal hematomas!! I kept having pain for several weeks down there.

[@LadyMambaCharm]

Yeah they told me that too because it slows the healing process pssshhhh I didn't care lol I was in pain, had to get stitches and had hemorrhoids. Glad you listened to your body bc even though healthcare workers have knowledge/experience doesn't mean they know 100% what's truly going on with our bodies.

[@mrs.k7381]

Please do a wrap video. Would love to see that.

[@ruchikalakra8938]

Love your vedios❤ Can u please share which baby wrap are u using?

[@Almondamande]

Thank you ❤

[@omomo202]

Cotton pads for sure! I had to use the baby’s diaper cream two weeks in to my post partum phase. I was SO ITCHY!

[@maddiefranken8896]

Love your videos

[@rhaehodges]

Thank you so much for your expertise. I do have a question about taking certain prescription medication (or any) while breastfeeding. Do you pump then dump whilst taking your opioids for postpartum pain?

[@Emxo333]

Hi dr. Sara, I love that baby wrap! Where do you get it?

[@NekoAndTea]

I would love to know where you got your rainbow wrap from! Thank you for all the tips too

[@klaudiamane3163]

Thanks for this videos. Can I ask you where did you got the baby holder carrier from????

[@LauraAnn1980]

Sarah are you a runner? I got into running before I was pregnant and now that my daughter is 9 months I'd like to get back into it but am kind of scared. A video on getting back to it if you are a runner would be great!

[@candacecellis]

It’s crazy.my baby is 7 days old too so Thank you

[@samridhichawla2536]

Many many congratulations for your baby #2! You guys are fun! I have a question & need your help. If I have to get just one breast pump, which one would you recommend? Medela freestyle flex or spectra gold (it’s heavyyy!). Pls let me know. Thanks

[@megancolbey6438]

I just realized how close in age our little two are, we had Ellie in June of 2021 and our son Colbey on March 7, 2023. Anyway, he’s the reason I found you guys and for the first time ever, subscribed to a KZbin channel. You guys are so informative and down to earth. Thanks so much for your content and delivery! Anyway, Colbey makes a TON of noises while he sleeps (at night). As long as they’re safe noises, should we let him sleep until he really cries? Any idea why he sleeps quietly during the day and makes a ton of noises as he tries to sleep at night?

[@cvasan]

Thank you! This was such an informative video. As a first time mom, when should I start using a breast pump? Are there any signs that I should be paying attention to?

[@dmariapaz]

Thank you for this video! Which Nipple silverettes do you recommend? Also, there are metal choices. Thank you!

[@rosettecabasag]

Amazing! Was following your videos when i was pregnant. You gave birth with your first baby a few months before I did. You are doing great with your 2nd baby, 1 week post partum. Thanks for the tips! Learned a lot with my first baby which was tough plus your tips

[@schen527]

Congrats! Any brands or an Amazon link of the pad you’re suggesting? Thanks

[@preetigupta2834]

Hi Dr. Could you share more about preeclampsia?

[@awsmaf3221]

Can you provide the link to the baby wrap you’re using during this video?? Please & thank you :)!!

[@yurimochizuki8207]

Hi! Thank you for the suggestions.. btw how was Cec’s lip/tongue tie released? Was it with the CO2 scalpel or did the hospital just snip it?

[@samanthah2226]

Pay attention to when your pain meds are due at discharge time. We live an hour from the hospital and my pain meds were due like 5 minutes after they discharged me from the hospital from the c section. That was a LONG ride home.

[@Hart-sr7ri]

So I breastfed my son for a little over 2 years (yuhhh I know that’s a long time lol) but I never introduced a pacifier. I tried here and there but he wouldn’t take it. (I think the lactation consultant said no bottles or pacis for 6weeks or something?) I’m 29 weeks pregnant now with baby #2 and I definitely want to introduce a paci so I have a little bit more freedom and car rides will hopefully be better than with my first baby. Soo my question is what are your thoughts on when to introduce a paci? Will they really have nipple confusion?

[@staci7107]

What baby carrier are you using in this video?

[@preetishivhare1628]

Can you please share which brand is good at Postpartum period pad pls

[@christa3767]

Hi! Thank you for this! I am due end of April with my first so this is so so helpful to me. As far as the sitz bath goes, does it matter if we use dead sea salt vs epsom salt?

[@beautybread6855]

I have heard it's best to have a combo of both, but either one works in a pinch!

[@auditigupta4697]

You remind me of my gynecologist friend and her paed husband 😅 They're helping me in my pregnancy 😊 I am an anesthesiologist but I sure am worried about how possessive I'll be with the baby coming 😅, first baby and precious pregnancy too. Thank you for the tips 😊

[@abbyrocha9359]

Does someone knows exactly which pads are those?? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="450">7:30</a> First time momma here, trying to get good recommendations

[@almaretreats8297]

do you think it can help to take stool softner during labor? to help get everything flowing for postpartum? my intestines take long time to work even when I take the softner

[@amywinlayc9047]

Just had baby last Friday, when should I take him out for walk/stroller? For now, he is just sleeping after the feeds

[@jojingle5568]

How can we tell if it’s a Pph or period at 7 weeks post c section: super heavy bleed after not bleeding for three weeks and have lots of pain to

[@melandrirheeder2102]

How common is uterus contractions from week 15-16 ?

[@beautyqueen9209]

When do we have a faint positive line after frozen transfer?

[@Life.With.Carrie]

I just have to say, I hope you are doing well and taking care of yourself 🤍 For you to do this video after a week of being home with another newborn on top of a different family dynamic…I have no words. While I am so grateful for all that you do and the info you give to all of us who are about to have a baby (or another) I just hope you don’t feel obligated during this time. Your health and well-being matter :) Congratulations on baby #2! Get the rest that you deserve!

[@ZahraBazargan]

What brand and type of cotton pads are you referring to? I couldn't find any in your amazon list and I can't seem to find any true cotton pad for postpartum over the internet :(

[@lauracapobianco4067]

I was debating whether to buy peri-bottles or not, but then I remembered that I have a bidet in my bathrooms 😂 30 weeks, 1st pregnancy here 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@AmericanAkitaClub]

Hope you recovered well! You look tired. WHICH IS TOTALLY NORMAL! I just hope you can do a little catch up.on mommy time! Mommy time is very important too! Also BEAUTIFUL NAMES !XOXOXOOX

[@traceyg07]

I’m currently on day 3 home from the hospital…. Currently slept about 5 hours and I’m so exhausted and I feel like I’m doing it all wrong and my husband is a natural and gets frustrated with me and it’s hard. I feel useless.

[@arich969]

So glad your husband is a natural, but remember that he hasn't just run the childbirth marathon that you have. Go easy on yourself. Once you're rested and you have some energy, your inner rockstar mom will come out. You've got this.

[@Jnssing]

Aw, it's only day 3! You haven't even had time to physically or mentally heal. Theres still so much time for things to change. You're not useless at all. Your body did an amazing thing. Give it a couple weeks at least, and then you'll start to feel more like yourself. You got this!

[@Nessaface02]

You just has a whole human come out of your body…your husband is probably way more rested than you at this point. I had my baby a month ago and I felt the same way but then I remembered I did a lot of prep work for this baby so I deserved a breather to heal from the trauma my body just experienced . Your body will feel so much better in the weeks to come!

[@lucyhuppert6694]

Could someone explain to me the metal nip cover things? Does it just keep them from rubbing or keeps moisture in?

[@beautybread6855]

I think the real silver ones protect your nipples and are also antimicrobial. :)

[@elisruit]

Love the inclusive language ❤ I tuck a burp cloth into my nursing bra to catch the dribble so I can change the burp cloth when it gets wet instead of having a wet bra all the time 😂. I will sometimes drap it over my baby’s shoulder so it keeps her drier too. Postpartum was a surprise for me too. Appreciate you sharing your experience-thank you!

[@elisruit]

I also love the haakaa ladybugs! The suction is much lighter than the original haakaa, so less risk of creating an oversupply, and it fits inside your bra to keep it from getting knocked off.

[@marieroxylox1456]

What about for c-sections?

[@sarahj87]

I’m a first time mom, 7 months postpartum. This video was very triggering for me. The first few months were HARD. I never thought it was going to get easier. Thankfully it does! But I don’t know if I can go through it again, even though I wanted 2 kids 😢

[@xXLady001Xx]

How long should you need padcicles? I'm 26w with 2nd baby almost 5 years apart. I had no idea about padcicles for home use the last time and would like to use them this time around. Just wondering how long I should use them. Example: 6weeks or 7-10 days?

[@Allybaba55]

I think it really depends on the person. I was completely healed after like 2-3weeks post partum and barely used any of the post partum care products everyone suggested/bought me. BUT I have friends who used everything for the full 6-8 weeks. Better to have the products and not need them tho I'd say!

[@KassandraChandler]

Id say use em til you feel completely healed, able to get up and sit down without discomfort and all the swelling has gone down. Especially if you have a tear

[@xXLady001Xx]

Thanks for the advice. My previous pregnancy I had a 3rd degree tear and sat on an inflatable donut for a week 😅. Padcicles would have been soo nice.

[@bananavage]

Our hospital puts newborn diapers that have a cup of water in them in the freezer- easy homemade padcycles!

[@jennyjohnson5428]

I'm going in for a 'ripening' this coming Monday. Feeling so unprepared, but honestly, I doubt that I can be ""prepared"" for a first birth 🤦‍♀️

[@Diana-cm7vg]

Same here (but this Wednesday) and I am so nervous. I don't know how I will be able to do it. Keeping another human alive!!

[@jennyjohnson5428]

@@Diana-cm7vg right?? I can barely keep my own business ticking away & now I'm expected to be competent in infant sanitation & hospitality as well. Adulthood is wild.

[@Diana-cm7vg]

@@jennyjohnson5428 it is! Hoping everything goes well for you and your little one! Many blessings ✨☺️🙏

[@jennyjohnson5428]

@@Diana-cm7vg and to you 💜💙💚

[@LadyMambaCharm]

​@@jennyjohnson5428 😊 haha this is how I felt for my 1st one (she's 1 now) & sometimes still feel like that. But you will figure it out, it will be tough (esp when you realize you have to keep feeding them, changing them, making sure they're okay etc) basically just catering to them and sacrificing alot of things I was used to doing/having for myself. Just wanna say make sure you take care of you though and take some self care/"me" time whenever you can! Hoping for the best for you!

[@anastasiakester8771]

I thought we were supposed to limit contacts for newborn? Since they don’t have their antibodies nor vaccines. I’m super nervous about having other than my partner helping with the baby during newborn period.

[@melissafeinberg2055]

Im 30 weeks 1 day I cant wait to meet my rainbow baby

[@allissab4915]

Can I survive without help?

[@blinkskaterkc]

What's a birthing person, never heard that before

[@user-il8fo7hz6k]

A surrogate may be.

[@user-gp2ux7cb7n]

Hi! I noticed you gave your baby a pacifier but he's only a week old. I read that you're not supposed to until 3-4 weeks. I was just wondering your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@linnsoltwedel]

Has anyone noticed that the baby being born in the intro is as big as the child getting examined? :P

[@jessicac2380]

As someone planning a pregnancy this year, I feel so overwhelmed with the amount of things you need to by for Momma let alone for baby. I don't think I'll be able to afford it.

[@Nessaface02]

As someone who had a baby a month ago let me say you don’t need as much as people say. I took back so many things - don’t let it discourage you!

[@LadyMambaCharm]

I agree with her ☝🏾 alot of things for baby aren't necessary like they say so if you do want them. You can get a lot of barely used and sometimes new things for cheap on certain sites/apps like FB marketplace, Mercari etc

[@jessicac2380]

Thank you for the words of encouragement 🙏

[@Allybaba55]

​@@Nessaface02 agreed! I didn't use half the post partum care items or newborn baby items people suggested.