New Mum

When we think about motherhood, often the focus is on pregnancy, birth, and caring for a newborn. But there is a profound journey that begins long before your baby arrives, and it continues long after. This journey is called matrescence. 

Welcoming a new baby is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences. But for many, the reality of the postnatal period can bring unexpected emotional challenges, including loneliness, isolation, and a profound shift in personal relationships. These experiences are incredibly common, yet often remain unspoken and can sadly leave new parents feeling even more alone.

Let’s be real, early motherhood isn’t always serene.  It’s blood, milk, tears, love, and uncertainty. It’s cluster feeds at 3 a.m., raw honesty, fierce connection, and fragile confidence.  If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, emotional, elated or all the above you’re not alone. Your feelings? 100% valid. Your body? Incredible. And this? It’s the beginning of something powerful.  We’re midwives, and we’re here to walk beside you. Let’s break it down, day by day.

As Midwives, we often remind new mums that birth is not the end of the journey — it’s just the beginning. The weeks following childbirth are a uniquely demanding time, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Yet too often in modern Western society, this critical period of recovery and adjustment is overlooked, with new mothers expected to “bounce back” almost immediately. At My Expert Midwife, we know that postpartum recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. The old adage “It takes a village to raise a child” applies just as strongly to the mother herself. Around the world, cultures have long recognised the importance of nurturing not only the newborn, but also the woman who gave birth. Let’s take a closer look at what postpartum support can look like — and how we might rebuild our own “village” in the UK.

Welcoming a baby into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences — and while it can bring immense joy, it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or low during the postnatal period. At My Expert Midwife, we believe maternal mental health is just as important as physical recovery after birth. Yet too often, women are left navigating emotional challenges in silence. If this is you, please know you're not alone, you're not failing, and help is available.

Prepare in advance for when you bring your new baby home, some simple tips on how to keep well nourished and hydrated.

Find out how partners and family can support you with your post natal recovery and care.

The time following the birth of your baby can be one of stark contrasts. On one hand you can feel elated, empowered and in love with your newborn and, on the other, you may feel overwhelmed.

Postpartum blood loss can be different to a normal period. Everyone’s experiences will differ but being prepared for what to expect will help you to know the difference between a normal loss and when to seek help from your midwife or doctor.