You've been a new parent for 6 weeks! 👏

Medically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP & Adda Bjarnadóttir, MS, LN

You're hitting a milestone this week — you'll go to your 6-week postpartum checkup. At your checkup, you'll find out if your healing is on target and if you can start to resume more of your regular activities. We hope you're feeling well and enjoying your new baby!

Hemorrhoids, sore nipples, and itchy incisions, oh my

Even if you've been cleared to resume your regular activities, you’re probably still feeling some of the more unpleasant after effects of having given birth. Moms who gave birth vaginally often deal with hemorrhoids for months afterwards. C-section moms contend with a whole other issue — an itchy incision area or scar.

Frustrated because you still aren't feeling 100 percent "normal"? We promise, you're not alone. Six weeks may be the timing of that big postpartum appointment, but it isn't a guarantee of anything other than a visit to your healthcare provider. It's totally normal to still feel anything but "normal.”

If you’re feeling lousy with post-birth hemorrhoids, a sitz bath can offer some sweet relief. If you're not up for a sitz bath, wiping the area with witch hazel pads can also make you feel better.

If your C-section scar is still itching like crazy, make sure to keep the area both clean and moisturized. That itchiness is all part of the healing process and will fade with time.

Real talk — it's OK if you're feeling, well… pretty gross

Getting the all clear to have sex can be a real double-edged sword. Of course it's fantastic to be told that your body is healed enough to get back to normal, but new moms often want to do pretty much anything else besides have sex. And a big reason for those mixed feelings can often be because these days you're feeling… honestly, kind of gross.

Your body, during birth and then during healing, has probably gifted you with the sight of all kinds of fluids coming out of it. Some parts of your body may now be super jiggly where they were once maybe not so much and that change could be freaking you out. Not to mention that you probably find it really difficult to find time to shower even on your "easy" days. You also may not be sleeping well.

Let's face it, anyone who visits you is lucky if you managed to stick a brush through your hair before they got there. And that's not even touching on the engorged breasts and leaky nipples that breastfeeding brings to the table. Put all of those things together and it's insanely easy to feel like a big giant pile of UGH.

The good news is that there's nothing wrong with feeling that way. There's no reason why you need to feel any pressure to suddenly be 100 percent put together just because you've been told that you can get back to your normal life. It will happen, eventually, but you don't need to impress anyone by proving how quickly it does. Want to hide from the world for a little bit longer this week? Fine. Don't want to have sex yet? Also fine. You won't feel this way forever, we promise.

One suggestion though — if anyone offers to watch the baby so that you can shower? Do not hesitate. Say YES.

Parenthood Starts With Taking Care Of Yourself

Adjusting to life as a new parent can be overwhelming, but Talkspace online therapy can provide the support you need on your schedule.

Eat

Vanilla Fig Oatmeal with Pistachios and Honey. Figs have a reputation as a postpartum superfood — they build energy and reduce constipation. If you're dealing with hemorrhoids, add this one to your weekly rotation.

Ginger Risotto. This risotto is an ideal choice if you're in the mood for comfort food. Plus, ginger stimulates healthy digestion.

Drink

Water. This is still just as important as ever. Try keeping an always filled water bottle by your bed so you can take sips when the baby wakes up at night.

Do

Go to your 6-week postpartum checkup.

Check out #this_is_postpartum. If looking at your body in the mirror these days is bumming you out, take a scroll through the #this_is_postpartum hashtag on Instagram. We promise it will make you feel a lot less alone.

Read

How to Fall Asleep in 10, 60, or 120 Seconds. The sleep you manage to get these days is precious. Find out how to maximize your time by getting to sleep more quickly.

Your baby at 6 weeks

Your baby is probably eating (and pooping) a ton these days. How big they get and how quickly it happens isn't really predictable the way it was during pregnancy. As long as they’re eating, pooping, and given the OK by your pediatrician, all is good!

You've probably seen that sweet smile already, but if you haven't, it’ll be coming soon. Keep interacting, singing, and talking to them and you’ll get those smiles soon. You may also notice that your baby starts to look as though they are reaching out for toys somewhere around 6 weeks. Playing will become more and more interactive in the coming weeks. You've got a lot to look forward to!