What to Expect Immediately Postpartum The most common complaint I hear from new postpartum clients who did not have a birth doula is this: "I thought I was prepared for birth, but I didn't know what would happen right after the birth." In one moment, your life has completely shifted. All of the slow progress and hard work resulted in the birth of a little one (or two, three, etc!). The hours and days immediately after giving birth are a whirlwind of physical changes, hormonal shifts, and emotional highs and lows. Whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, this period, known as the postpartum phase, requires patience, support, and self-care to ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s what you can expect during those first crucial moments and how you can help your body heal. Summary of the Placenta The placenta, often overlooked in discussions about birth, plays a crucial role in pregnancy and is the final part to be delivered after the baby, in what is cal...