Postpartum Guide for Partners

The Partner's Guide to Postpartum

The baby is here. Now the hardest part begins — for both of you. Postpartum recovery isn't just physical. It's hormonal, emotional, and relational. Here's what's actually happening and how you can show up.

01

Immediate Recovery

Weeks 1–2

What's happening biologically

Massive hormone crash — estrogen and progesterone plummet after delivery. The uterus is contracting back to size. Lochia (postpartum bleeding) is ongoing. Milk is coming in, which can be painful. Sleep deprivation begins immediately.

How she might feel

  • Overwhelmed — nothing can fully prepare you for this
  • Physically depleted from labor and recovery
  • Emotional: baby blues affect up to 80% of new mothers
  • Bonding joy mixed with exhaustion and confusion
  • Possible breastfeeding difficulties causing frustration and guilt

What you can do

  • Take night feeds when possible — even one shift makes a difference
  • Manage all visitors — be the gatekeeper she needs
  • Handle the household completely: cooking, cleaning, laundry
  • Bring her food and water while she's nursing — she can't get up
  • Validate her emotions without trying to fix them

What NOT to do

  • Don't expect her to be "back to normal" — there is no normal yet
  • Don't invite people over without asking her first
  • Don't say "sleep when the baby sleeps" — it's not that simple
  • Don't compare her to other new mothers or your own mother

PinkyBond gesture examples

  • "I've got the next feeding. You sleep."
  • "Your mom can visit Tuesday — I told her we need space this week."
  • "You're doing amazing. Seriously."
02

Early Recovery

Weeks 3–6

What's happening biologically

Hormones are still adjusting but beginning to stabilize. Her body is healing from delivery. Sleep debt is accumulating. Breastfeeding is establishing (or she's navigating the decision not to). The six-week postpartum checkup is approaching.

How she might feel

  • Identity shift — "who am I now?" beyond being a mother
  • Isolation risk if she hasn't left the house in weeks
  • Possible postpartum depression onset — distinct from baby blues (watch for persistent sadness, withdrawal, hopelessness lasting more than 2 weeks)
  • Guilt about everything: not enjoying every moment, wanting alone time, struggling with feeding

What you can do

  • Encourage her to leave the house, even for a 15-minute walk
  • Watch for PPD warning signs: persistent sadness beyond 2 weeks, not wanting to hold the baby, talk of being a bad mother
  • Take the baby so she can shower, walk, or just exist alone
  • Attend the 6-week checkup with her — ask questions too

What NOT to do

  • Don't ask when she'll "bounce back" — recovery isn't linear
  • Don't dismiss persistent sadness as "just tired"
  • Don't make her feel guilty for not loving every moment of motherhood
  • Don't suggest she's not bonding properly with the baby

PinkyBond gesture examples

  • "I'm taking the baby for an hour. Go anywhere."
  • "How are YOU feeling? Not the baby — you."
  • "I called her doctor about what you described."
03

Extended Recovery

Weeks 7–12+

What's happening biologically

Hormones are gradually stabilizing. Her body is continuing to heal — this takes much longer than most people realize. Sleep patterns are (hopefully) improving. A possible return to work is looming, bringing new logistics and emotions.

How she might feel

  • Gradual return of self — glimpses of who she was before
  • Anxiety about returning to work and leaving the baby
  • Grief about maternity leave ending, even if she wants to go back
  • New relationship dynamics emerging — you're parents now
  • Reassessing everything: career, identity, partnership

What you can do

  • Discuss return-to-work logistics as a team — childcare, schedules, backup plans
  • Share childcare duties equitably — not 50/50 by the clock, but fair
  • Maintain emotional check-ins: how is she really doing?
  • Plan regular couple time, even if it's just 15 minutes after bedtime
  • Acknowledge how much she's accomplished in these weeks

What NOT to do

  • Don't assume postpartum recovery is over at 6 weeks — it's not
  • Don't stop helping with night duties because "she's used to it"
  • Don't expect your old relationship dynamic to return immediately
  • Don't treat childcare as "babysitting" — it's your kid too

PinkyBond gesture examples

  • "Let's figure out the work schedule together"
  • "Saturday morning is yours — I've got the baby all morning"
  • "You've handled so much. I see it."

Questions partners actually ask

See our full glossary of health terms for partners

Knowledge is the first step. PinkyBond is the second.

Now that you understand what she's going through, let PinkyBond help you show up — with gesture suggestions tailored to the moment.

Coming Soon to the App Store

Partner Guides

Partner guides: Postpartum

Actionable guides to help you support her through postpartum — what to do, what to avoid.

Baby Blues vs PPD — A Partner's Guide to Knowing the Difference

Baby blues peak around day 5 and resolve by week 2. If she's still struggling after 2 weeks — or getting worse — it may be PPD. Early intervention changes everything, and you may be the first to notice.

Postpartum Hair Loss — What Partners Should Know

Hair loss starting 2-4 months postpartum is normal and temporary. It's caused by the estrogen drop after birth. It can be emotionally devastating on top of everything else. Be gentle.

Postpartum Rage — How Partners Can Help (Without Making It Worse)

Postpartum rage — explosive anger, irritability, simmering fury — is often PPD or PPA wearing a different mask. She needs help, not an argument. De-escalate, don't defend.

The 6-Week Checkup — How Partners Can Advocate for Better Care

The 6-week checkup is often inadequate — 15 minutes to evaluate physical recovery, mental health, breastfeeding, pelvic floor, and contraception. Help her prepare and advocate for thorough care.

See all postpartum partner guides
Coming Soon to the App Store