The Incredible Newborn: The First Weeks

- Christel Geralyn Gomes

The first few weeks with a brand new baby in your life is different for everyone, and rarely a bed of roses. For a few lucky mummies, adjusting to motherhood comes easier than for others, but for most, feeling sore, weepy, exhausted, lost and overwhelmed is absolutely normal. If this sounds like you, fret not; you’re not at all alone!

Post-Labour Pains

According to 29-year-old Singaporean mum Kathleen Dragon-Chew, delivery was grueling to the point of barely being able to move. “I was exhausted from what was effectively a 15-hour labour without a proper meal and was barely able to move because though I had an episiotomy, I tore. To deal with exhaustion, I just let my baby – Dean – spend the night in the hospital nursery, only taking him for his night feedings. There wasn't much I could do about the pain except take the painkillers my gynaecologist prescribed and soldier through it.”

Dr Ong Xiaohui, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at WC Cheng & Associates, Thomson Medical Centre tells us that Kathleen’s experience is typically the norm. “Mothers will experience pain over their wounds and I usually advise my patients to take their painkillers regularly as it helps to control the pain, keep them mobile and they are safe for breastfeeding.”