After giving birth, midwives often recommend at least a few days of bed rest, or up to a full week if possible, as your body goes through some major changes. You can expect vaginal discharge, known as lochia, as your body sheds the blood and tissue from your uterus. The discharge is heavy and bright red in the beginning, potentially containing blood clots, and will eventually become lighter in colour. Remember that recovering from pregnancy and childbirth is not a quick process and can vary from person to persom. Although many women may feel mostly recovered after 6-8 weeks, it is not uncommon to take longer to feel like yourself again. Additionally, some new mums may experience emotional postpartum effects such as the baby blues or feeling down or anxious.