This is why the first 12 weeks after birth feel so hard. The early postpartum period includes physical recovery, hormonal changes, sleep disruption, and a major emotional adjustment. All of this is happening at once, while you’re learning how to care for a newborn. This phase is often called the fourth trimester. It’s a real recovery period, not something you’re supposed to push through. Many new moms struggle during these weeks because postpartum isn’t explained clearly or supported well. When