Giving birth is a life-changing event for any woman, and it can be especially hard for new moms who are struggling with complications from childbirth.

There are several things to consider before attempting to give birth, such as your health and the type of birth plan you and your health care team have agreed on. It’s important to understand how the experience of labor and delivery will affect you, says Rachel Grundland, a family nurse in Denver.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to have your partner cut the umbilical cord after you give birth. This is usually safe and doesn’t hurt you or your baby, but it’s up to your healthcare team. If your birth is complicated, such as a caesarean section, you may not be able to have the cord cut immediately after your baby is born.

It is common for a new mother to feel tired after giving birth. This is because you’re losing blood and your body is adjusting to the new changes it’s going through.

You may also start to have afterbirth pains, which are belly cramps that you feel as your uterus (womb) shrinks back to its normal size after pregnancy. These should go away in a few days.

You’ll want to get some rest as well, says Grundland. Getting adequate sleep is critical to your health. It can help you adjust to your new role as a mom and allow you to recover from the physical and emotional challenges of childbirth.