While vitamin deficiencies, lack of sleep, and social stresses can all contribute to depressed mood after giving birth, the primary cause of postpartum depression is an extreme drop in hormones (primarily estrogen and progesterone) that occurs after delivery of the placenta. 

Postpartum bleeding, referred to as lochia, is a normal process wherein the individual sheds blood, mucus, and uterine tissue after delivery. This bleeding can continue for up to six weeks, and coloration can change from bright red blood (lochia rubra) to pinkish-brown discharge (lochia serosa).

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, often due to milk stasis in a breastfeeding individual and occurring most commonly in the first few weeks after delivery. Causes can include poor latching, tight bras or clothing, or infection. Incidence is higher in individuals who are immunocompromised, and in people with cracked nipples or a past history of mastitis with a previous birth. Mastitis is not an emergency, nor is it any type of cancer, cyst, or serious breast disease.

The stump of the umbilical cord will generally remain for 2-3 weeks after delivery. During that time the stump's coloration will change from blue to black as it dries. Eventually it will fall off much like a healing scab, leaving behind the umbilicus (navel).  

An umbilical cord stump will normally turn black and may bleed slightly when it falls off. These are not signs of infection. If, however, there is pus or swelling around the umbilicus, this may be signs of infection and should be further evaluated by a pediatrician. Newborns cry for many different reasons - this is not necessarily a sign of physical illness or infection. 

Normal hematocrit in a newborn is 45-65%. This is measured via heel-stick just after delivery. This test is useful in assessing for anemia (suggested by a low hematocrit) and polycythemia (suggested by a hematocrit over 65%). 

The most common treatment for mastitis is frequent breastfeeding, along with rest and loosening of any tight-fitting clothing. Most cases of mastitis are non-infectious and do not require antibiotics. However, high fever can be a sign of infectious mastitis, and may require pharmaceutical intervention. 

Object permanence is the understanding that an object still exists even when it can not be seen, heard, or touched. It is often tested by placing an object on a surface, then covering that object and allowing the infant to attempt to uncover it, thus demonstrating a knowledge that the object remains present though it is hidden. 

The APGAR score is a test of newborn health and physical function, designed to assess a newborn for need of emergency assistance. The factors used to calculate the score are the following:

• Appearance
• Pulse 
• Grimace response 
• Activity 
• Respiration

The "grimace" category of the APGAR score actually refers to a wide variety of reflexive behavior. These include sneezing and coughing, crying on stimulation, pulling away, and facial expression.