After almost 10 months of being pregnant, giving birth becomes the most anticipated moment of the journey. Not only because we are looking forward to seeing our babies, but also because we can’t wait to not be pregnant anymore!
We look forward to being able to sleep more comfortably, to not feel hot all the time, and to finally say goodbye to morning sickness.
However, the postpartum period comes with some unexpected surprises for many moms. From changes in our bodies that didn’t happen as we were expecting, to experiencing feelings that sneak up on us. Let’s go over some of these things that people do not always talk about.
10 Things that happen during Postpartum
1. Belly doesn’t go down right away
It can be disheartening and take you by surprise. But the truth is that after giving birth your belly doesn’t go back down right away. Your belly might stick around for a few long weeks, a few months, or just become part of the new you. It can be a lot to process, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
You might’ve thought that everything would have gone back to normal after the baby was born, but now you may find yourself not recognizing the new you.
Remember that your body just went through a major change. Do not rush yourself to be back on your feet right away. Also take time to accept the changes that took place and how powerful that makes you. You grew a whole human being in your belly and gave birth to a beautiful baby. You are tough and amazing.
2. You’ll feel vulnerable
Your body just did an amazing thing, but this also means that after all that hard work, it needs to recuperate. You will feel depleted of strength, sore, and very vulnerable. This is normal.
Give yourself time to heal and regain your strength. Right after birth, do not pick up anything that is heavier than your baby.
If you have a C-Section, be very mindful of your movements. You just had major abdominal surgery and your healing time will take a little longer. Take it slow and rest.
3. Your strength will slowly come back
It will feel like it’s taking forever! Especially if you are used to doing things yourself and like to be active. This might present as a challenge for a lot of women, to have to slow down and sit back. But this is a necessary step during postpartum.
Your body is now putting itself back together again. Every organ that got shuffled during pregnancy, now has to slide back into place. After giving birth, all the energy that your body puts into forming a baby is being redirected toward you to help you regain your strength.
Don’t rush to get up and get things done. Give it time.
4. Your body will feel different for a bit
You might even feel like you are a guest in your own body because it will feel so unfamiliar for a little while. One would think that after the birth your body will return to be yours again, that it will be how it used to be and feel before pregnancy. But this is not always the case.
Here are some things that you might experience:
- Night sweats
- Breastmilk leakage
- Hemorrhoids
- Dry skin
- Some hair loss
- Urinary incontinence
- Stretchmarks
- Constipation
- Perineum soreness (if you had a vaginal birth)
- C-Section incision soreness (if you had a C-Section birth)
- Cramps
These are just to name a few. Everyone is different and no two women will experience the same symptoms. However, these changes may come unexpectedly and catch you by surprise.
My advice? Just go with the flow and listen to your body’s needs. Your postpartum recovery is your own journey. Make sure your needs are met and remind yourself that you are strong and amazing. You will get back on your feet before you know it.
5. The baby blues are real!
The baby blues have become fairly known by now. But what takes moms by surprise is the unexpected ways in which it presents itself during postpartum.
I remember after I had my first child. I was at home and the baby was napping in my arms. A commercial was being televised on the TLC channel for a reality show that was running its current season. It was a pretty standard commercial that had nothing shocking in it. I started crying! For some reason it made me so emotional. I don’t even remember why it made me weepy.
Hormones are no joke! This is not an old wives’ tale, it’s very much real. After birth, you will experience a drop in hormones. This is because your body has finished its job of growing and birthing a baby. Therefore, it no longer needs so many hormones and can bring those hormones down again. Because of this, you will experience a range of emotions for a little while until your hormones get settled. Just hang in there, it will pass.
6. Be on the lookout for Postpartum depression
This one can sneak up on you without you even realizing it. As a mom, we all worry to a certain extent if we will do a good job. Our goal is to protect and raise our children well. But these thoughts can spiral out of control without you even noticing it. You may start being overly preoccupied with being a good mom, worrying about the well-being of your baby, and even reaching the point of thinking that your baby will be better off without you.
A lot of women may begin to experience extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness, constant crying, lack of appetite, and difficulty bonding with their baby. These might be signs of Postpartum depression.
Postpartumdepression.org says that “Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth, with some studies reporting 1 in 7 women”.
If this is happening to you, know that you are not alone and this is not your fault. You have done nothing wrong and have nothing to be embarrassed about. Reach out to your doctor and ask your loved ones for their help and support. Things can and will get better.
7. Going to the bathroom may be challenging
Whether it is for number one or two, this one is not comfortable at all after birth. If you had a vaginal birth, peeing may burn in all the wrong ways. Since you are sore after birth (and possibly have stiches), urine will burn a little bit. This is because urine is a bit acidic.
It will also be uncomfortable to pass a bowel movement. Since the sphincter needs to stretch open, it may cause you discomfort when you go.
If you had a C-Section, urinating may not be too tough. However, passing a bowel movement will be a little nerve wrecking. Your body will still be recuperating from major abdominal surgery and your tummy will feel sore and delicate. Pushing will cause a lot of discomfort and you may not even want to push at all.
Just know this is temporary and things will get better.
8. Make sure to stay on top of any needed supplements
After birth, you will most likely be given a stool softener while you are in the hospital. Take it! This will make your trips to the bathroom so much easier, and it will relieve so much discomfort. It will aide you in loosening up your stool and allowing it to pass without much effort on your part.
When you get home, stay on top of your fiber intake, and follow the directions of your doctor. Stay on top of any vitamins that have been recommended to you and any necessary supplements.
9. Your baby might feel like a stranger
You might feel an instantaneous bond with your baby, or it might take you a few days to develop it. This is not abnormal. After all, you are just meeting your little bundle of joy. If you don’t feel that instant connection, do not worry. It will come.
For now, get to know your baby and spend time with them. Your bond will deepen and strengthen as time goes on.
Related post: What If You Are Not Bonding with Your Baby Right Away.
10. You might feel scared being alone with your baby for the first time (first-time mom)
When you give birth, you always have help around you during your stay in the hospital. You know that if you need help or have any questions, the nurses and doctors are right there to help you. But then you go home, and eventually will be left alone with a baby while still recovering. This can be unexpectedly scary.
I remember when this moment happened to me. After being discharged from the hospital, my husband took a week vacation to be home with me and the baby, and my mom stayed with me for 2 weeks. I had people with me to help me recover and heal. They helped me shower, change clothes, and took care of the baby. My mom was amazing. I realized how much we need our moms when WE become moms. I may have had a baby, but I was her baby and she was there to take care of me and her grandbaby, which was a part of her too.
When the day came that she had to leave, I remember being at the top of the stairs holding my baby while my mom waved me goodbye. Then, I was all alone with a baby, on my own.
That feeling is nerve-wracking if I’m being honest. However, everything was fine. I took one moment at a time and one diaper change at a time. Everything was fine and under control.
It will be ok for you too. Whether you have help at home or not, you got this! You can do this! It may feel a little scary to be on your own, but you already know what to do and you will be fine.
In closing
You will experience so many changes not only physically but also emotionally. The postpartum period is a time for your body and mind to heal, recover, and gain strength. Don’t be in a rush to get on your feet and take care of everything all at once. This time is for you to rest and accept all the help you can get. This will aid your recovery and you will be better off because of it.
Giving birth is nothing short of a miracle. Bringing life into this world is one of the most amazing things you can experience. After all that hard work, now the time has arrived for you to rest. Many things may have changed, and you have come out on the other side stronger and more resilient.
Do you know what is the last thing that no one tells you about giving birth?
You are amazing.
I wish you a happy and peaceful recovery!
