The Very Real Postpartum
What you need to know about what happens after the baby arrives.
A couple hours after giving birth to my 3rd child
its very normal to still look pregnant after giving birth, your uterus needs time to shrink itself down!
Childbirth is a life-changing event. It is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of great challenges. Women who have recently given birth may experience a wide range of physical, emotional, and social changes. Here’s my realistic perspective of what most women face after giving birth that no one seems to shine a light on.
Physical Changes
The physical changes that women experience after childbirth can be significant. They may experience pain, fatigue, and discomfort in their abdomen, back, and pelvic area. They may also experience vaginal bleeding called Lochia (which typically lasts until 6 weeks postpartum), swelling, and constipation. In addition, women who have had a cesarean section or stitches due to tearing, will experience a surgical wound that will need to heal. Breastfeeding can also be challenging, as some may experience sore/ cracked nipples from attempting to breastfeed.
Emotional Changes
The emotional changes that women experience after childbirth can also be significant. They may experience a range of emotions, including joy, happiness, love, anxiety, sadness, and anger. They may also experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, some women may experience baby blues or postpartum depression, which can affect a woman's ability to care for herself and her baby.
Social Changes
The social changes that women experience after childbirth can also be significant. They may have less time for themselves and their hobbies. They may also have less time for their partners and other loved ones. In addition, they may experience financial stress, as they may need to take time off from work or hire childcare.
Coping with the Challenges of Postpartum
If you are seriously concerned for yourself or a friend who has given birth, reach out and talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about any physical or emotional problems they are experiencing.
Get plenty of rest and sleep. I know it sounds a lot easier said then done, but have friends or family come over and take over until you get some time for yourself. If that’s not possible, sleep whilst your baby sleeps! I know its such a cliche but it is something that you should consider.
Eat a healthy diet. Food is fuel. Especially after giving birth, you’ll want to nourish your body with healing foods that will restore your body and energy levels
Get outside. Getting some fresh air and sunshine can really be the thing that you need to help with feeling some sort of normalcy and it will defiantly help with uplifting your mood.
Have people come over. Having friends and family come over and meet your baby and also be there to support you through advice and comfort can really feel like a support cushion you may not have known you needed.
Join a support group for new mothers. There are ones that are free that happen either in person or online that you can join and have other mums that you can also connect with.
Read books and articles about postpartum. Knowing about these things before having a baby or during pregnancy can really help you and others identify if there is anything unusual occurring or if it is just apart of the process. You can never known too much about your own body. So stay informed!
Take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Do the small things that make you feel better about yourself. Make the cup of tea, take the nap, do the 12 step skincare routine. Its very easy for us as mothers to just become so immersed in this new role of ours that you’ll even catch yourself staring at your baby for 30 minutes. However, remember that you looking after yourself means you’ll be able to look after your baby at full capacity. Try not to loose yourself.
The postpartum period can be a challenging time, but it is also a time of great joy. By taking care of themselves and seeking support, women can make the transition to motherhood a smooth one. Some of you may never even experience these changes both physically or emotionally. Everyones postpartum journey looks different. do whatever it is to make is as easy as possible for yourself.
