25 honest postpartum experiences no one told you about
After putting in 39 weeks into raising my baby in my belly and spending another 13 hours in labour pushing her out into this world, I finally heaved a sigh of relief. I thought I was finally done. My baby was in my arms and the entire ordeal was over. Little did I know that it was the beginning of a new ordeal – also known as the 4th trimester – the postpartum experience!
In retrospect, I would’ve benefitted greatly if I knew what to expect from my postpartum life and body. I’ve put together 25 honest postpartum experiences to prepare you better. Take a look!
1. Loved all the care and attention you got through your pregnancy? That’ll all vanish as soon as your baby makes its first appearance. Most women compare this experience to that of a candy (baby). Once the candy is out, the wrapper (mom) gets tossed!
2. Your hair will never be the same again. Postpartum hair loss kicks in around 3-4 months post birth, and although the hair will eventually grow back, the texture and thickness may never be the same.
3. You will be terrified of leaving the hospital. I begged to stay one day extra because I just wasn’t ready to leave.
4. Some days you’ll be so tired that your head will throb. You’ll feel like you don’t know what you are doing, and you will convince yourself that you’re doing it all wrong – but you are not.
5. The first shower after a natural delivery might look like a crime scene! I thought I would pass out – if not die! – from all the blood loss.
6. Postpartum contractions are a real thing. The pain can range from slightly mild to painful menstrual-like cramps, especially when you breastfeed.
7. ‘Stress incontinence’ is real! Unknowingly, you will release a little pee when you run, do jumping jacks, sneeze, laugh—you get the gist.
8. Breastfeeding is a full time job.
9. Thinking or speaking about my birth story would instantly make me cry. I never felt so out of control of my emotions. Postpartum PTSD is real.
10. Postpartum rage is a real think. The littlest things used to trigger me.
11. Remember getting irritated by your husband’s tiny actions? It will intensify ten-fold in the postpartum period, thanks to raging hormones. Don’t let it get the best of you. Talk it out.
12. Take some stool softener. Pooping after birth is a different ordeal, even if you’ve had a c–section. It is painful and takes a lot longer than usual!
13. You can love your baby and still feel anxious, sad, or trapped in your new life.
14. You might not love your baby at first sight. She/he might feel like a stranger for weeks.
15. Your C-section scar will become the baby gift that keeps on giving. Some mothers have reported to experience pains and itching as many as 15 years after giving birth!
16. You might smell stronger or differently after you’ve delivered your baby. Most women have openly spoken about experiencing strong postpartum body odour.
17. It will be difficult to stand in front of the mirror with a still-rounded tummy, engorged breasts, saggy skin, and see a different-looking person staring back.
18. My feet grew during pregnancy and remained that new, larger size! I had to get rid of all of my cute pre-pregnancy shoes.
19. My inability to breastfeed made me question EVERYTHING.
20. Self-care is so important. I caused myself a lot of stress trying to be the perfect mom instead of giving myself room to learn what it is to be a great mom.
21. The loneliness of being a first-time mom is overwhelming. Not only are you often stuck in the house alone with a helpless new-born, but there is very little time for anything else like having coffee with friends or even talking on the phone.
22. And when you do step out and make some time for yourself, mom guilt can be debilitating.
23. I was constantly on edge thinking something bad will happen to my baby. I would senselessly worry that she would stop breathing at night so I would keep checking in on her.
24. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture and in the first few weeks you’ll be deprived of a lot of it.
25. I thought I read all the baby books to prepare me for this. Yet, when it was time to take my adorable human home, I realized no books could have prepared me for the adventure ahead.
Having a strong support system can make all the difference. Want a trained professional to take care of your newborn and cook delicious postpartum meals for you? Reach out to us to line up a confinement nanny.
