When we are pregnant, we look forward to and prepare for birth. We write our birth plans, take our childbirth education classes, and read parenting books to prepare for baby’s arrival. After birth our focus turns to caring for the baby and caring for ourselves is often put on the back burner. Surprises with our bodies, and our moods, often crop up in the early postpartum period. To help demystify and explain what happens postpartum to our bodies, I’ve made a list for you.
“Mother’s Love” by Mark Colomb – Flickr. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Instantly falling in love with baby
Some women do fall deeply and madly in love with their babies right away. Other mothers take some time. We need to learn who this new person is and fall in love slowly. This is totally normal.
“I remember feeling like a horrible mom because I wasn’t instantly falling in love with me children….I’ve learned that it takes me most of their first year to see some kind of personality….then I start to connect with them” ~Lauren
Hair Loss
Shedding more hair than usual is normal postpartum. During pregnancy, because of the hormonal changes, women hold onto the hairs they usually shed. As the hormone levels decrease, the hairs finally let go. Some women experience hair loss in clumps or in very large quantity. It’s a bit disconcerting, but normal too.
You will bleed postpartum, a lot…
…with blood clots of amazing size… for 4-6 weeks after giving birth. This is normal! It’s called Lochia. This blood flow gets lighter, and less gross, as the days go on. What’s not normal is soaking a menstrual pad in an hour or less – that’s hemorrhage and you need to be seen for treatment ASAP.
Contractions!
Yeah, you thought contractions were over now that baby and placenta are born. Sorry, no. You uterus will continue to contract for the next 4-6 weeks so it can return to its original, pre-pregnancy size. This process is called involution. You will feel more intense cramping during breastfeeding in the early postpartum days (Oxytocin!!!). They will ease up the farther out from birth you are.
Hot flashes and night sweats
No, it’s not menopause, but it is a hormonal shift. As the hormones of pregnancy depart, our bodies react, hence the hot flashes and night sweats. This too shall pass.
Hemorrhoids and pain while pooping
Two things that go great together… or not. Hemorrhoids are often the cause of painful pooping postpartum. What causes them? Lots of pressure at the pelvic floor, i.e. childbirth. What fixes them? Time, patience, Tucks Pads, Preparation H crème, hemorrhoid suppositories and a whole lot of TLC when going to the bathroom. Most of the time, with over the counter treatments, gentle pooping and some time, hemorrhoids will self-heal. If not, do see your doctor.
Lack of bladder and / or bowel control
This is NOT normal, but it is common. If you have loss of bladder control, either leakage or inability to urinate, you need to see a physical therapist that specializes in women’s pelvic floor, maybe a urologist as well. Same goes for loss of bowel control. Get help and get it soon. This can be fixed!
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy
Breastfeeding may be normal and natural, but it’s not always simple and straightforward. It’s like riding a bike. No one hops on a two-wheeler the first day and rides 10 miles. We get on the bike and fall off and try again. By the end of that summer we do ride those 10 miles with ease. Breastfeeding is the same. It’s a skill and it takes some practice.
To help set you up for success: Take a *good* breastfeeding class. Know where your support is – Lactation consultants, La Leche League, etc. Understand that if you get help, the vast majority of breastfeeding problems can be solved.
Sex postpartum is uncomfortable, to say the least.
A giant DO NOT ENTER sign needs to be posted on your vagina for at least 6 weeks after you’ve given birth. Your lady bits aren’t healed up yet. Your cervix is still open and sex can introduce infection. Do wait the full 6 weeks before jumping back into the sack.
When you do go back to having sex note that you will likely be raw, dry and uncomfortable. LUBE is your friend! Take it slow and go back to nookie when you are ready.
Antibiotics during labor can result in thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of your nipple (and baby’s mouth) which making breastfeeding darn painful. If you know you need antibiotics, up your probiotics before labor and keep taking them for a few weeks afterwards. It’s not a guarantee, but it sure can help prevent thrush.
Postpartum Depression, Anxiety or other mood disorders
One in seven women experience some form of PPD. The number could be higher due to under reporting. So, although it’s common to experience some form of mood disorder during pregnancy or postpartum, it’s not normal. Hormonal fluctuations can wreck havoc on your emotional state. It’s very important to seek help from a licensed therapist, support group or other means if you are suffering.
“Oh, and most important to me… I wish someone would have told me that it is OKAY to not like how your labor went. It is okay to be mad, sad, etc about how it happened. Just because it was the best day of my life, doesn’t mean it couldn’t be the worst as well. Having a healthy baby is important, but mama is also important” ~Myra
What would you add to the list? What things about your postpartum recovery surprised you? What weren’t you told?
I think it’s good to know that post partum problems can also manifest as anxiety- which can in fact be crippling. I was SO on the lookout for Ppd that it took me awhile to realize just how anxious I was. Some people are prone to depression, others anxiety. The combination of hormones and being completely responsible for another person’s life is big stuff. If your level of worry is making you watch every breath your baby takes, seek support. It helps even just to talk about your fears!