Longmont Newborn Photographer Shares 6 Eye-Opening Truths About the Early Postpartum Days!
Ready for the realness that comes with being a postpartum Momma?
In this blog post, I’m sharing some things that you can expect
after giving birth—the stuff that no one seems to talk about!
I hope you don’t mind, but I like to be real, raw, and maybe even a little bit
TMI sometimes—but hey, that’s what friends are for, right?!
1. This is one most moms aren’t expecting… the first bowel movement after giving birth can be intimidating and a bit painful.
Let’s face it, nobody wants to talk about bowel movements, but it’s important
to prepare for it after giving birth.
Stool softeners can make the process easier by softening the stool and
preventing constipation. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as
water or prune juice, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel
movements.
Trust me, taking a proactive approach can make a world of difference
and help you feel more comfortable and relaxed!
Back in 2014, my doctor actually wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until I had produced a bowel movement which made things so much more tense and uncomfortable! Luckily though, with my last two kiddos in 2017 and 2022, the doctors just sent me home with some stool softeners so it could happen in the comfort of my own home. I’m so incredibly thankful that is the norm now!
2. You might experience night sweats as your body transitions from pregnancy to postpartum.
Night sweats can be surprising and uncomfortable, but they’re a normal part
of the postpartum experience.
Your body has been holding onto extra fluid during pregnancy, and after
giving birth, it needs to get rid of it. This can lead to sweating during the
night, which can be uncomfortable.
One way to deal with night sweats is to wear light pjs and use
breathable sheets and blankets. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the
day to stay hydrated!!
I suffered with night sweats with my 3rd baby and let me tell you, it took me off guard every time it happened! I always made sure to keep a change of clothes handy for myself and to make sure I had water and a fan running at all times!
3. Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and can last for up to six weeks.
You got to skip your period for 9 months and now it’s back in full swing!
Now’s the time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and definitely make sure to avoid tampons!
If you’re looking for support during your postpartum period, checkout this blog post I did with a local Longmont, Colorado postpartum doula!
4. Your nipples will hurt, crack and maybe even bleed.
Breastfeeding is natural right? That’s what I was told – but I was never told
how much it might hurt those first couple of days!
Your breasts will be leaking milk and be sore, even if you’re not breastfeeding.
Nursing pads, nipple cream, cold nipple pads and breastmilk are a lifesaver! Did you know that you can rub breastmilk on your nipples when you’re done feeding before you put your nipple cream on and it can help?! My nipples are always so SO sore for the first couple of weeks but once I get past the transition period they end up leveling out to where i’m able to identify if something is going wrong because my nipples start to hurt again. I leaked long term with my 3rd baby too, which took me off guard as well. I loved the reusable nipple pads that are cloth. They felt so much more comfortable than the disposable kind and when your nipples are already in so much pain, who wants to add more uncomfy things on top?! Not me!
If you’re wondering if it’s time to get professional help with breastfeeding and
where to find breastfeeding resources in Longmont CO, click here to read
(breastfeeding post/title from Month 2 in The Content Club)
5. It’s common to feel sad in the first few days after giving birth.
Everyone says becoming a mom is the best feeling ever, right?
Well its not that simple… not everyone feels that way immediately! The first few days after giving birth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s common to feel a range of emotions. Sometimes multiple emotions in a matter of minutes… iykyk lol
These feelings are often referred to as “baby blues” and are a normal part of
the postpartum experience. BUT, if these feelings persist or get worse, it’s important to seek help from a
healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new moms, and it’s important to get the support you need to feel better.
6. It’s important to take care of your perineum if you had a tear or
episiotomy. Ice packs, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide
relief.
If you had a tear or episiotomy during your delivery, it’s important to take care of
your perineum as it heals. This can be a painful and uncomfortable process,
but there are things you can do to make it easier.
You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths to reduce swelling and
pain.
Padsicles are a popular DIY solution for postpartum relief. They are essentially
frozen pads that are infused with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe
vera, and lavender oil. Here’s how to make padsicles:
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need heavy-duty pads (such as overnight
pads), witch hazel, aloe vera gel, lavender oil, and a large plastic bag. - Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 1/4
cup of aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavender oil. Stir until well
combined. - Open the pads: Unwrap the pads, but leave the adhesive backing on.
This will help the padsicles stick to your underwear. - Apply the mixture: Using a spoon or brush, apply the mixture to the top
of the pad. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pad. - Fold the pads: Fold the pads back up and place them into the plastic
bag. Make sure they’re flat and not folded. - Freeze the pads: Put the plastic bag with the folded pads into the
freezer and freeze until they’re completely frozen, which usually takes a
few hours. - Use the padsicles: When you’re ready to use the padsicles, remove them
from the plastic bag and peel off the adhesive backing. Place the pad in
your underwear with the frozen side against your skin. The coolness of
the frozen pad can provide relief from swelling and soreness.
That’s it! Padsicles are an easy and cost-effective way to get relief from
postpartum discomfort. Just be sure to change the padsicles as needed
throughout the day, and discard used pads in the trash.
Offer tips for managing perineal pain and discomfort, such as using a donut
pillow or taking warm baths. You could also recommend a particular brand of
sitz bath or witch hazel pads that worked for you.
Offer your own words of encouragement for new moms who might be feeling
overwhelmed, and share your own experience of asking for help. Or, provide a
list of local support groups, online communities for new moms and/or
postpartum doulas.
Being a new momma is hard, but equipping yourself with ways to go into the new journey prepared is the best thing you can do to make the transition as smooth as it can possibly be! Put the tools in your tool belt now, so you have them ready for when you may need them.
I want you to remember, you’re not alone in this and it’s totally ok to lean on others
when you need to!!
If you’re reading this while pregnant – check out some of
my YOUR CITY YOUR GENRE Photography as you prepare for the arrival of
you new baby!
If you’re reading this while pregnant– check out some of my Longmont CO images as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby!
You can find me here:
CATEGORY
2/10/2025
Love this or have questions?! Leave me a comment!