What New Moms Need to Know About Postpartum Life

Whether it’s your first or fourth baby, postpartum life can be a whirlwind of adjustments to a new normal. From a new baby to a new body and family dynamic, there’s no single way to prepare for the outcome. However, you can follow these approaches to help yourself feel your best during this chaotic time. 

Recovery in the Hospital Is Just for That — Recovery

During your postpartum hospital stay, you’ll need time for recovery. During the last nine months, your body has been through so much labor, so it’s crucial to get the rest you need to recover. Your postpartum recovery during this time is not for entertaining guests. You’ll need time and trust that the hospital staff is there to help.

Additionally, the first couple of days is your chance to get mother-baby bonding time. So, enjoying those uninterrupted minutes together will be one thing you can expect to enjoy.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t feel pressure to keep your new baby at your side at all times. If you’d rather have your baby in the nursery, you can do just that. It’s okay to have your newborn sleep there for a few hours while you get much-needed rest. 

Recovery Continues at Home

Once you get home from the hospital, it’s important to continue focusing on recovery. With that in mind, you’ll need some essentials to help you recover comfortably.

Every recovery is different, but the top postpartum recovery essentials include:

• Pads: The hospital will give you industrial-strength pads, so make sure to bring extras for the home. Having a thick liner will be just what you need while in recovery.
• Ice Packs: If you’re sore and have tears, ice packs will bring you comfort.
• Underwear: Although the hospital gives you mesh undies, you’ll want to purchase oversized underwear to accommodate those large pads.
• Peri Bottle: You can bring one of these home with you to easily clean yourself down there while recovering.
• Nursing Supplies: If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll need nursing pads, nipple cream and a nursing pillow. Consider looking into breast pumps if you can get one before your baby is born.

You might also not expect the discomfort of hemorrhoids, which can become swollen and inflamed after birth. Those ice packs will come in handy to reduce the swelling. 

Watch for Your Mental Health

Go easy on yourself. The first few weeks can be a blur with hormones, sleep deprivation and healing. So, this time is the most crucial for prioritizing your mental health. Focus on the “good enough” and accept help when offered. It might not be easy to admit that you need assistance, but having the time for a break is good for you.

Also, know that perfection is unattainable. You’ll have moments where you feel like you need to get everything done. However, the best thing you can do is be gentle with yourself.

Many women also experience what’s known as the “baby blues.” The first few weeks of being home with a newborn can make you feel anxious, sad and frustrated. However, if those feelings don’t go away after two weeks, then you’re most likely experiencing postpartum depression and should seek help. 

Here are some postpartum warning signs to watch out for:

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Mood swings.
• Crying for no reason.
• Difficulty suppressing negative thoughts.
• Loss of interest being around friends or family.
• Feeling no attachment to your baby.

Be Patient With Your Body 

Many moms find it surprising to look pregnant after the baby is born. Remember that it takes time to get back to your pre-pregnancy body. For many women, it takes 6-8 weeks to feel mostly recovered, but it can take even longer to bounce back. 

The best thing you can do is not focus on weight loss for at least the first three months postpartum. This period is crucial for obtaining all your body’s nutrients to recover.

Most of all, be patient with your body and yourself. Eating well, hydrating and exercising when able to will help you lose most of the weight over time. However, it helps to think of all you accomplished, from growing a baby to sustaining life for nine months. 

Discomfort During Intimacy Is Normal After Childbirth

It’s common to feel pain once you and your partner are intimate after childbirth. While it’s normal for intercourse to be uncomfortable at first, it shouldn’t be excruciatingly painful. Plus, it shouldn’t last longer than a month. 

When you’re ready to return to intimacy, be sure to let your partner know what you need from them. It’s important to take things slow and talk to your spouse about how you’re feeling. When you’re open with communication, that’s where the true intimacy begins.

Moreover, hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness. So, consider using a personal lubricant to relieve any discomfort. 

Pain can also be due to pelvic floor dysfunction or a scarred tear. In that case, it helps to see a pelvic physical therapist to make a full recovery.

Take Care of Yourself

Remember, your health and well-being are crucial. As new mothers, it can feel like we need to put our emotional and physical health on the back burner because motherhood is time-consuming and hard work. At the same time, we try to prove that we are capable of being a mom.

Sometimes it can also feel like the wait for this child was so long and we can feel selfish to be anything other than thankful. It’s okay to be grateful and feel overwhelmed. Just know that it’s worth checking in with yourself to ensure you’re happy so that baby can be happy, too.