The Fourth Trimester
No matter where or how you birth, the postpartum period is a tough time! We’re not going to sugar coat it. It’s like, “Here, take care of this miniature human who you love with all your heart and by the way, they are completely dependent on you for life! Good luck recovering from your vaginal/surgical birth physically and emotionally! Be sure to get plenty of rest…but also, you need to feed the baby every “X” amount of hours. Did we mention your mental health is very important? You’re about to go through the largest hormonal shift a women does in her lifetime, in a matter of days. Did we mention breastfeeding isn’t super easy? Be sure they’re eating enough and having good output of pee and poop. Best of luck!”….and about a million other things!
You may feel like "mom" is now your only identity
Though we feel it is the most rewarding and wonderful job ever, mommin’ aint easy! After having your baby, everything becomes all consuming very quickly. You’re in a healing process, your milk comes in, your baby needs you 24/7. Some women end up feeling as though “mom” is their only identity. We encourage you to find some special time to be YOU! Your partner, friends, or family can watch baby for a short period of time so that you can get time to relax and be YOU once in a while. Believe us, if help is offered…take it!
Most ask about baby, not about how MOM is doing
There is the age old adage, “everybody loves a baby!”, and it couldn’t be more true. When you’re pregnant you may have noticed some extra attention from those around you. Often times postpartum, this attention shifts to the beautiful human you created. Hopefully, if you have other women in your life who have gone through the journey of motherhood, you can have a tribe of those that understand and who are ready to support you.
Your Relationship/Sex-life will change
Co-parenting is more new territory to navigate. Be sure that you keep an open line of communication with your partner. Also, most providers will recommend that you abstain from intercourse for a certain period of time postpartum dependent on your delivery and your specific recovery. Just because they give you the all clear, don’t feel obligated to jump back in the saddle right away if you aren’t mentally and emotionally ready! Sex-life changes post-children and your partner should be supportive of all the changes you have been going through. Ease back into things when you both feel ready.
Postpartum Rage is a thing...
Anger can be quite consuming postpartum. And not just your every day fiesty feeling, but actual RAGE. If you are having troubles with outbursts of extreme anger, you may be experiencing a postpartum mood disorder. We encourage you to work with your health care provider and be honest. They can find you the help needed to bring back your inner peace.
Hello night sweats...
Super common postpartum symptom, night sweats! These often peak during the initial week or 2 postpartum, but can also extend for several months periodically. Be sure to stay well hydrated and take those Placenta pills!
The "Bewitching Hour" exists
Your baby may be easy-peasy all morning and then when 5pm hits…BOOM! Dr. Jackel, meet Mr. Hyde. Don’t fret! This is something many parents experience and as your children mature, they will eventually grow out of it. It’s usually a combination of tiredness, hunger, and/or over stimulation. Though this can be extremely difficult to cope with, especially when you’re sleep deprived but we promise, it’s not forever.
You may feel uncomfortable in your new body/skin
It’s normal to feel like you need to get used to your new body. After all, you just grew a human in there for many many months and now your uterus is vacant again. Try to give yourself grace to learn to love the new you! Some women seem to “bounce back” instantly, while others slowly adjust to their new body, and others embrace their postpartum changes and the beauty that came along with growing their child/children. Whatever path you take, know that you are an amazing mama and that all of our bodies are different post-pregnancy and they are different and changed for the most incredible reasons!
Thought you were hormonal while pregnant?....
Postpartum hormonal drop is the single largest shift in the shortest period of time a women will experience during her lifetime. Give yourself grace and know that you’re not crazy. Crying over tiny things, feeling irrational, being extremely frustrated…this is all hard but it is all hormonal and NORMAL!
Postpartum Hair Loss
Those luxurious locks you may have gained during pregnancy (thanks hormones and prenatal vitamins!)….they commonly begin to shed and break off postpartum. Never fear though, this isn’t a forever thing! Have patience with yourself and with the regrowth process!
Postpartum contractions are a thing
After baby and your placenta are both birthed, your uterus needs to return to it’s original size. During the first day or two postpartum, you will experience contractions that can vary in intensity. You will usually feel an increase while nursing as a result of released hormones. Be sure to stay on top of anti-inflammatory medications for comfort as needed such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
Depends aka your new bestie!
Large pads, padcicles, and disposable underwear. Baby isn’t the only one who will be wearing a diaper for the time being. Don’t fret, it is something all mamas go through no matter how you deliver your baby.
Your first poo can be intimidating
Keep those stool softeners on hand. Having your first bowel movement postpartum can be kind of scary for some mamas! Depending on if you tore, had an episiotomy, or if you have sutures from a cesarean, the idea of straining and pressure down below can be tough. Make sure you stay hydrated along with eating healthy and again, having stool softeners on hand. Things will heal in time and using the bathroom won’t be intimidating forever.
Padsicles are heaven
As we have briefly mentioned above…padsicles! These are large pads that are often carried online, at birth centers/hospitals, or you can make them yourself! Keeping your nether regions cool can help reduce swelling and ease your comfort as you heal.
You will likely still look pregnant!
It’s normal to not loose your entire baby belly the second little one joins the outside world! Most mamas will tell you to expect to look/feel as though you are about 5 months along during your initial postpartum days. Again, give yourself grace and try not to compare your journey to another mom’s. Your body just grew a human and however it looks…it’s done beautiful work.
Heads up - baths are a "no-no" after a C-section
Your provider may advise you to avoid baths for a couple of weeks post surgical birth. This is because we don’t want to submerge the incision site too early on. Baths are almost always recommended post a vaginal birth and can be a relaxing and healing tool for mom while home recovering and caring for her baby. If you had a surgical birth, but would like the perks of a bath, either take a nice relaxing shower or run a shallow bath that stops before your incision site.
Pelvic Floor Therapy is highly recommended!
Pelvic Floor PT can make ALL the difference! We recommend it to all of our clients as it can greatly aid in your initial healing, and also help with issues many years down the road! Some mamas even do so during pregnancy to help with comfort and to aid in their labor process.
Milk doesn't just come in right away
It can sometimes take up to 5 days for a mother’s milk to come in postpartum, even longer if your baby was more prematurely or you had an early induction for necessary reasons. This is a common worry of new mamas when they don’t see a LOT of production right away. We highly recommend discussing any concerns with a Lactation Specialist. Click Here to meet How 2 Mom’s very own Lactation Counselor!
When your milk comes it, it won't necessarily feel good...
Your body is learning a new balance and it is all about supply/demand. Often times, when milk DOES decide to come in, women may become engorged as their body adjusts to producing just what baby needs. This experience is normal, but keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and overall fatigue/unwellness. These can be signs of a relatively common condition called Mastitis and you will want to begin treatment for that as soon as possible.
Let Down is a new sensation
Woah! What was that?! “Let down” is the sensation women feel when milk begins to come down during a feed. It is described differently by all women, but some describe it as a “pulling, warm, or burning” sensation. And then some women don’t feel this sensation at all.
Breastfeeding is NOT for the faint of heart
To put it lightly…..it is HARD! There are a lot of ups/downs with breastfeeding and just when you think you’ve got it down, baby may change up their preference/patterns! Be sure that you discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider or a lactation specialist if this is the road you are hoping to pursue! Support is key in a successful breastfeeding journey. There are so many benefits to breastmilk and we hate to hear that a mom had to give up that journey because of lack of support. But…if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you or if you struggle mentally with the burden, there is NO SHAME in doing what is best for YOUR family to supply nourishment for your babe.
Ouch....my poor nipples!
Breastfeeding can be rough on your nipples early on postpartum. Be sure to check out some baby safe nipple balms/creams and have them on hand. During your initial days of learning how to feed, nipple soreness is common and should be cared for, for your comfort!
Watch your mental health - PPA/PPD exist and are more common than women would like to admit
It’s very common for women to experience the “baby blues” during the first few weeks postpartum; but PPA/PPD are two very different things and need to be taken seriously. At How 2 Mom we always make sure to check in with our clients during their early postpartum days to make sure there are no signs of these more serious mood disorders developing. Feelings of hopelessness, constant sadness or worry, difficulty bonding with your baby/apathetic feelings towards your newborn, inability to sleep or “shut off” your brain from anxious racing thoughts, finding no joy in the things you used to, or even very swift changes in mood including outbursts and uncontrollable crying. These are just a few symptoms to watch for. We encourage you to be conscious of your mental health and the decisions you make for YOUR care during the fourth trimester. Asking for help is one of the bravest things a new mama can do. Know that our team is always available to lend an ear. We want to make sure that no mama feels like she has to suffer in silence.
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