What to expect postpartum

Question

I’m 37 weeks and getting anxious about the postpartum period and wondering what to expect. I know everyone is different but I’m just honestly anticipating complete and utter exhaustion/ mood issues and pain. I’m struggling to be excited because you just hear everyone talk about how hard it is and I’m really nervous.

Answer

I thought it would be terrible and it really wasn’t! Yeah it hurt a little when I peed and I had to sit at an angle for a few days but trust me when I say you barely notice/care because you’re so damn in love with that little creature.
And at about a month postpartum I started feeling back to normal and it was awesome!!!

Answer

Emotionally, I was a hot mess for a couple weeks. I cried (happy tears) constantly. And then I was just a wreck from trying to keep up and do everything myself. If you have someone to help, let them. You basically are just running on love and adrenaline the first 2 weeks. Physically, I was actually better than I expected, and I had an emergency csection.

Answer

Honestly I don’t even feel like pushed a baby out 2 weeks ago 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I was in the same boat I was more nervous about the post partum part. I do say tho, I did get a hemmroid and now it feels like I’m pooping glass every single time and still trying to figure out how to poop comfortably but that’s my only issue and I’m 2 weeks and 2 days post partum!

Answer

Yes to all of this!  I had a great postpartum experience.  
BUT WHAT THEY DON’T TELL YOU is that you are going to smell SO bad.  Lol. Your hormones are insane and I swear I smelled horrible for the first month.  From armpits to vagina, I was gross.  And it’s perfectly normal!  After the bleeding stops, this yellow goo starts coming out and it smells horrid.  And that is not an over exaggeration.  It does eventually go away thankfully.  Lol But I had no idea that was even a thing.  Everyone talks about the pain, but not the smell! 😂

Answer

It is definitely rough, but easier if you just accept that yes, you’ll probably cry and there is no shame in it. It helped me to get a few nursing dresses just to have something to make me feel a little more human, so think of what makes you happy and stash it away for those first few weeks when you might need a pick me up. It does get better. I had an emergency c-section and felt better emotionally by 6 weeks, physically by 8.

Answer

If you have a supportive partner (or anyone that can come help) it is a HUGE benefit. My husband would literally bring me food and water in bed, do all the household chores and cooking. It is exhausting but you are so distracted by this little creature it is what it is. Take naps!! Do not worry about getting laundry/dishes done. Your job is to take care of yourself and baby. That is it. Dermaplast and adult diapers are a must for healing. Take stool softeners and drink pure apple, pear or prune juice. Prep lots of freezer meals ahead of time. If people want to drop off food, let them. Don’t be afraid to tell people they can’t come in your house. Leave food at the door.. lol.

Answer

As far as pain goes, it depends on if you tear or have an episiotomy. I tore in 3 places 2nd degree and had an episiotomy and was in agony for 3 days followed by a few weeks of pain. My SIL didn't tear at all and was squatting painlessly on the floor when I visited her at 5 days pp. I don't even remember much about my hospital stay except the pain. But honestly...it's over so fast

Answer

It is hard theres no denying it. Take it easy and just take time to enjoy your baby and rest your body as much as you possibly can.    
After having 2 children myself the first 3-4mo are hard but they are also conpletely doable.   So just remind yourself to savor these days (some times you have to actively remind yourself)  
I saw a quote "the days are long but the years are short" it is hard but savor those hard days bc one day you will miss them.   Having children is the hardest and most wonderful thing you'll ever do

Answer

You’re going to be super super excited the first day or two, and then day : (for me) is always whenever everything comes crashing down. Lots of crying and so tired. That’s been my experience both times, anyway. Just know that everything you’re feeling is okay and your body just went through a LOOOOT! So give yourself grace

Answer

Honestly looking back you remember all the crappy feelings and pain but in the moment you are just so overjoyed and obsessed with your new bundle of joy you waited so long to meet that it makes it all ok and worth it. Don’t stress too much about it. Your baby is going to be such a great distraction from everything

What to expect postpartum

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