Phew! Ok, now that the baby is born, and all that pain of childbirth is finally over, life gets easier now, right? Um, nope! Continue reading if you want the real and raw details of motherhood- recovering from a non-medicated birth, and my perspective of my recovery process after child birth.
Once the baby is born, I feel like people forget that as mamas, we are still in pain and going through our own recovery process. All eyes are on our new addition to the family, but what about mama!? What does that recovery process look like? As I stated in previous posts, each childbirth experience is different but I want to focus this post on the “Motherhood-Recovering From A Non-Medicated Birth” to hopefully help some other mamas be better prepared.
The Afterbirth? Say What?!
As a first time mama, I had no idea about this stage until I became pregnant and started doing what all first time mamas do, research EVERYTHING! I had read books and blogs educating me on this but never thought it would be something that I needed to worry about being painful.
I mean, what could be more painful than pushing a baby out, right!?
Again, this process could look different for every mama but this is just from my own personal experience.
Be ready for anything! The delivery of the placenta can go smoothly and come out in one piece. Or, it can take a little coaxing.
For me, this process was almost more painful than the actual delivery of our son. When all of the placenta didn’t come out in one piece, my midwife had to use her hand to expel the rest of it, all while pushing on my stomach to make sure it was all out.
Talk about quite an unpleasant experience and a very painful one at that.
Just be willing to prepare yourself for this possibility.
Tearing and Stiches
Yes, we are all aware of the dreaded tearing that could possibly happen. And with that comes the stiches. If you are going the all natural route, you know that there is nothing numbed “down there” therefore making this process a painful one as well!
Each body is different so the recovery time for these stiches to fully heal takes time and patience.
I remember going to Target with my husband about 5 days after giving birth and had to ask him to slow down his pace:) The rate I could walk was significantly slower than I had been able to 6 days prior. If you know what I mean! Give your body time to heal and recover.
What you just did was an incredible feat but you need to give yourself the grace to just rest!
Going #2 Can Be Terrifying
Ok, mamas, I know this might be TMI but we are talking childbirth! Childbirth is messy and can be gross sometimes.
But, in all honesty, pooping for the first time after giving birth is slightly terrifying. It kind of feels like your insides might drop out since you just pushed a baby out but I promise you, they won’t:)
Making sure you are eating a healthy diet full of good fruits and veggies will also make sure to help this process not be so painful.
If you do end up getting hemorrhoid’s, be sure to stock up on a stool softener and some Tucks wipes. These were a lifesaver for me! And they snuck up on me almost 3 weeks after giving birth so keep that in mind.
Stock Up On Diapers, Pads, & Granny Panties
Yes, diapers for YOU, mama! These were a lifesaver the first week or so after giving birth. Yes, you will probably still be bleeding because remember, you just pushed a baby out!
Get yourself some, diapers, pads, and granny panties for the days or weeks after giving birth so you are well prepared.
I definitely was not prepared in this area and my sweet husband had to go to the store to purchase diapers and pads for me. So very nice of him but I felt bad he had to do it:)
Give Your Body Time To Heal
Giving birth takes a tole on your body. Now is not the time to go start a new workout routine and get the excess baby weight off.
Now is the time to allow yourself to heal from the inside out.
Your body just went through a trauma and it will take some time to fully feel like yourself again.
Jumping back into things too soon could be detrimental to your recovery process and healing, so allow others to help you. You don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s ok if your house is a mess, laundry is piling up and your haven’t done dishes in three days.
Focus on you, your recovery, and tending to your newborn baby. That is what’s most important right now.
I know that this might be harder for some as opposed to others (I know it was for me). But, prepare yourself now to slow down and take it easy.
Enjoy all the baby cuddles you can get:)
Good luck, mama!
#whatiwishiknewgoingintomotherhood
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