The First 14 Days Postpartum: Insider Tips from a McMinnville Newborn and Family Videographer
In this blog post, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of what to expect after giving birth!
1. You might experience night sweats as your body gets rid of the excess fluid from pregnancy.
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 and even wake you up. One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
2.Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and last for up to six weeks.
You got to skip out on your period for 9 months and now it’s back with a vengeance!
Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons.
3.Your nipples will hurt, crack and 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 and how much nipple cream I’d blow through in 24 hours!
Your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you're not breastfeeding. Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver.
4.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?
Not for everyone, and that’s ok!!
The first few days after giving birth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it's common to feel a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety to sadness. I cried almost every day for the first week or two!
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.
5. You might think you’re going bald with all the hair loss.
You might be alarmed to see a lot of hair falling out after having a baby!
But don't worry, postpartum hair loss is actually quite common and temporary for many new mothers. This happens because during pregnancy, hormonal changes cause hair to enter a resting phase, leading to less shedding.
After giving birth, your hormone levels start to return to normal, and your hair begins to shed the extra strands it held onto during pregnancy.
Postpartum hair loss usually starts a few months after delivery and can last for several months.
To minimize the effects, try using gentle hair care products, avoiding tight hairstyles, and maintaining a balanced diet. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to its normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down.
6. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help.
Listen, it's totally okay to feel overwhelmed after bringing a new human into the world.
After all, you're doing one of the most important jobs ever!
So, if you need help, don't be afraid to shout it from the rooftops.
Seriously, nobody expects you to be Supermom. Your friends, family, and healthcare providers are there for you, just waiting to lend a hand or a listening ear. Whether you need advice on how to soothe a fussy baby, some company during those late-night feedings, or just someone to hold the baby while you take a much-deserved shower, PLEASE reach out.
Remember, asking for help doesn't make you weak—it makes you wise!
Read that again!!
Because taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one.
Now you’re in the know about some of the less glamorous, but oh-so-real parts of postpartum life.
But remember, you’re not alone in this and it’s totally ok to lean on others when you need to!!
