The postpartum realities you’ll be glad you knew

If you’re currently pregnant and preparing for life with your new baby, you’re probably accumulating lots of necessities to feel prepared for their arrival in your home: crib, stroller, diapers, a miniature bathtub, lots of teeny tiny clothes that represent your vibe in a cute teeny tiny person way.

It’s easy to get consumed by preparations for the baby and overlook preparations for yourself. But being aware of some of the unexpected realities that you’ll likely go through can help remind you when you’re in the thick of it that what you’re going through is totally normal and expected. 

Here are five lesser-known postpartum realities that can help you feel more prepared in the early days with your baby:

1. There’s a Big Hormone Dip Around Day 3–5
Those pregnancy hormones that took 9 months to slowly build up in you come crashing down all at once a few days after birth. The postpartum hormone drop is the largest, most rapid hormone change that any human will experience in their lifetime, so it’s no wonder it can feel like an out-of-body experience for some. This typically occurs between days 3-5 after birth, and is often the hallmark of the “baby blues” experience. Even if things seem to be going well otherwise, it can leave you feeling weepy, anxious, overwhelmed or manic. Typically you’ll begin to feel even-keeled again by two weeks after birth, but if those feelings linger in a bothersome way it may be a sign of postpartum depression or anxiety setting in, which is incredibly common and absolutely treatable.

2. The First Poop After Birth Can Be Intimidating
No one wants to talk about it, but we should. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean, an epidural or no interventions, your body has just been through a lot. At the least, you’re quite sore down there. Add in potential stitches, the flashbacks of your diarrhea during labor, and the fear of “pushing” again, and your first postpartum bowel movement can feel scarier than checking that pregnancy test. You’ll get through it! Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, and don’t skip the stool softeners—they won’t necessarily make you go, but they’ll make it much more easeful when you do go.

3. Night Sweats Are Real and Intense
Many moms experience intense night sweats as their body acclimates to postpartum hormone changes and a new milk supply. You may wake up completely soaked, even if the room is cool. It’s your body’s way of releasing excess fluids and adjusting hormonally. Have a change of pajamas ready and lay a towel down if you don’t want to deal with sheet-changing in the night… and know that it will subside over the next couple weeks.

4. Breastfeeding Is A Natural Process, But Doesn’t Always Come Naturally
Breastfeeding may be what your body was designed to do, but that doesn’t mean it happens effortlessly. It’s often quite uncomfortable and awkward the first few weeks. But just like anything else you’ve never done before, it usually gets easier with practice. It’s just a unique situation in that you can’t really practice until your baby is here and you’re doing it! Latch issues, engorgement, positioning struggles, and supply worries are all very common early challenges. Give yourself grace. Working with a lactation consultant and having support in those first weeks can make a huge difference. Most pediatrician offices have an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) on staff that can get you in for an appointment very quickly. There’s also a number of them who work independently and can come to your home.

5. Newborns Are Noisy Sleepers
One of those things you often don’t learn until you’re in the thick of the sleep deprived nights is that babies grunt, squirm, snuffle, and coo in their sleep, constantly. (They may also reflexively smile or giggle, which is a welcome consolation for being woken in the night). It’s totally normal for them to be so noisy and it doesn’t always mean they’re awake or need you. But it can be tough to tune it out when they’re right beside you, especially if no one’s told you it’s a common thing! Learning to distinguish between active sleep and a true wake up can help you rest a little longer.

The fourth trimester is full of so many unexpected moments—some that make you want to sit on the shower floor and cry, and others that make your heart smile in a magical way. Knowing what’s normal can help you feel less alone and more confident. Just to reiterate what you’ve already heard a million times: you’re not supposed to do this alone!! Build your support team ahead of time (partner, other moms, friends, family, doulas and providers). Ask for help, and honor your own healing and transformation just as much as your baby’s needs. It’s a wild ride, but it’s only temporary.

Want to know even more?

During a Postpartum Planning Session we spend 2-3 hours customizing a fourth trimester care plan to your individual needs and lifestyle. You’ll feel more prepared after we go over ALLLL the topics like physical healing after birth, postpartum mental health, setting yourself up for breastfeeding success, ways to feel rested when you’re sleep deprived, who will help after baby is born, and much more. Click the button for the details.