New Moms’ Survival Guide: Navigating Postpartum with Confidence
Hello, beautiful mamas!
Congratulations on bringing a little bundle of joy into the world. As you begin on this incredible journey, you might be feeling a whirlwind of emotions – joy, exhaustion, love, and maybe even a bit of anxiety. It’s perfectly normal! The postpartum period can be a challenging time, but understanding what to expect can help you navigate these changes with confidence. Between the physical recovery in healing after birth, the mental health challenges, and the newborn care postpartum can be a lot. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of changes and lose time but before things become to much, let’s dive into some common postpartum challenges, how to go about navigating postpartum challenges, and how to combat them with strength, courage, and wisdom.
Physical Recovery: Healing After Birth
1. What is Lochia? AKA Postpartum Bleeding
Right after childbirth, you’ll experience lochia, which is a mix of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It’s similar to a heavy period and can last for up to six weeks. Using pads (not tampons) and resting when you can will help manage this. Padded underwear, If you notice very large clots or an unusually heavy flow, which includes filling up pads within 2 hours or less it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider. To learn more about lochia and tending to appropriate bleeding and other risk factors take a look at this article. Expect to have some vaginal bleeding and it to recede as time goes on. At this time you do want to avoid sexual activity until the bleeding stops.
2. Soreness and Discomfort
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body needs time to heal. Your body has still exited a baby and your placenta expelled is a lot for your body to manage. You might experience perineal pain, especially if you had an episiotomy, cutting, or tearing. Sitz baths, ice packs, and pain relievers can offer relief. This could look like Dermoplast in a spray can, making padsicles, perennial warm packs, and/or a heating pad. To learn how to make a padsicle check out this article for some you can keep in your freezer. For C-section mamas, keeping the incision clean and following your doctor’s instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.
3. Breast Engorgement
Your should start breastfeeding during that “golden hour” when you first meet baby. Your body makes colostrum which is rich in nutrients, proteins, and vitamin that will make your baby strong. At milk will come in a few days after birth, and your breasts might feel very full and uncomfortable. Frequent breastfeeding or pumping, warm showers, and cold compresses can help alleviate engorgement. If you experience severe pain or signs of infection (like redness or fever), reach out to your healthcare provider.
To read more about physical recovery check out this article here on traceyfamilyservices.com that provides strategies, tips, and tricks to overcome some other common postpartum challenges. Click the link to check out the article.
Mental Health Challenges: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster
1. Baby Blues
It’s completely normal to feel tearful, anxious, or overwhelmed during the first couple of weeks postpartum. The first few days after childbirth your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. Your system while pregnant has hormonally taken the birth control pill and then suddenly after giving birth all of those hormones are gone. As your body acclimates to all the changes you will feel all the feels. These feelings, known as the baby blues, are due to hormonal changes and the adjustment to your new role. It’s essential that you lean on your support system, talk about your feelings, and give yourself grace during this time.
Your labor and childbirth experience may bring about a lot of emotions, early postpartum and that time you have after delivery will bring about a lot of emotions. It’s important to weigh all of the things that may be pressing on you mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
To find out more about your own mental health postpartum it is important for you to tell your provider if you feel amiss or if your emotions are more than you can handle.
2. Postpartum Depression (PPD)
If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety persist beyond the first few weeks or are particularly intense, you might be experiencing postpartum depression. PPD is a serious but treatable condition. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider or a mental health professional. Remember, you’re not alone, and there is support available. To learn more about PPD check out this article.
3. Anxiety and Stress
Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to worry about doing everything right. You got your newborn here safely so focus on the peace in knowing that. With that in mind there is plenty to learn as you go. Expect to make some mistakes and to learn the things specific to your baby. This is your first time parenting this child and that’s all that matters.
Even if you already have children each child is unique all in their own. Things may go differently and it may take time to learn another. Give yourself that grace. You deserve it. Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and taking breaks when you can are effective strategies to manage stress. If anxiety becomes unmanageable, it’s important to talk to a professional. To learn more about mindfulness check out our article to keep mothers present in their journey.
Newborn Care: Embracing Your New Role
1. Feeding Challenges
Breastfeeding can be tricky at first. Latching issues, sore nipples, and concerns about milk supply are common challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for guidance. If you’re formula feeding, ensuring you’re using the correct amounts and following feeding schedules can help ease your worries.
For more tips and tricks on breastfeeding your newborn check out this great article where a lactation consultant answers frequently asked question may help. Check out the article here.
2. Sleep Deprivation
Newborns have unpredictable sleep patterns, which means you might be feeling extremely tired. Waking your newborn to eat is necessary in the early days as babies are not used to becoming hungry having been feed via their umbilical cord. Your baby will sleep off and on and NOT for hours on end. The best rule of thumb is to expect an hour or sleep that way if you get two you’re already in the plus.
Try to rest when your baby sleeps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help could look like having a list of things to do around the house, and having a schedule of supports for others to come and help with the baby if you are comfortable.
In addition to that your family begins to learn the ins and outs of your baby you can start making some routines and creating systems that help create ease and structure in your home. Start by creating a calming bedtime routine for your baby can eventually help them (and you) get more sleep. For more information on how to create a calm bedtime routine check out our blog post here.
3. Understanding Baby’s Cues
Learning to understand your baby’s different cries and cues takes time. There will be a cry for everything. Your baby hasn’t quite learned how to speak but their cry is the closest you will get to speaking their language. With that allow your intuition and your instincts to take over. Lean into all your mommy wisdom, you are the only mom to your child, they grew inside of you, use it that connection to lead the way.
Pay attention to patterns and trust your thoughts and your gut. You know how else you are supposed to move and when necessary reach out and ask a fellow mom, find another article, ask your doula, or your provider to help lead the way. It’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight. Every baby is unique, and you’ll soon become attuned to their needs.
Final Thoughts
The postpartum period is a time of significant adjustment, but with the right support and resources, you can navigate these challenges effectively. Becoming a mom, a mom of 2, or a mom of 3 takes time. Each stage is a new journey. There are so many resources available that you don’t have to struggle and flounder in frustration. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether from family, friends, or healthcare professionals. Remember to take care of yourself – a healthy, happy mom is the best gift you can give your baby.
Stay strong, mamas! You’ve got this. And always remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out, connect, and support each other as you navigate the beautiful, complex world of motherhood.
