Hot tip – It is literally blood, sweat, and tears!
Postpartum is a very human time.
Blood, sweat, tears
Aches, pains, feeling awkward in our own bodies
And as most of us aren’t comfortable with the very human aspects of our bodies, dealing with our own humanity can make postpartum even more challenging that it already is!
As with most things, I think being educated and prepared is key!
Just like it is important to understand what your body is doing during birth, it is important to understand what your body is doing throughout postpartum.
Because just like during birth, throughout postpartum your body is doing a LOT!
So let’s look at what to expect AFTER birth.
1. Lochia
Lochia is vaginal discharge made up of blood, mucous, and uterine tissue.
It will be heavy at first but should subside to a lighter flow.
Whether you have a vaginal or caesarean birth, you will pass lochia for about six weeks.
If the bleeding has been light but gets heavy again, that can be a sign that you’re doing too much!
2. Night Sweats
The night sweats are wild!
They are caused by intense hormonal shifts and by your body getting rid of excess fluid.
They should only last for a week or two.
During that time, it can be helpful to sleep on a towel…and for your visitors to change and launder your sheets for you!
3. Tears
Most women experience mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, and extreme teariness in those early days.
The “baby blues” are thought to be caused by changing hormones but sleep deprivation and your birth experience can play a role too.
Snuggle your baby for a happy hit of oxytocin!
4. After Pains
You continue to have contractions after birth!
Your uterus needs to go back to its normal size and back to its normal place and it does that by contracting.
After pains are usually experienced when feeding or pumping.
Heat packs can help!
5. Other Surprises
You might also experience constipation.
You might have to do some wound care if you’ve had a more significant tear or an episiotomy or a caesarean
Engorged breasts and nipple pain are also common.
This is why the postpartum period is often referred to as the fourth trimester…even though you you are no longer pregnant, your body is doing the work of recovering from pregnancy and birth and is also doing the work of transitioning to motherhood.
It is SO important to honour all this work by RESTING!
Allow your body the time and space to recover and to heal and to rebuild.
You deserve it and your future self will thank you.
If you want to learn more about the fourth trimester and to get ready for life after birth, The Positive Postpartum Program online course is for you.
You can feel prepared and excited for all that is to come!