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One of life’s most wonderful experiences is becoming a mother. However, it can also be quite stressful and upsetting, particularly in the postnatal period. Most first-time moms are overwhelmed as they do not know what to expect in the post-natal phase. We’ll talk about the psychological, emotional, and practical changes you might expect during this unique time in this blog post. The lighter vein is maintained as being a two-time mother myself (and a doctor), I know that humor is one of the ways of seeing beyond the challenges. Happy reading!
Birth is only the beginning (of what.. we won’t scare you just now)
When you are having a kid, it is simple to concentrate on the birth itself, but it is crucial to keep in mind that the labor and delivery process is only the beginning. There will be many changes to be made once your baby is delivered. For instance, you’ll need to develop the skills necessary to ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of your newborn. You’ll also need to establish a new regimen for the whole family as well as yourself postpartum care and recovery are as important as newborn care.
Any parent may find the postnatal period to be a challenging transition, but with the correct information and assistance, you may get through this time without too much difficulty. Knowing what to anticipate will aid in your planning for the upcoming days, weeks, and months ahead. There may be some surprises along the way, but with the right preparation and information, you’ll be ready to tackle each new day with confidence.
Overall, there are three phases in the postnatal period. The first 6-12 hours postpartum are associated with rapid physiological changes referred to as the acute period. This is the phase when professional supervision is required as many acute crises such as postpartum hemorrhage, uterine inversion, amniotic fluid embolism, and eclampsia can arise during this phase.
The subacute postpartum period, which lasts 2-6 weeks, is the second phase. During this stage, the body undergoes significant changes in hemodynamics, genitourinary recovery, metabolism, and emotional state. Nonetheless, the changes are slower than in the acute postpartum period, and the patient is generally capable of identifying problems on his or her own. These can range from minor perineal discomfort to peripartum cardiomyopathy or severe postpartum depression.
The third phase is the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to 6 months. Changes during this phase are extremely gradual, and pathology is rare.
The first few weeks are vital (And so are the following months, years…. it’s neverending)
Both the mother and the baby are especially vulnerable in the first few weeks following delivery. It is crucial to rest and take it easy while the body is still recovering from childbirth. You will need to learn how to care for a newborn and attend to the baby’s demands. You’ll feel a variety of things, including excitement, joy, anxiety, and weariness.
Although it is common to have anxiety as you make the adjustment to parenthood, realize that you are not alone. Maintaining contact with friends and family is crucial for support, but you should also put yourself first during this time. Even if it means taking turns with your partner, get as much rest as you can.
Monitoring the infant’s health and development is crucial throughout the first few weeks. Keep all of your appointments and be careful to follow up with the doctor. Be sure to keep a constant eye on your baby’s growth, feeding, sleep, and diaper usage. Keep a record of any questions or worries you may have so you may discuss them with your doctor when you next see him or her.
The first few weeks after giving birth can be an emotional roller coaster with a lot of physical recuperation. Keep in mind that you are not alone and that help is available if you require it. Get as much rest as you can, keep an eye on your infant’s health, and ask family and friends for assistance. With a little extra care and attention, these first few weeks can be a special time of bonding with your new baby.
You will be exhausted (For the rest of your life)
It goes without saying that becoming a mother will completely change your life. When you’re taking care of a newborn, sleep deprivation is unavoidable, and even if your infant sleeps well, you’ll still be worn out from the abrupt shift in habit and lifestyle. Many mothers deal with the reality of not sleeping for days on end, which you may have read about in horror stories.
The good news is that as newborns grow more independent and you begin to recognize their requirements, this stage will eventually pass. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that this postpartum exhaustion is common and that it will take some time to get used to. When you can, make sure you take the time to rest and replenish, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are doing an amazing job!
Your hormones will be all over the place (If they were not already)
Your body will experience a major hormone spike after giving birth to your child. Even while this is expected and normal, it can still be very stressful. You could feel a variety of various emotions throughout the postpartum period due to hormonal changes, including joy, grief, anxiety, and weariness. It’s crucial to be conscious of these feelings and to speak with your doctor or midwife if you suspect something is wrong. Talking to your partner and family about how you are feeling is also crucial because they may provide invaluable support. Finding a support group of other new mothers who can relate to what you’re going through might also be helpful. Remember that when you perpetually feel low then it could be a sign of postpartum depression and seeking professional help is the key in those cases.
You will have both good days and bad days (Nights will be worst though)
Receiving postnatal care frequently entails accepting the reality of parenting. You may feel overburdened, alone, or worn out as a new mother. Even if you are thrilled to be a parent, it can be challenging to adapt to the changes in your life.
You will undoubtedly experience both good and terrible days throughout this period, it is vital to keep this in mind. On good days, you could feel empowered and self-assured as a mother. Additionally, you might get to have enjoyable times with your newborn. On bad days, though, you could experience frustration or anxiety as you try to organize your daily activities and take care of your infant.
It is crucial to seek support from family, friends, and experts when these trying times arise. To reduce the stress of postnatal care, try getting adequate sleep, eating healthily, exercising when you can, and talking about your thoughts. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that these feelings are all common and that your baby blues will pass in due course.
Your body will never be the same (There will be proud scars from a battle well fought)
Having a baby is one of the most transformative experiences you will go through in life. After pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal recovery, your body will look and feel different. You may experience sagging skin, stretch marks, weakened abdominal muscles, and general body aches and pains due to the physical strain of giving birth.
Many new mothers also experience dramatic changes in their bodies related to hormonal fluctuations. This can include anything from changes in libido and mood to physical symptoms like postpartum acne, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and more. Additionally, breast changes are normal after having a baby; for many, this includes lactation but it can also involve breast size reduction, nipple sensitivity, and other changes.
It can take a long time to adjust to these changes, both physically and emotionally. Try to be kind to yourself as your body recovers. Remember that everybody is different and that you should celebrate all the ways your body changed and adapted to give birth to your baby. While it may not be the same as it was pre-baby, it is strong and capable—you should be proud of all you have achieved.
You will need help (Even though you are a superwoman)
Postnatal care is extremely important and there is no shame in asking for help. During the first few weeks of motherhood, you will be sleep deprived and your hormones will be all over the place, making it hard to think straight. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional during this time.
Reach out to friends and family for emotional support, and hire a postpartum doula for practical support with the baby. They can help you with everything from changing diapers and swaddling to breastfeeding. A postpartum doula can also help you with housekeeping tasks and provide emotional support for both you and your partner.
Another way to get some much-needed help is to enlist the help of a postnatal massage therapist. Massages are incredibly soothing and can help you to relax while promoting recovery and healing.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed as a new mom – it’s not a sign of weakness. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are so many resources available to new moms and postnatal care should be taken seriously.
Breastfeeding will be a learning curve (The kiddo will get fed irrespective)
No matter how much you read or prepare, nursing still requires learning new skills. For new mothers who are under pressure to do things exactly, this might be challenging. The truth is that learning your baby’s feeding cues and establishing a routine take time. In the beginning, you could feel frustrated or overpowered.
Your best resource at this time will be your lactation consultant. She can assist you to identify answers and offer her perspective on breastfeeding problems. There are also a ton of internet resources available to teach you more about breastfeeding and what to anticipate. Joining a breastfeeding support group in your neighborhood could also be helpful.
It’s also crucial to practice self-compassion and patience at this time. When it comes to nursing, every person has a particular set of skills and experiences. While some mothers have no trouble nursing, others struggle and require more assistance. Be gentle with yourself if things don’t go according to plan because there is no right or wrong method to feed your kid. You will eventually master it if you have the necessary tools, patience, and persistence.
You will make mistakes (You must forgive your husband for those)
You will make mistakes as a new mother because nobody is flawless. It’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s an integral aspect of the procedure. It is normal for you to err, as it is for everyone else. Your life will have drastically changed as a new mom, and that transition comes with a learning curve. It’s okay if it takes some time to become used to your new role and duties.
You could commit errors as a new mother, such as forgetting to feed your child at a specific time or failing to burp them properly. Additionally, you can feel that you’re falling short of others’ expectations or not accomplishing enough. All of these emotions and reactions to the added burden of being a mother are normal. It’s critical to keep in mind that making mistakes is a necessary part of the learning process.
There is no such thing as a perfect parent, nor do you have to be. Instead, put your attention on taking each day as it comes and making corrections as you go. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed since being a mom is demanding work, but with time and patience, you will learn and grow in your new role. Mistakes are part of life, and if you accept them, you can move forward with confidence and joy as a new mom.
But it will all be worth it in the end (There is never an end when you are a parent)
As overwhelming and exhausting as motherhood can be in the early days, there will come a time when you realize that all of your hard work was worth it. When you hold your baby for the first time, or when you see them smile, or when they look at you with unconditional love – these are moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
The sacrifices you make for your child, and the struggles and difficulties you go through as a new mom, will eventually pay off. Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of life – and no matter how tough it gets, never forget that in the end, it will all be worth it.