Whatever they say, motherhood is not all rosy. The shadier parts don't get such good press and little is said about them. That is why today I want to focus on everything that you have not been told about the postpartum so that you have more realistic expectations and in line with reality. Because when everyone speaks wonders and you don't feel that way, you think it's your fault or that you're doing something wrong. And none of that, many women feel like you and it is time to learn more about postpartum.
You won't necessarily go through all of these things, although some will and you may not have even heard of them. Knowing them will make us be prepared when the time comes, and see it as something normal. For 9 months we have accommodated another human being in our body and this has consequences that we must know. Let's see what are the postpartum things that you have not been told.
Postpartum things they haven't told you
- The belly will last longer than you imagine. Because of many celebrities who come out of giving birth with the body they had before, many women are not aware that the pregnant belly will not magically go away when giving birth. Just as it took 9 months to enlarge to accommodate a living being, needs time to recover and return to your site.
- Contractions can continue after delivery. We believe that contractions will end with the birth of your baby, but the uterus continues to create them to return to its natural state. They take place between 24-48 hours after delivery, and usually coincide with breastfeeding, since hormones such as oxytocin are secreted that causes contractions. They will go alone, you should not worry.
- You will stain for a few weeks. Our body still has a lot to expel, whether you have had a vaginal or cesarean delivery. This flow is known as lochia, which is a mixture of blood, uterine lining debris, and excess fluid generated. It will last about 2-6 weeks, so you will need to use compresses.
- Scars hurt. Whether you have an episiotomy or a cesarean section, you won't notice the pain immediately. It will be after a few days when you notice more pain. To recover as best as possible after childbirth, do not miss the article "Tips and tricks to heal a cesarean scar" y "This is how episiotomy points are cared for."
- You may have urine leaks. The pressure that has been exerted on the Kegel muscles that are responsible for supporting the bladder and pelvic organs can cause urine leakage. There are specific exercises to improve these pelvic floor muscles and regain strength.
- Your skin and hair will change. After a pregnancy where your skin and hair shone like never before, the decline will begin. Pregnancy causes our hair not to fall out and shine more, but after pregnancy everything that has not fallen in 9 months begins to fall. Your skin will also become more dry for a while, until everything is back to normal.
- Breastfeeding is not as pretty as it seems. It is not as easy as it sounds in theory classes, which can give you the feeling that you are doing it wrong. Do not miss the article "Tips for Pain-Free Breastfeeding".
- Mood swings. Hormones continue to do their job after delivery, and sudden mood swings are normal. Go from crying to laughing and vice versa.
- Fatigue will be your great companion. During the first few months you will sleep very little and you will be extremely tired. Your baby requires your attention 24 hours and what generates great stress and brutal exhaustion. Ask for help when you need it, before reaching extreme fatigue.
Because remember ... motherhood is fantastic but you have to see it with its lights and shadows.