Ready for some real talk about postpartum life?

In this blog post, I’m dishing the honest, unfiltered truth about what to expect after giving birth—the stuff that no one seems to talk about.

Buckle up, because we’re about to get real, raw, and maybe even a little bit TMI—but hey, that’s what friends are for, right?

(1) This is one most moms aren’t expecting and that is… the first bowel movement after giving birth can be scary and painful.

Let’s face it, nobody wants to talk about bowel movements, but it’s important to prepare for it after giving birth.

It’s so important to DRINK DRINK DRINK plenty of fluids, water is best but prune/apple juice can help as well, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel movements. Essential Oils such a digize from Young Living is super helpful to keep things moving. Smooth Move tea by Traditional Medicinals. And even taking a spoonful of coconut oil! Always check with your midwife or OB before using anything.

Trust me, taking care of yourself in this way can make a world of difference and help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

(2) You might experience night sweats as your body gets rid of the excess fluid from pregnancy.

Night sweats can be surprising and uncomfortable, but they’re a normal part of the postpartum experience. I did NOT see this one coming and it took me off guard for sure.

Your body has been holding onto extra fluid during pregnancy, and after giving birth, it needs to get rid of it. This can lead to sweating during the night, which can be uncomfortable and even wake you up. I would wake in puddles sometimes, ew so gross! But all part of the process and how our body naturally heals itself, its truly so amazing.

One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. I used to sleep on a comfortable towel that I could remove in the night if it got uncomfortable from being damp.

(3) Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and last for up to six weeks.

You got to skip out on your period for 9 months and now it’s back with a vengeance! For real though!

Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons. I swore by the momferida postpartum undies and peri bottle (SO much better then the hospital one! You can purchase them here on amazon. Undies Link + Peri Bottle Link

Two other products that really helped me were Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray, you can get that on Amazon as well, here. As well as Absorbent Perineal Ice Maxi Pads, sooo soothing the first few days! You can find them here, all on amazon because lets me honest how easy is that!

(4)Your nipples will hurt, crack and bleed.

Breastfeeding is natural right? That’s what I was told – but I was never told how much it might hurt those first couple of days and how much nipple cream I’d blow through in 24 hours! The BEST one I found is linked, here. (of course on amazon bc mom life)

Your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you’re not breastfeeding. I personally nursed both my baby and did not experience much leaking past the 4ish week mark but Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver!

Breastfeeding definitely took me by surprise the first time around on how difficult it was. I really had to push through but having help and support makes ALL the difference. A few of my newborn photography clients have recommended Elizabeth from L C support, you can find her website here.

(5) It’s common to feel sad in the first few days after giving birth.

Everyone says becoming a mom is the best feeling ever, right? Not for everyone, and that’s ok!! Or a mix of emotions is also very very common, that’s how it was for me!

The first few days after giving birth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s common to feel a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety to sadness. Give yourself grace, remember all your body just did to bring life into the world, your mentally, physically and spiritually exhausted and that’s OKAY. Its best to embrace it and give yourself grace upon grace!

These feelings are often referred to as “baby blues” and are a normal part of the postpartum experience.

BUT, if these feelings persist or get worse, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new moms, and it’s important to get the support you need to feel better. DO NOT be embarrassed about this, it is very common and having support is always key! I fun tip I have that some may gag at and some may embrace lol but I did have my placenta encapsulation done with my second pregnancy and it made a WORLD of a difference! I used Tiffany, The Placenta girl right here is South Jersey. You can find her information here!

Was this helpful? Be sure to check back next week for the next 3 tips on this topic!

I hope reading “Things I wish Someone told me about Postpartum” by a South Jersey Newborn Photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of images.Looking for a Maternity or Newborn Photographer? Be sure to check out our STRESS FREE portraits for busy momma’s sessions here!