9 Things Everyone Should Know about the 1st 2 Weeks Postpartum from a West Kelowna Newborn Photographer

Ready for some real talk about postpartum life? 

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

As a West Kelowna Newborn Photographer I have lots of experience witnessing moms in the postpartum time. But not only that! I am a mom to 1 myself, and also an aspiring lactation professional and doula! I hope some of this information helps you.

Buckle up, because we're about to get real, raw, and maybe even a little bit TMI—but there is no point in being underprepared!

1. This is one most moms aren’t expecting and that is… the first bowel movement after giving birth can be nerve-wracking. 

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

Stool softeners can make the process easier by softening the stool and preventing constipation, especially if you are on prescribed pain medication. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or postpartum-safe herbal tea, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel movements. 

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

Try pouring warm water on yourself while you go to help with relaxation or you can hold a warm cloth to your perineum if you've had any tearing or swelling. Homeopathic arnica is also a favourite for swelling!

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. 

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. 

One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding like cotton or linen instead of polyester or flannel. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Personally, I kept a desk fan on my bedside table. I highly recommend this! Keep it pointed at your face and neck instead of on baby - you do not want them to get cold while you are holding them or nursing!

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 and extra heavy.

Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons. A fantastic option that is better for you and the environment are cloth pads. I found them to be a lot more absorbent than disposable options, while avoiding any chance of irritation from the chemicals in conventional pads. If you haven't made the jump to cloth for periods yet, this may be a good time to try a few out! Some moms like adult diapers in the first few days. Totally personal choice!

4. Your nipples will be sensitive and may even hurt. 

Breastfeeding is natural, yes - but there can be a learning curve. And never mind if baby is born small or needs extra help - your nipples might really feel it! Plus, your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you're not breastfeeding. Peer support and/or professional lactation support can really shine here to get you through this period, reassuring you what is normal, and troubleshooting to get you comfortable.

I was never told how much nursing might hurt those first couple of weeks. BUT what I want to be clear about - toe-curling pain is NOT normal! While it may be common, and many mothers might talk about how much breastfeeding hurts - if you are in pain, the #1 rule is to get professional help. Sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference!

If you’re wondering if it’s time to get professional help with breastfeeding and where to find breastfeeding resources in the Okanagan, click here to read Mastering the Art of Breastfeeding: When to Seek Support and Where to Find It in Penticton, BC and also check out my New Mothers and Parents Resource Guide | Kelowna, Penticton and Area

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!! 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. 

These feelings are often referred to as "baby blues" and are a normal part of the postpartum experience due to the big change in hormones that is occurring. 

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.

6. It's important to take care of your perineum if you had a tear or episiotomy. Rest, homeopathic arnica, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide relief.

If you had a tear or episiotomy during delivery, it's important to take care of your perineum as it heals. This can be a painful and uncomfortable process, but there are things you can do to make it easier, like laying instead of sitting - you want to keep the pressure off!

You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths to reduce swelling and pain. And ice is certainly recommended in many groups. But what's the deal with it? I'd love for you to read this blog post by Hatch Midwifery that I found on discussing the difference between cold vs heat for healing before you decide what to try:

Choosing to use some ice for pain relief? Padsicles are a popular DIY solution. They are essentially frozen pads that are infused with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender oil. Here's how to make padsicles:

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need heavy-duty pads (such as overnight pads), witch hazel, aloe vera gel, lavender oil, and a large plastic bag.

2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavender oil. Stir until well combined.

3. Open the pads: Unwrap the pads, but leave the adhesive backing on. This will help the padsicles stick to your underwear.

4. Apply the mixture: Using a spoon or brush, apply the mixture to the top of the pad. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pad.

5. Fold the pads: Fold the pads back up and place them into the plastic bag. Make sure they're flat and not folded.

6. Freeze the pads: Put the plastic bag with the folded pads into the freezer and freeze until they're completely frozen, which usually takes a few hours.

7. Use the padsicles: When you're ready to use the padsicles, remove them from the plastic bag and peel off the adhesive backing. Place the pad in your underwear with the frozen side against your skin. The coolness of the frozen pad can provide relief from swelling and soreness.

Be sure to change the padsicles as needed throughout the day, and discard used pads in the trash.

Since warmth is really useful for healing, you might want to try an herbal sitz bath. Check out these recipes from renowned midwife and herbalist Aviva Romm:

7. You might think you’re going bald with all the hair loss.

You might be alarmed to see a lot of hair falling out after having a baby! But don't worry, postpartum hair loss is actually quite common and temporary for many new mothers. This happens because during pregnancy, hormonal changes cause hair to enter a resting phase, leading to less shedding. After giving birth, your hormone levels start to return to normal, and your hair begins to shed the extra strands it held onto during pregnancy.

Postpartum hair loss usually starts a few months after delivery and can last for several months. 

To minimize the effects, try using gentle hair care products, avoiding tight hairstyles, and maintaining a balanced diet. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to its normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down.

Not seeing the hair loss slow down? Mothers need more vitamins and minerals during and after pregnancy. Make sure your nutrition is where it should be with nutrient-rich meals, and see a naturopath or other professional if you suspect you may need some help.

8. You are your baby's habitat - and they do not know they are separate from you.

Okay, this one deserves to be at the top of the list! Everyone knows that newborns want to be held, and need special care and attention. But what most moms don't realize is that just because your baby is no longer inside of you, this does not mean that you are now separate beings.

The mother-baby dyad is how we refer to the idea of mom and baby remaining one. YOU continue to be your newborn's whole world during the 4th trimester, until they begin to understand that they are separate from you several weeks later. But for now, understand that as the mother, you are your baby's habitat - and this may mean you can offer them what no one else can. Newborns fully expect skin to skin, contact naps, breastfeeding, and responsiveness.

This concept may be new to you - but it is my favourite way of understanding what you can expect from your newborn after birth. Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, lists this as one of her natural laws in her book Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers.

If you are looking for breastfeeding knowledge, this may be a good book for you. Check out my review of it here: Breastfeeding Books You May Not Have Heard Of, Part 1| Breastfeeding Made Simple

9. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help. 

It's totally okay to feel overwhelmed after bringing a new human into the world. Not only will your relationships be going through a season of change, you are going through matrescence yourself.

Matrescence: the process of becoming a mother:

Those physical, psychological and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child.

The process of becoming a mother,.

While you are not only learning about your new baby, healing from birth, experiencing major hormonal changes... you are going through a process of growth and change yourself.

Your friends, family, and healthcare providers are there for you, just waiting to lend a hand or a listening ear. Whether you need a non-judgemental ear to listen to your birth story, advice on how to soothe a fussy baby, some company during those late-night feedings, or just someone to hold the baby while you take a much-deserved shower, PLEASE reach out.

Remember, asking for help doesn't make you weak—it makes you wise! 

Read that again!! Because taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. 

Now you’re in the know about some of the less glamorous, but oh-so-real parts of postpartum life. 

But remember, you’re not alone in this and it’s totally ok to lean on others when you need to!! Need more help with finding support? Click here for my running list of local classes, support groups, and favourite resources: New Mothers and Parents Resource Guide | Kelowna, Penticton and Area

If you’re reading this while pregnant - check out some of my West Kelowna Newborn Photography as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!

xo

Ashley