Updated: November 24, 2020
Originally Published: September 16, 2013
Forget the glamorous portrayals you see in commercials. The moments following childbirth won’t be spent gracefully rocking your newborn in a pristine white gown while rays of sunlight create a picturesque glow around you both. (Sorry to burst that bubble!) And please, do yourself a favor: don’t compare your journey to those celebrities who claim they bounced back to their pre-pregnancy figures before they even cut the umbilical cord. I’ve witnessed countless postpartum women, and I assure you, it’s all smoke and mirrors. Here’s what to genuinely expect in the postpartum phase…
1. Your Belly
Hopefully, you won’t encounter some well-meaning but clueless relative asking, “When is your baby due?” while you’re leaving the Family Birth Center with your new little one. Brace yourself. After delivery, your belly will still resemble a pregnant one. That once firm, baby-filled abdomen may now feel quite soft, and you’ll get an up-close view of your stretch marks. If you had a dark line down the center, known as the linea nigra, it might appear even darker and wider. But don’t worry; those stretch marks will fade to a silvery hue over time, while the linea nigra can take up to a year to fully disappear.
2. Your Uterus
Your uterus is a hefty muscle that, after childbirth, has a major task ahead. You might think those contractions are over, but nope! The area where the placenta was attached is now a wound inside your uterus. Postpartum contractions are essential because they help manage blood loss by compressing the blood vessels left behind. In the minutes after delivery, just when you thought the worst was past, a nurse might need to massage your uterus to encourage it to contract properly—this may be uncomfortable, but it’s crucial for your recovery. If your uterus struggles to contract even after that (and trust me, it could feel like she’s giving it all she’s got!), medications may be necessary. In rare cases, you might even need further examination to check for retained placental fragments.
3. Your Vaginal Area
Let’s be real: after delivering a baby, things down there won’t look or feel great. So, it may be best to avoid mirrors for a bit. Episiotomies are becoming less common because evidence shows that tears can often heal faster. Vaginal tears are classified by depth:
- 1st Degree: Skin around the vaginal opening.
- 2nd Degree: Vaginal tissue and perineal muscle.
- 3rd Degree: Through perineal muscle into the anal sphincter.
- 4th Degree: Through the anal sphincter into the rectal lining. (Ouch!)
Most repairs are quick, but serious tears may require more extensive work. You’ll be given a handy spray bottle to keep the area clean, and it’s best to rest your legs until your follow-up appointment around six weeks after delivery.
4. Your Nipples
Many people think that a proper latch means no pain, but studies have shown that 80-90% of new breastfeeding moms experience some level of discomfort. While positioning plays a significant role, it doesn’t always prevent soreness. Lanolin can be a lifesaver; most hospitals provide a sample, and you can find more at local stores. Apply it liberally and leave it on while feeding. To keep your nursing bras pristine, consider using breast pads. If pain becomes unbearable, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for assistance.
5. You
Amid all these changes, remember that you are still you—now a mother. You’ve just undergone a significant physical and emotional transition, so be kind to yourself! There’s no need to rush back to wearing makeup or squeezing into those skinny jeans, and forget about competing with celebrities who “got their bodies back” instantly. Just focus on caring for yourself and your baby—that’s more than enough. Everyone else? They can take a back seat for now.
For further insights into your journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and related topics at the CDC. And if you’re interested in understanding more about fertility, visit Make A Mom for some great tips.
Summary
Postpartum life is often filled with unexpected challenges, from physical changes to emotional adjustments. It’s important to acknowledge these realities and give yourself the grace you deserve during this transformative time. Focus on caring for yourself and your newborn, and remember, there’s no rush to return to your pre-baby self.
Keyphrase: postpartum expectations
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