Image credit: Steffanie Christi’an / Facebook
Before welcoming your first child, what were your biggest anxieties? I can recall mine vividly. I wasn’t really worried about the pain, my body undergoing changes, stretch marks, breastfeeding, or even the messy aftermath of diaper duty.
The one thing that unsettled me the most about childbirth was the fear of vaginal tearing or having an episiotomy—both scenarios were equally terrifying. The notion of that area being torn apart, either by my baby’s head or my doctor’s scissors, was enough to make me feel queasy.
And then it happened. My first baby weighed a hefty 9 lbs 1 oz, and, without getting into too many details, let’s just say it was quite the experience. My subsequent children were also over 9 lbs each. So, I can personally attest to the importance of allowing time for recovery after giving birth.
It seems many women share my sentiments, which is why a Facebook post by Ashley Miller has gone viral. Every woman who has endured the experience of delivering a squirming, slippery baby understands the significance of that last, largest circle. She’s absolutely right—we deserve all the support!
Now, I’m not suggesting we all need lavish gifts like a diamond-studded push present (though if you received one, props to you!). Personally, here’s what I craved after birthing three 9-lb bundles of joy:
- A nap.
- Someone to take care of my toddler(s) so I could lounge on the couch with my newborn and do absolutely nothing.
- Whatever food I desired.
That was my simple wish list, and fortunately, I had a wonderful support system (one of whom witnessed the aftermath firsthand—thanks, Mark!). Recovering from childbirth, especially the first time, was no joke. While I didn’t have a C-section, the healing process was still challenging.
Reflecting on the entire labor process leading up to that 10-cm dilation—where I pushed for an astonishing ninety minutes—I understand why recovery is crucial. I had nurtured a tiny human for ten months (we all know it’s actually longer than nine months), followed by over 24 hours of laboring, managing contractions, and trying various positions to cope with the pain. My only sustenance during that time? Ice chips. Just ice chips.
Finally, I mustered every ounce of strength to bring my child into the world, only to have him placed on my chest while my OB was busy with repairs. Yes, many of us are tasked with feeding our newborns while still recovering from the physical toll of childbirth. Then, just like that, we’re sent home! Still in ice diapers, bleeding heavily, and likely not having had a bowel movement yet, the nurses cheerfully declare, “You look great! Bye!”
A week after giving birth, I finally saw my bathroom return to normal. It took that long before I could sit comfortably enough to breastfeed. On the seventh day postpartum, eager to leave the house, my mom suggested a quick mall visit. Sounds good, right? Just a short walk to get some fresh air. Sadly, I managed to stroll for only 20 minutes before the pain became too much, forcing me to rest.
When I see that viral image illustrating how large 10 cm truly is, it makes me question why we expect new mothers to bounce back so quickly. Why doesn’t society recognize the profound changes our bodies undergo?
While my recovery after my second and third children was much more manageable, that first experience—feeling that 10-cm head emerge—was monumental. My fears about tearing and needing an episiotomy were not unfounded, but I hadn’t fully grasped the multitude of challenges that follow childbirth, including soreness, bleeding, and the overall exhaustion.
I’m incredibly thankful for the support I received, especially during my first experience. My nurses were heaven-sent and never made me feel weak; instead, they empowered me throughout the process. My husband, mom, and even my mother-in-law showered me with love and encouragement, making it possible for me to tackle this monumental challenge.
In retrospect, 10 cm is a significant measurement.
For those interested in learning more about the journey of parenthood, check out our blog post about couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, if you’re looking for a reliable resource for at-home insemination, Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit can provide valuable insights, as can Healthline’s guide on IVF.
Summary:
The journey of childbirth involves significant physical and emotional challenges, particularly during recovery. Many women share similar experiences regarding the struggles of postpartum recovery, emphasizing the need for adequate support and understanding from society. The viral image highlighting 10 cm serves as a reminder of the intensity of childbirth and the importance of recovery time.
Keyphrase: recovery time after childbirth
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]