Navigating the Postpartum Journey

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Hey there, mama! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the final stretch of your pregnancy or you've just experienced the wild ride of delivering your precious baby and might be feeling a little overwhelmed about what’s coming next.

Fear not, because I’ve been there, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on what to expect postpartum, and how to get through it.

Boundaries

The first thing I'd like to discuss is setting boundaries for visitors!

Set your boundaries beforehand so everyone understands.

This is a touchy subject for some. I hear many stories about problems people had with certain people wanting to be in the delivery room and visitors overstepping boundaries. It's not easy for me to tell people no and set boundaries because I worry too much about hurting people's feelings. Thankfully, I have a husband who is good at it.

Postpartum is a delicate and private time for me. I'm already a very private/personal person, but add in being sore, bleeding, hurting, emotional and just going through this huge change I definitely don't enjoy a lot of visitors. Everyone is so caught up on just wanting to see the baby they forget what you just went through. Then you also have to worry about people coming to visit who might be sick and pass those germs on to this delicate, precious newborn.

Don't get me wrong I'm so thankful for the love, support, and the offers of help and food. But it's nice to just be in your own space alone with your baby and husband (and other children if you have them) to bond and soak in this precious time without all of the traffic.

With my first baby, close family and some friends came to visit while I was still in the hospital, which was only a day, which was only a few hours after having baby. I was not a big fan of this. It was very stressful for me. Everyone coming in touching and holding my hours-old baby that I just wanted all to myself. This was all new to me. I had just been through this wild ride of natural labor/birth and I was in pain and so exhausted because I had only had a few hours of sleep and it had been over 24 hours at this point from starting labor. I just wanted to be left alone with my husband and baby. I know it sounds so selfish but really in these times you need to think about what is best for your mental health. YOU'RE ALLOWED TO BE SELFISH IN THIS TIME! What is best for YOU and baby? Don't worry about offending others. They should worry about what is best for you, not just about wanting to see the baby, that time will come.

Let me also add, something happened that REALLY upset me after having my first. The joy of announcing the birth and sharing a picture of my first baby was stolen from me. It never crossed my mind that would happen so it was never discussed.

By the time I had my second baby, grandparents, aunts, and uncles were the only ones to visit, BUT, only after my daughter had met her baby sister first and I would be the first to announce on social media. It worked out and was a lot more easygoing for me. I also didn't want everyone to know I was in labor to avoid extra visitors.

I posted an announcement like

this before baby was born.

Now with my third baby, it was different. I had my two girls and they were so excited for their new baby. We chose not to find out the gender of baby until birth. I had no visitors at the hospital this time except for my other 2 daughters, and my husband. They were the first to meet their new baby and to find out they had a new sister! Such a special and wonderful moment! We needed our moment first, everyone else could come later when we got home.

Now that we have that covered, let’s dive into this beautiful, chaotic phase of postpartum.

What to Expect Postpartum

So, you’ve just had your baby, and now you’re probably wondering, “What’s next?” Well, buckle up because the postpartum journey is a wild ride, but it’s also filled with incredible moments. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

1. Your Body’s Recovery: Your body has done something AMAZING! It’s going to need some time to bounce back. Expect things like postpartum bleeding, uterine contractions, swollen breasts, and general soreness. I remember saying I felt like I had been hit by a car. My WHOLE body was sore. One thing I didn't know is, during your stay in the hospital the nurses will visit multiple times to massage your belly to check for hemorrhaging. Besides that torture, the 24-hour stay in the hospital was like a vacation for me, HAHA!

   Love on baby, sleep, watch TV, eat!

   Not too bad!

   Take the time in the hospital to relax and rest your body. You’re gonna need it!

   Check out my post about postpartum essentials to find the best items for your recovery.

2. Emotional Roller-coaster: Hormones are all over the place. One minute you’re on cloud nine, and the next, you might find yourself crying over a commercial. It’s normal to have these emotional highs and lows, but if you feel like you’re sinking into deeper sadness, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

3. Sleep (or Lack Thereof): Sleep will become a treasured commodity. Your baby’s sleep schedule will not sync with yours, and nighttime feedings can turn your sleep pattern upside down. Hang in there—this phase is temporary. It's best to try and start figuring out a schedule for the baby so they figure out when bedtime is. The sooner the better. And of course, sleep when the baby sleeps. Unless you have multiple children already, then you can forget that.

4. Breastfeeding Challenges: If you’re breastfeeding, know that it might take a little while to get into a groove. There will be sore nipples, latch issues, or just the overall challenge of learning a new skill. Be patient with yourself and seek support if needed. Here I cover all of the challenges and how to get through them and of course the must-haves of breastfeeding.

5. Adjusting to New Routines: Life with a newborn means figuring out new routines and juggling multiple tasks. It can feel like you’re running a 24/7 operation with a tiny boss. My best advice is to try and just go with the flow, one day at a time.

Navigating Postpartum

Surviving the postpartum period requires a blend of self-care, support, and understanding. Here’s how to make it through with a little more ease:

1. Ask for Help: Don’t be shy about asking for help from friends, family, or a postpartum doula. If you feel at all like you may be suffering from postpartum depression, rage, or baby blues please talk to your healthcare provider. It’s okay to admit you need a hand—whether it’s with baby care, meal prep, or just some moral support.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule time for yourself, even if it’s just a 10-minute shower or a quick nap. Little moments of self-care can make a big difference in how you feel.

3. Accept Imperfection: The house might not be spotless, and you might not have your pre-pregnancy body back right away. Embrace the mess and the chaos. It’s all part of the journey.

4. Connect with Other Moms: If you’re a social person join a new mom group or find online communities where you can share experiences and tips. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can be a huge relief.

5. Be Gentle with Yourself: You’re learning and adapting to a new role. Give yourself grace and remember that it’s okay to have tough days. You’re doing an incredible job.

Remember, this time is about finding your rhythm and settling into your new role as a mom. It’s okay to take things one day at a time and to lean on your support network when you need it. You’ve got this, and soon, you’ll be looking back on this phase with a mix of nostalgia and relief.

Here’s to a smooth postpartum journey and a happy start to your new adventure!