Congratulations, you are no longer pregnant! You have a beautiful baby, probably the most perfect baby the world has ever known, and you are eager to speed through your post birth recovery and enjoy your new life as a mom.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel in control, as well as allow you to take the time needed to get back on your feet faster.
Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding is normal, but it is not like regular menstrual bleeding. The bleeding is generally much heavier and can include large clots. Passing clots as large as golf balls can be normal.
Bleeding lasts anywhere from 2-6 weeks and tapers off slowly. The discharge changes as you heal from bright red to a milky pink. If you revert to heavier flow, or back to redder discharge, your body is telling you to slow down and take it easy.
Weight Loss
Weight loss after pregnancy varies from woman to woman. Some women shed those extra pounds and snap back to their pre-pregnancy shapes in days. Others find that as it took about a year to grow a baby, it takes another one to get their bodies back.
Anything within this time span is normal, so don’t worry if it takes a while to get back into your size 6s. Eating healthy meals and exercising regularly will help you get there.
Feeding: Eating for Two?
If you are breast feeding your infant it is important to remember you are still eating for two. It takes the body an additional 500 calories each day to sustain breast milk production; more if you are feeding twins or a particularly large baby.
Remember that just getting those additional calories is not enough. 500 extra calories derived from chocolate and fried cheese may satisfy the caloric requirement, but isn’t nutritious for either you or your baby.
Baby Blues
Having feelings of being completely overwhelmed is perfectly normal after delivering a baby. Another little secret is that feelings of disappointment and guilt are likewise common, especially among first time parents.
Give yourself a break and allow yourself to pass through these feelings. Getting enough sleep and moderate exercise will help you feel more even in your mood. The best medicine is to hold and cuddle that new baby of yours.
If these feelings persist, or you feel apathetic about the baby, it could be more serious than simple baby blues and you should seek help from your spouse, a trusted friend, or your doctor. Remember, post-partum depression can affect you after any delivery, not just your first.
Return to ‘Normal’
If the reality of the postpartum experience is not what you expected and sends you reeling, it is a good idea to slow down. Post birth recovery is not the same for every woman; just because your friend was up and about two days after having a baby does not mean you will be.
Giving yourself time to heal does not have to mean that you are sentenced to drudgery and misery, so don’t get dressed for two weeks, but take that time to really enjoy your new baby. Sleep when she sleeps or play with him when he is awake. You will feel back to normal in no time, and you’ll be really glad you allowed yourself the time to bond with your baby as your body healed.
Remember to Set Boundaries
You might feel guilty setting certain boundaries, but as a new mom it's important that you put your health and your baby's health first. Everyone is going to want to meet your new baby. Make sure you don't overwhelm yourself or your child with too many visitors in a short time frame. Keep visits short.
It might make you feel bad to turn down a request to see your baby, but if you don't feel up to it or you think your baby needs the rest, that comes first. If the people in your life are caring and understanding, they will respect your wishes without fuss and agree with your reasoning. If not, then perhaps you should re-evaluate that relationship and whether it is healthy for you.
Take things slow, and don't be afraid to speak up if someone in your life is pushing you too hard too soon. You need to make the decisions that are best for your body; nobody else, aside from your doctor, can tell you how you should or shouldn't feel. Don't let anyone pressure you into doing something before you're ready.
The content of this article should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions that impact your health or your family's health.
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