The First 14 Days Postpartum: Tips from La Mirada Birth Photographer & Doula
Ready for some real talk about postpartum life?
In this blog post, I’m dishing the honest, unfiltered truth about what to expect after giving birth - the stuff that no one seems to talk about.
Buckle up, because we're about to get real, raw, and maybe even a little bit TMI - but hey, that's what friends are for, right?
This is one most moms aren’t expecting and that is… the first bowel movement after giving birth can be scary and painful.
Let's face it, nobody wants to talk about bowel movements, but it's important to prepare for it after giving birth.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or some herbal teas, and eat soft things, such as fresh fruit, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel movements. Stool softeners can also make the process easier by softening the stool and preventing constipation. They'll typically give you this along with an iron supplement while you're still in the hospital.
Stewed Fruits are also a great way to keep things moving with the least amount of discomfort. If you order from Mama Meals, make sure to use the code: ALAINA for a discount
Trust me, taking care of yourself in this way can make a world of difference and help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
When it's time to go, take your time, and try to relax.
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 can even wake you up.
One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
The other thing that comes with night sweats is feeling cold or chilled. This is common also as your hormone levels are fluctuating. If you also have a fever you might want to contact your care provider to ask for their recommendations. They might recommend things like turmeric, ib profin or other tinctures or herbal remedies.
Your nipples will be sore, possibly hurt, crack and bleed.
Breastfeeding is natural right? That’s what I was told - but I was never told how much it might hurt those first couple of days and how much nipple cream I’d blow through in 24 hours!
Your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you're not breastfeeding. Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver and I've heard wonderful things about Silverettes.
Make sure to change out your pads frequently once your milk comes in.
I've had various trials throughout my breastfeeding journey of nursing 6 children but I nursed each one anywhere from 1- 2 1/2 years as we worked through each hurdle. One of mine had a severe lip tie which in hindsight I should have had revised; I think that would have saved me a ton of pain.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to get professional help with breastfeeding and where to find breastfeeding resources, check out the post: Don't Struggle Alone: Discover where to Find Breastfeeding Help and the interview with Lactation Consultant Ashley.
It's common to feel sad in the first few days (weeks) 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. Sometimes you can feel this way because you didn't bond with your baby as soon as you had them. You didn't experience that "love at first sight" feeling you were expecting. You're not broken. There's nothing wrong with you. You love your baby. You're still a good mom.
Postpartum depression affects many new moms, and it's important to get the support you need to feel better. Sitting outside in the indirect sunlight can do wonders for your mental health. It also helps baby get into their sleep/wake cycle more smoothly.
Support is key! Unfiltered Therapy offers free virtual support groups every week.
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 with a vengeance! Not really, it's your uterus shedding everything it no longer needs to support your little love while they were inside of you. Don't forget that you have a wound that is the size of baby's placenta and your body needs time to heal.
Some days you might feel great and that's when mom's tend to do “too much", which they figure out the next day when they're sore and possibly bleeding more.
Take your time, be patient with yourself, and give your body some grace as you heal.
It's important to take care of your perineum wHether You had a tear or episiotomy. Ice packs, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide relief.
It's important to take care of your perineum as it heals.
You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths to reduce swelling and pain.
Padsicles are a popular DIY solution for postpartum relief. 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:
Gather your supplies: You'll need heavy-duty pads (such as overnight pads), witch hazel, aloe vera gel, lavender oil (optional), and a large plastic ziplock type of bag.
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.
Open the pads: Unwrap the pads, but leave the adhesive backing on. This will help the padsicles stick to your underwear.
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.
Fold the pads: Fold the pads back up and place them into the plastic bag. Make sure there are no unwanted creases.
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.
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.
That's it! Padsicles are an easy and cost-effective way to get relief from postpartum discomfort. Just be sure to change the padsicles as needed throughout the day, and discard used pads in the trash. Another thing to remember is they’re already full of liquid so they won’t absorb much more.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help.
Listen, it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed after bringing a new human into the world.
After all, you're doing one of the most important jobs ever!
So, if you need help, don't be afraid to ask.
Seriously, nobody expects you to be Supermom.
Your friends, family, and care providers are there for you, just waiting to lend a hand or a listening ear. Whether you need 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.
Order some organic postpartum meals by Mama Meals and use code: ALAINA for a discount off your first order. If you’re in Orange County you can also try out Crave Meal Prep or The Sweet Pea meal delivery services also created with the postpartum and busy mama in mind. Nourish meal delivery is also in Los Angeles and delivers nationwide as well, make sure to use code: nourishVIP
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! For some moms it happens right away, and for others it's closer to 6 months postpartum.
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.
You can also add some rosemary essential oil to your shampoo which is stimulating and nourishing to your hair folicles.
If you’re reading this while pregnant - check out some of my La Mirada Birth Photography Films and how I offer Birth Support as your doula; as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!
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!!
I hope reading these Tips for the First 14 Days has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Birth Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of images.
Blessings,
