Are you ready for some candid, unfiltered insights 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?! And before we start, I just want to say you’re strong, no matter what you’re going through!

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 poop, but it’s important to prepare for it after giving birth.

Stool softeners can make the process easier by softening the stool and preventing constipation. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or prune juice, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel movements.

Trust me, taking care of yourself in this way can make a world of difference and help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what brand of softener I used since I was so out of it for the first two months. I can tell you though, with that first bowel movement, you want to be totally relaxed (especially if you’ve had a C-section). Life will be so much easier if you try not to push. And if you have to go to the bathroom multiple times, do it! But trust me, DO NOT SKIP THE STOOL SOFTENER!!!

Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and last from four weeks and up to six weeks.

You got to skip your period for nine months! Unfortunately, it’s now back with a vengeance! Even if you breastfeed, you will still bleed, and heavily, for around this amount of time.

Make sure to stock up on heavy-duty pads, disposable undies, and A LOT of Dermoplast (trust me it’s a pain saver).

Make sure to watch out if you soak through a pad in an hour or less, passing golf ball size or larger blood clots, and if you get fevers or chills.

Your nipples will hurt, crack and bleed.

We all know breastfeeding is natural… but why didn’t anyone tell me how much it could end up hurting and how much my nipples would crack at some point during?

At first your breast might leak colostrum, milk, and may even be sore (yes even if you aren’t breastfeeding). Nursing pads and nipple cream are a lifesaver!

Personally, my nipples didn’t crack until a few months before my daughter was weaned, so around 2 years after I gave birth). But when I did leak, nipple pads were a life saver! I mainly used them during the day, and then at night, I just woke up and fed my daughter when she cried. If I leaked, then I leaked (that’s what washing machines are for, right?). But the brand I used was Lacintosh since that’s what everyone recommended and was one of the cheapest brands around.

But, if you’re wondering when to get professional help with your breastfeeding journey, ask your doctor where to get help. Your childs pediatrician can also be a great help!

It’s important to take care of your perineum if you had a tear or episiotomy. Ice packs, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide relief.

If I hear someone else on social media talking about “bouncing back” after having a baby, I might lose it. One thing rarely talked about is that it’s ok to take months or years to recover!!!

If you had a tear or episiotomy during delivery, it’s important to take care of your perineum as it heals. This can be a painful and uncomfortable process, but there are things you can do to make it easier.

You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths (not to be confused with a normal bath!) to reduce swelling and pain.

Padsicles are also a popular DIY solution for postpartum relief! It’s essentially a big frozen pad that consists of witch hazel and aloe vera to sooth any tears. Here’s how to make them:

-Gather your supplies. You’ll need some overnight pads, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and a large plastic bag.

– Mix the ingredients. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of witch hazel and then do the same amount with aloe vera gel so you have a 1:1 mixture. Stir well until it’s combined.

-Open the pads, but leave the adhesive backing on. This way they can still stick to your underwear.

-Apply the mixture using a spoon and apply it to the top of the pad. Make sure to cover the entire surface.

-Fold the pads back up and place them into the plastic bag. Make sure they are flat and not folded.

-Freeze the pads by putting the plastic bag in the freezer and wait until they are completely frozen. This can take a few hours so make sure to have some frozen before you get home.

-When you’re ready, remove one from the plastic bag and peel of the adhesive backing. Place it in your underwear with the frozen side against your skin, like you would without the mixture. This can help provide relief from swelling and soreness.

And that’s it! This is an easy and cost effective way to get relief from any discomfort. Just make sure to change the padsicles as needed throughout the day and discard the used ones as normal.

Although I had heard of padsicles with how popular they are, I never used them. When I would use the bathroom, I’d just lean over, put my hands on the floor (I call it the froggy pose) and it would help get rid of most of the pain when I had to pee. Then I would use a decent amount of Dermoplast.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help.

It is 100% okay to feel overwhelmed and need help. I mean… you just brought a brand new human into the world! Look at you go and doing one of the most important jobs ever!

So, if you need help, don’t be afraid to shout it from the rooftops and ask! Seriously, nobody expects you to be a supermom, especially if it’s your first.

Your friends, family, and healthcare 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.

I never asked for help personally. I really wished I would have since a lot of things got put on the back burner due to being a first time mom.

Remember, asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one.

READ THAT AGAIN!!!

Now you’re in the know about some of the less glamourous, but real parts of postpartum life. But remember, you’re now alone in this and it’s okay to lean on others and ask for help when you need to. Not just for your baby, but for yourself as well.

If you’re reading this while pregnant, check out some of my Minot newborn photography as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby. Trust me, it’s the chapter you’ll want photos of!