“My Postpartum Crash Course:
1. Once you deliver your baby, you’ll be gifted these beautiful mesh underwear and pads (and ice packs). You’ll think they’ve made a mistake and should be given to a different patient. However, you will be grateful for your first pair of mesh underwear the size of Mt. Everest because you will NEED them. Actually, you’ll be stocking up on as many as you can fit in your bag to take home.
2. You won’t be cleared to leave the hospital until you either a) pass gas or b) take a s–t (depends on C-section or vaginal birth). They want to make sure your insides are functioning properly.
3. You will still look pregnant when you leave the hospital. That little belly will still be there and some people may mistake you to still be pregnant (even when you’re holding your newborn baby).
4. You will be told not to lift anything heavier than your newborn (especially if you have a C-section).
5. You will not be able to drive when you leave the hospital. After a vaginal birth, you’ll be told to wait a week. If you have C-section, they will tell you two to three weeks.
6. You are not able to have sex, take a bath (only showers) or workout until you are cleared from your doctor, which usually happens at your first doctor visit 4-6 weeks postpartum. Give your body a break, you just gave birth and created a human for the last 9 months.
7. You will bleed. You may bleed for a couple months.
8. Breastfeeding/pumping will be your full-time job. It is a beautiful thing, but at times it may be overwhelming. You will constantly be hungry; there is no dieting. Fill your belly with foods full of nutrition – you are your newborn’s food source. Eat and don’t feel guilty!
9. You will be a diaper changing machine! Babies crap all day/night long.
10. You will be tired! From my experience, the first two weeks I was feeling like super woman, but that suddenly went to s–t and I crashed due to no sleep. You will be a walking zombie.
Remember the newborn stage is just a phase. It doesn’t last forever, you will find a routine that works for you. Enjoy all the newborn snuggles, sleepy toots and smiles, and newborn smell.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Samantha of Chicago, IL. You can follow her journey on Instagram and her website. Submit your own story here.
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