8 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me to Expect Postpartum from a South Louisiana Motherhood Photographer

Are you ready for some candid, unfiltered insights about postpartum life? Not sure what to expect postpartum? 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?

The First Bowel Movement After Giving Birth

The first thing most moms aren’t expecting is the drama around the first bowel movement after giving birth. It 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. 

No one told me how difficult or painful it would be to poop after giving birth, especially after needing an episiotomy. They told me I couldn’t go home until I was able to poop. I was terrified of anything coming out of there because everything was so sore. So, they started giving me stool softeners…take them!

It makes 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.

Night Sweats

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 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.

My top tip? Get you a portable fan like this one on and crank it up…it doubles as white noise if your baby is co-sleeping!

Postpartum Bleeding

You got to skip out on your period for 9 months and now it’s back with a vengeance! Postpartum bleeding can be heavy, and last up to 6 weeks. 

Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons. 

Not sure what’s normal bleeding or when it’s time to see the doctor or midwife? Reach out to your doctor’s office to talk to the nurse, or contact your postpartum doula. 

They’re Hurting, They’re Cracking, They’re Bleeding…Oh My!!

Breastfeeding is natural right? “You HAVE TO breast feed!” That’s what I was told – but I was never told how difficult it would be or how much it might hurt those first couple of days. And no one ever told me about nipple cream (we didn’t have social media back then). So, when a friend of mine had some and blew through it, I was shocked.

Oh, and your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you’re NOT breastfeeding. Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver.

Full disclosure here…I did NOT want to breastfeed. My nipples were sore and sensitive even before I was ever pregnant and I knew that would be amplified. However, the lactation nurse said I HAD to breastfeed and made me feel like a horrible mother when I told her I wasn’t planning on it. Needless to say, I gave in, and committed to at least trying it. It was rough…she wouldn’t latch, and my boobs were so sore. Even pumping, I could only get an ounce or two out…for 3 weeks! I finally gave up, but I tell you what…I now have the utmost respect for mommas who breastfeed.

You Might Feel Sad or Anxious

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. 

BUT, if these feelings persist or get worse, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new moms, and it’s important to get the support you need to feel better.

I remember the debilitating anxiety that washed over me after my family left our house the day we came home with my daughter, and the sadness that I felt because I wasn’t feeling just pure bliss.  If you’re looking for resources to help you cope with all things postpartum, check out my blog post on What You May Not Know About the 5 Stages of Pregnancy, and scroll down to the 4th Trimester section.

Oh, and be sure to get out of the house during those first months…get some fresh air, sit on the patio with the sun on your face, go for a walk, go have lunch with a friend…anything to get out of isolation.

Take Care of Your Perineum

My what?? Your perineum is an area of skin and underlying tissue between your vulva (vagina) and your anus. During childbirth, this tissue may tear, or it may be cut to make way for your baby’s head (it’s called an episiotomy). 

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

If you had either of these happen, 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 to reduce swelling and pain. Other than sitz baths (a warm shallow water soak), I used a squirt bottle with water to gently clean the area, and then Dermoplast Pain Relief Spray. This spray was a lifesaver!

Padsicles are now 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. They’re 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.

Enter Your Email Below to Download Step-by-Step Instructions for “How to Make Your Own Padsicles At Home”

One last tip…get yourself a very soft pillow or donut seat. Trust me, you’ll be thanking me later when you’re riding home from the hospital, bouncing around on Louisiana roads.  

Hair Loss

Thankfully, this is one thing I did not experience postpartum, but I know that many people do. However, I am experiencing it during menopause (insert sigh). It can definitely be scary.

You might be alarmed to see a lot of hair falling out after having a baby! 

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. That’s why your hair may look the best it’s ever been while you’re pregnant (that and prenatal vitamins).

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, avoid tight hairstyles, and maintain a balanced diet. I love the Kitsch Rosemary & Biotin Shampoo Bar and Conditioner. I use it myself, and I’ve really noticed a difference with the shedding from menopause. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to its normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down.

It’s OK to Ask for Help!

Sis, it’s totally okay 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 shout it from the rooftops. Seriously, nobody expects you to be Supermom. And they likely want to help. 

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 was terrible about not asking for help, and I definitely think the transition would have gone a lot smoother, with a lot less moments of losing my mind, had I just asked.

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. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

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 this blog post on what to expect postpartum has given you some solid insight and tips to help! If you’re reading this while still pregnant – check out some of my Newborn Lifestyle Photography as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby!