Hey there, friends! I’m so excited to sit down with you and spill all the real, honest scoop about what life’s actually like after giving birth—you know, the stuff nobody warns you about. So, grab a cozy spot, maybe a cup of something warm- for me it’s coffee ☕, and let’s dive into this together. It’s gonna get real, a little messy, and yeah, maybe even a tad TMI—but that’s just how we roll when we’re sharing from the heart, right? And hey, if you’re in the area, I’ve got some thoughts coming up about capturing those early days with a Knoxville newborn photographer—because those moments deserve to be remembered, chaos and all!

1. It’s common to feel sad in the first few days 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.

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 want to share an amazing resource if you feel you need counseling and someone to help you during this sensitive time. There is no shame in this at all, so just put that out of your mind, and talk to someone. Here is Amy, she is a mother herself and knows what it is like and how to help. CLICK HERE to view more information and contact her today.

2. 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.

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.

We’re friends here so there’s no such thing as TMI right? Honestly – I was so afraid of this, especially after having a 2 degree tear, but it was not as bad as I thought…do not skip the stool softeners my friend!

3.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!

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

for moms postpartum like a postpartum doula who can answer questions about what’s normal and when it’s time to see a doctor or their midwife.

My top favorites on my postpartum list were:

• Always discreet underwear
• Frida Mom postpartum kit -especially the ice pads
• Tuck’s cooling pads
• Dermoplast
• Grocery bags for easy clean up

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4. 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 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, and a large plastic 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 they’re flat and not folded.
• 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.

5. You might think you’re going bald with all the hair loss.

I’ve heard from clients and friends that they lost clumps of hair those first few days and weeks postpartum. I’m sure that’s a little 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.

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, add some vitamin D, and maintaining a balanced diet. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to its normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down.

I hope reading about the 5 things I wish someone told me about postpartum has given you some solid ideas!

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If you’re reading this while pregnant – check out some of my Knoxville maternity Photography as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!

Need more help with breastfeeding? When to Find Breastfeeding Help and Where.

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