Thursday, July 16

Postpartum 101

Warning: the content below may be graphic. Males, I suggest you skip this post if the talk of lady parts makes you queasy. Also, I'm a nurse and nothing phases me so... you've been warned. 

The funny thing about having a baby is the fact that people just mention how amazing it is to have a newborn! They never talk about how your first poop will be equivalent to birthing another baby or how your boobs will feel like you've been scorched with a blow torch.. so I decided to prep those getting ready for labor and delivery with the nitty gritty stuff. The stuff that I sure as heck wasn't prepared for. I'm definitely no expert in the post-delivery department, but I now know a few things I will do differently next go around. 

1// Padsicles: Basically, I got destroyed in my "downstairs" region. One thing that saved me were homemade padsicles (and drugs) that my lovely mother would bring me. You take a pad, squirt some aloe vera gel on there, add some lavender and witch hazel, then throw them in the freezer. When you're feeling extra sore just throw one of these puppies on and sweet relief will be heading your way. 

2// Nipple town: If you're breastfeeding and your child has a suck stronger than a sucker fish (like mine did).. you're in for cracked, dry, and bleeding nipples. All I can say is nipple cream. nipple cream. nipple cream. The other thing that really helped me was soothing gel pads by Lansinoh. They saved me! 

3// Poopin probs: The majority of people get constipated, especially if they're taking narcotics. I was backed up for a few days and my advice would be to USE AN ENEMA. Honestly, my first experience was miserable and if I could go back I would have definitely used an enema. 

4// Sleep: When I was pregnant I heard 7,000 people tell me to "sleep when the baby sleeps." I thought If I heard that phrase one more time I would scream haha, but they were right! In the first few weeks sleep deprivation is a reality and you need all of the sleep you can get! Don't worry about cleaning the house or getting ready. Just focus on letting your body heal and taking care of that sweet babe. 

5// Visitors: We made the mistake of inviting everyone and their dog to our house while we were still on the adrenaline high in the hospital. The next day our home was like a revolving door from 8 am to 8 pm. Don't get me wrong! We absolutely loved seeing our friends and family.. but it was the day my milk came in, I was in a lot of pain physically, and trying to figure out breastfeeding and taking care of a newborn was no task either. My suggestion would be to take a couple of days to settle in with you, your significant other, and your new baby ALONE. Also, scheduling out visits for two a day as opposed to seven a day would be wise. 

6// Water works: IT'S OKAY TO CRY. I had my fair share of emotional breakdowns within the first couple of weeks. You're husband might be super confused, especially when he asks why you're uncontrollably sobbing and you have no idea why. Just know that it's completely normal.. Healthy, actually. 

7// Stock up: In the hospital they will give you a squirt bottle to help keep everything clean. Hold on to that thing for dear life and make sure you take it home with you! You'll also receive a stack of mesh undies. They. are. magical. Make sure you stock up on them! I may or may not have shed a tear when I used my last pair at home. 

Well, that's a wrap! Mann the things we do for kids... It's a dang good thing they're worth it ;)

8 comments:

  1. THANK YOU! I have been needing a 'real life blog post' for a while now. gosh. I am due in September and I feel like I have been warned, but hearing it from someone that recently went through it all seems to be more helpful. thanks for the advise!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course!! Congrats and good luck with everything :)

      Delete
  2. yes thank you! I'm due soon too! thanks for the advice

    ReplyDelete
  3. K it's time somebody got real about what to expect after labor! Loved this. I had no idea what I was in for physically, and it kind of sucked not having a baby to justify all the new changes your body goes through etc. This will help new moms so much! Also those mesh undies are the best thing ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my word, I can't even imagine! You're such an inspiration, for real.

      Delete
  4. These are some good reminders. Those padsicles are heavenly and when Camden was born at home accidentally last time I missed that squirt bottle something fierce!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Howwww did you have a child at home? So insane hahah.

      Delete

SITE DESIGN BY RYLEE BLAKE DESIGNS