As expecting parents, we can sometimes hone in so much on preparing for Little One’s arrival that we forget to prepare for ourselves. But let’s be real, those postpartum days can be really hard on a new mum physically and emotionally, and you’re likely having to care for yourself with very little sleep. Fortunately, these days people are talking more about the reality of it all, from tears to bleeding and sore breasts.
What to expect postpartum
No matter how much you plan, your baby’s birth won’t be 100% as anticipated, but your baby will come out one way or the other!
1. After vaginal birth
It’s very natural for your vagina to tear a little during delivery, or your doctor might perform an episiotomy which is a small incision to make delivery easier. This wound can be quite painful in the days after birth, however, you can relieve the pain with something like a Little Weasel Peri Ice Pack. This has cooling gel beads which are flexible when frozen, and it's designed to cover your perineal area so you just fit it into your underwear. These packs can also be used as heating pads to release your perineal muscles during labour and delivery.
2. After a Caesarean birth
If you’re having a Caesarean, you might find you feel quite sick to your stomach, a bit groggy from the anesthesia, and itchy from the drugs. In the days following, you might find that your Caesarean scar is sensitive which is why it’s important to consider the type of underwear you pack for the hospital. There is specially designed post-Caesarean underwear that provides you with the support you need without irritating the wound.
3. Vaginal discharge
All mothers will experience vaginal discharge for 4 to 6 weeks after birth. This is a mixture of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus which exits from the vagina. Initially, it will start bright red, eventually turning yellow or white, before becoming quite watery and eventually stopping. Additionally, your pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, and rectum, have taken some strain, sometimes causing incontinence. This should subside within a week but you can do some pelvic floor muscle exercises to help control your bladder. You will need to wear maternity sanitary pads in the weeks after birth, and then normal sanitary pads, until the discharge and incontinence disappear.
4. Sore breasts
Whether or not you’re planning to breastfeed, breast swelling and soreness are common for moms postpartum. Even if you do plan to breastfeed, it can be a challenge and doesn’t always work out. In the first 3 to 4 days after delivery, your breasts make a nutrient-rich colostrum to boost your baby’s immune system before your milk comes in. During this time, your breasts can become engorged and sore with inflammation and blocked ducts a common issue for mothers. Little Weasel’s Breast Therapy Pads can be used cold to reduce breast pain, pressure, and swelling, alleviating mastitis and preventing clogged ducts. When warmed up, these breast pads can encourage milk letdown when pumping or nursing.
5. Leaking breasts
Another universal postpartum experience for mothers is leaking breasts, especially when your breasts are full. This can happen at any time after delivery, and continue throughout the breastfeeding experience. You can use a product like Little Weasel’s Bamboo Breast Pads which are incredibly absorbent and fit right into your bra. Made from natural fibres and being reusable mean they’re better for you, better for the planet, and better for your bank balance.
6. Mood changes
Excitement, happiness, and fatigue can certainly be expected postpartum, but anxiety and depression should also be planned for postpartum. Many women will experience some type of mood disturbance whether it’s the short-lived postpartum blues or postpartum depression which might require medical intervention. Postpartum psychosis is a severe form but extremely rare. Baby blues are usually accompanied by feelings of sadness, tearfulness, anxiety or
irritation, peaking around 4 or 5 days after delivery. If this persists for more than two weeks then it’s important to consult a doctor.
Take these postpartum challenges into consideration when packing a hospital bag. Alongside the newborn baby clothing and care items, you should pack:
✔️ Correct underwear
✔️ Maternity pads
✔️ Breast therapy pads
✔️ Breast absorption pads
✔️ Perineal ice pack
With all that said, there are some things we just can’t anticipate, from childbirth complications, to mental health and breastfeeding challenges, colic, and extremely poor sleep in the early days. While you can’t plan for any of this, it
always helps if you are able to rely on a strong support structure, including family and friends, a strong relationship with your doctor, and maybe be ready with some references for a local lactation consultant, postpartum physio, and/or sleep consultant to help you through the early days. Otherwise, expect the unexpected and try to give yourself some grace!
