11 Things I Wish I Knew About Postpartum Recovery
These are some of the things I wish I knew about postpartum recovery. Learn all you need to know to be best prepared and ready for the 4th trimester.
When you’re pregnant, all you can imagine is cuddling your little bundle of joy.
But no one really talks about postpartum recovery and what it’s like after giving birth. The focus is always on the birthing process itself.
After delivery, new moms are often left to fend for themselves during the crucial fourth trimester, when they need the most support and help.
After my first baby, I had no idea what to expect. I was an emotional wreck and so confused as to why no one prepared me for this challenging and exhausting time.
I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. No one should be as unprepared for postpartum recovery as I was.
So, here’s what I wish someone had told me about postpartum recovery before I gave birth.
11 Things I Wish I Knew About Postpartum Recovery
These are things that left me completely confused, exhausted, and feeling utterly alone.
These are some of the things I wish I knew about these crucial aspects of the postpartum period.
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You Will Have Tons of Pain
So we kind of know about the pain related to birth. But most often, you mostly think about giving birth and the entire labor process as painful, but your postpartum recovery is just as painful, if not more.
Depending on your labor experience, you might have more pain than others. If you tear while giving birth or have a c-section, you will be in a lot more pain than normally.
Usually, you will start to feel better between 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth.
I wish I knew to expect the pain for weeks after giving birth, not just for the short time after labor.
Prepare a Postpartum Recovery Kit
One of the best postpartum tips is to prepare a postpartum kit before you go to the hospital. I think it is just as crucial as preparing a hospital bag.
I had no idea what to expect the first time around, so I had no postpartum recovery essentials. It was pretty brutal.
Fill a basket with postpartum essentials you will want and need during the 4th trimester. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Peri bottle
- Postpartum diapers
- Witch hazel pads
- Padsicles
- Snacks
- Herbal remedies
- Heating pad
- Postpartum teas
Learn how to make a DIY postpartum care kit!
You Will be Utterly Exhausted
Having a baby is more exhausting than people realize. You don’t just lose sleep from waking up every few hours – you’re also constantly caring for an infant.
It’s physically and mentally draining around the clock. The fatigue is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
Pregnancy kind of prepares you as you wake up every few hours to go pee, but it’s a whole other level. You have to stay awake and take care of your newborn every few hours.
You will never get a break. Even if you have a great postpartum support team and whatnot, the responsibility of being a mother stays with you forever, and it’s exhausting.
Use the 5-5-5- Postpartum Rule
I never heard of the postpartum rule before, but it is essential to help you recover and not get more sick.
The 5-5-5 postpartum rule is mainly about staying in bed for 5 days, on the bed for the next 5 days, and near the bed for the next 5 days.
That will help your entire body and mind recover as best as possible.
You Will Want to Wear Diapers
Many new mothers are surprised by the heavy bleeding that occurs after giving birth.
It’s nothing like a regular period – you’ll bleed a lot for a few weeks. Regular pads and tampons won’t cut it. Plus, I found the mesh underwear and pads they give you at the hospital aren’t the most comfortable either.
You’ll want to wear postpartum diapers to avoid leaks. Adult diapers work just fine too. This way, you don’t have to worry about the pad slipping around or leaks as much.
Plus many of the natural postpartum diapers are quite comfy too!
You Might Be Swollen
Swelling is a very common thing to experience after giving birth, especially if it’s your first baby.
I had no idea that I would be swollen! My feet especially were so incredibly huge, even after a few days, when it was time to leave the hospital, I had to walk out barefoot because my shoes didn’t fit anymore!
While it does subside over time, be sure to pack a loose-fitting shoe option like sandals or slippers when you leave the hospital.
You Might Still Look Pregnant When You Leave the Hospital
Most new moms will have a decent size belly when leaving the hospital. You might feel and look pregnant still, which can be discouraging.
It takes time for your body to fully heal and release everything it needed to take care of your baby for nine months.
You will still want to wear your pregnancy clothes or other comfy postpartum clothes to accommodate your ever changing body.
Be sure to read these postpartum quotes to know your body is still beautiful and there is nothing wrong with how you look.
You can also say positive affirmations for your postpartum recovery to further help you as well.
You Might Get Depressed
Postpartum depression is very common and can happen at any time. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t feel happy or enjoy being a mom during this postpartum stage.
Almost all new mothers will have postpartum blues, and many more than you realize have postpartum depression.
I got postpartum depression after my second birth and it was crazy. Even though I knew all the signs and symptoms, I was not mentally prepared for it to happen to me.
Be aware of the symptoms and talk with your spouse and doctor if you feel sad so you can get the proper care you need.
If you feel depressed, do not wait; go to your doctor right away. It was the best thing I did to help my mental health.
Check out these great mental health support postpartum essentials too.
You Might Not Connect with Your Baby Right Away
Sometimes you won’t connect with your little one as soon as you hold them after giving birth. This might seem like a weird thing, but it happened with my second child.
It took time before I felt that connection. If that happens to you, it doesn’t mean you are a terrible mom or there is something wrong.
Giving birth is not always picture perfect as the movies portray. If you don’t connect right away, don’t worry; it will come in its own time.
Breastfeeding is Not Easy
The same goes with breastfeeding. It does not always come naturally or easily.
It can be quite painful and is usually a struggle in the beginning.
This can be for a variety of reasons. My first child was tongue tied and couldn’t latch properly which is why I couldn’t breastfeed without severe pain.
Use the breastfeeding resources available to you, whether that be a lactation consultant or breastfeeding essentials you’ll want to have.
You Might Not Want Visitors
A new baby is exciting and before giving birth you might want all your friends and family members to be there to celebrate with you.
But, you will be quite exhausted after pushing out your baby. You certainly won’t be looking or feeling your best, so you might not want visitors.
A few might be fine, but take it easy. Don’t make any promises and prioritize your needs over others.
Everyone will understand and will come when you are ready for them.
Be prepared to tell people no and to stick to what you need versus what they want to do. You are in charge, and you have to do what is best for you first.
Postpartum Recovery FAQS
How long does postpartum recovery last?
This will all depend as each woman will recover on their own timeline. Typically physical healing takes between 6-8 weeks, but mental recovery can take a lot longer.
How long after birth is considered postpartum?
There are many different opinions on what “postpartum” means. Some view it as only 6 weeks after giving birth, while others think it is a year. Others claim that postpartum is any time after giving birth, even years after, can be considered postpartum.
How can I make my postpartum recovery better?
Rest with the 5-5-5 postpartum rule, eat healthy postpartum meals, practice self-care, and relax. Postpartum recovery is hard and will take time, but remember, you grew a baby for nine months, you are allowed to take plenty of time to recover!
What I Wish I Knew About Postpartum Recovery Wrap-Up
These are just a few of the things I wish I knew about postpartum recovery before giving birth.
Your postpartum recovery will take time and will have bumps in the road, but it is worth it.
Enjoy those precious moments with your baby, and rest when you can. Soon enough, you will stop bleeding, be in less pain, and be a lot happier.
Learn how to quickly recover after giving birth.
If you ever find yourself wanting extra support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey, I’m here to walk alongside you through my virtual doula services — offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear whenever you need it.
