When you become pregnant for the first time you will likely find yourself seeking out advice and wisdom from the women who have gone through it all before you. You’ll receive tips for dealing with nausea, recommendations for which prenatal vitamin to take, how tired you will be during the first and third trimester, and so much more. There are some things though that it seems most moms forget about, and do not mention. I found myself wondering this after having my first born… why didn’t you warn me?
**Warning, this may not be for the queasy, or for the guys.**
- Puking. We all know that some women may poop while in labor. No one warned me that I may feel like puking, or actually puke right after delivering my baby. It felt like all of my internal organs suddenly shifted downwards to fill where baby had once been, and that made me instantly sick. There was no way those little kidney bean shaped cardboard hospital containers were going to contain it. Next time I am going prepared with a puke bucket.
- Odd Appearance. Baby may not appear perfect like the dolls you buy in the store for children. They may have a very squished appearance. Depending on what happened during delivery too, if vacuum or other help was needed to get baby out, their hat may be hiding secrets too! I didn’t see until the next day after my daughter was born when we gave her a bath that she had a large bump and bruise on her head from the vacuum. I was brought to tears instantly.
- The Bleeding. They say to bring some pads with you, and some undergarments you don’t care about. No one said why! The truth is that your body is about to seek revenge for your not having had your period for the last 40 or so weeks. After your baby’s deliver, and after the placenta comes out more, yes MORE still has to come out. Can I just take a minute to strongly recommend getting bladder control undergarments, then you really don’t have to care about what happens. Plus you may need them for the next point.
- Bladder Control. Sure you may have dealt with this while pregnant, especially towards the end but you do not gain full control back right after. Work on getting those control muscles back in shape, it takes time.
- Swollen Feet and Legs. Apparently it’s from all the blood that had been going to your uterus, plus if you’ve been hooked up to an IV you have that extra fluid too, and it will all find its way to your legs and feet. So, bust out the comfy pants and some slippers. You may not be able to wear skinny jeans for a few days because they won’t fit over your calves. Some women find that their shoe size permanently changes too.
- Your Tummy. There are some who I will envy for their genetics as their baby tummy just disappears almost instantly it seems. For others, like myself, it’s looks more like your baby tummy has deflated a bit, but you still look pregnant. It is fondly known as the post baby fanny pack between my friends and I. You may have a belly paunch. Be kind to yourself. It took however long for baby to grow inside you, give it time to contract and go back. For some of us, it may take longer and some hard work.
- Goodbye Hair. This is one thing where I am so thankful that I had thick hair to begin with. Now not everyone experiences this, but I sure did. My hair started to fall out in clumps after having my daughter. It was terrifying to be in the shower, and look like you lost a chunk of your hair. My hair thinned so much in spots that they appeared to be bald spots. The good news is that my hair did grow back, and go back to normal eventually.
- Aches and Pain. You may hurt, you may hurt all over after having baby. Every part of my body seemed to be in pain the next day. My back hurt from where my epidural entry point was, and I had a large bruise there. Depending on how delivery goes, your child may have torn things down there and you have to deal with the pain from that and stitches. Walking and I did not get a long for weeks after delivery! Take it easy on yourself, and follow the medical staffs instructions on pain management if needed.
- Cramps. Sure you will be dealing with cramps from your uterus contracting back down, but they may hurt a lot. I’m talking worse than period cramps. I also was not warned that these cramps also often occurred while nursing or pumping. The first time it happened during nursing I ended up in tears it hurt so much.
Now there is one thing we are all warned about that is absolutely true… it’s all worth it, and we would do it all over again.
Was there anything that you wish someone had warned you about before delivery, and about afterwards?
So much hair loss!!! And yes, the puking 🙁 I did while awaiting my C-section (and afterwards)–not a good memory at all!
Ha I can totally relate! I felt totally betrayed after I gave birth that no one had warned me properly. Part of it is not to scare us. Secondly we don’t remember – we’ve blocked it out! Thirdly I don’t think anyone can warn anyone properly. It’s just a crazy time and it’s a bit different for everyone! Congrats though! warning – first three months were the worst! After that it gets better 😉
Oh man. I don’t remember where it was described as such, but I remember someone calling the cramps an “exquisite pain.” I think that person may have enjoyed pain.
They also gave me what I thought were puppy pads to stuff into my mesh underwear in place of pads because pads did next to NOTHING.
And the waddle! The waddle will last for about 3 weeks if you’re lucky.
However, for a squishy little nugget of soft, beautiful baby, I’d DEFINITELY do it over again. Enjoy!
Oh, the numbness down there! Didn’t know that would happen. Major hair loss around three months after delivery. Weird empty feeling in my abdomen after baby was born and before everything shifted into place again. And hemorrhoids, ouch!
Oh yes, it’s been 6+ years but you reminded me of all the “fun” post birth! You also reminded me why I have decided to be a “one and done” mommy! Lol…best wishes to you!
http://www.HometownQueenBee.blogspot.com <3 xo
OMG the HAIR LOSS! It was insane, I was not expecting it to be as bad as it was. You hit the nail on the head when you said the shower was a scary place. I also wish that someone had warned me that post partum depression can take up to three months to hit. I assumed it would happen right away and when the three month mark hit and it hit me like a Mac Truck I was not prepared. You are right however that the love outweighs everything else. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Great list. I remember being like “Sitz bath?” what’s that when I had my son 16 years ago. Then I watched Life in Pieces on Monday night (you should look this up hilarious story line with the woman who just gave birth for the first time) and they showed this neat little trick with a surgical glove and I got a little mad. I was like NO Dr told me that! Hey if it works, I’d have tried it.