Postpartum Reality

Alright it's time to get real here on this blog and talk about what no one else does...postpartum. I mean I was prepared to have my world rocked but holy nipples...there are a lot of things I wasn't prepared for. Let's talk...

1. NIPPLES

I was told by my sister to "rough up my nipples in the shower with a washcloth" prior to the little ones arrival. What I wasn't really prepared for was that she was dead serious. I would have needed to take a sandblaster to them to prepare me for the days following birth. Breastfeeding is no joke. In the beginning it's painful (I am talking toe curling, body racking sobs) my nipples cracked, bled, I lost the top layer of skin (twice). I went to the store to buy soothies, washable pads anything that would help. Sadly the only thing that helps is TIME. You will get there I promise but days 1-14 are trying.

2. Down Nether

If you read my labor story you saw that I had a relatively easy go at labor. Which is 100% due to the epidural, however when you have an epidural you also lose feeling when it comes to push time. So I did have some minor stitches along with some other inconveniences. Now this wasn't too awful (thank you ibuprofen and Norco) however once you arrive home it sure is. So on top of your nipples bleeding and you wanting to cry every time you see your child is hungry...well you also have to deal with pain where the sun don't shine. The good news is that (for me at least) it was the first thing to feel better and relatively quickly. (Padsicles and numbing spray are two great things to have at home).

3. Emotions/Hormones

Well I have always been a pretty emotive person but now that I am post birth the water works come on a lot easier and quicker. I have cried over some ridiculous stuff and in the moment I know I am being ridiculous but at the same time I just have to let it out. Your husband may Google things about you...take that with a grain of salt.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Babies have their time backwards - as in sleep all day, party all night. This has you running on about four hours of sleep (if you're lucky). One day when P was about 8 days old I thought I was ready to head out of the house with her. She had been up every single hour the night before but my sister was in town and I wanted to push around my fancy stroller. So my parents came to my house and from there we walked to the outdoor mall. Once we were inside Macy's I felt like a zombie, like I was floating next to my body watching someone else's life. It was actually kind of scary as I was beginning to feel very light headed and faint. We sat down at a Starbucks for about 45 minutes and then I decided it was time to head back home. When I got home I pumped as much as I could for David and then proceeded to fall asleep from 3pm to 11pm. I woke up with rock hard boobs, but well rested. I learned that day not to overdo it.

5. Your body

I don't have too many complaints in this department but I also haven't tried to wear any of my normal shorts or pants. I'll get back to you when I am brave enough to discover I don't fit into anything.

This seems like a downer post but I am just trying to keep it real with other mama's. After the baby comes it is a tough adjustment. Neither one of you quite know what you're doing yet and that paired with pain doesn't make things any easier.

I don't know what I would have done without my fellow mamas. To my girls at home and my blogging ladies you have helped me so much with encouraging advice. My sisters acting like lactation coaches and Google. My goodness what would I do without Google? But most of all my most incredible help has been David. What a world of difference it makes having a husband who tells you everyday you're doing a great job - even if you feel clueless at times.

And now 19 days in to this whole parenting thing I can say this. Everyday gets easier, everyday gets better and everyday I am so happy that I was chosen to be P's mama.

*Postpartum will obviously be different for everyone but this is my experience with it. If you find yourself having unsafe thoughts or baby blues that last longer than two weeks please reach out to your doctor for advice*