“It is said that if you have a loving partner, a caring family, you wont be affected by the postpartum phase.”
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it the postpartum phase can be a real challenge. From physical recoveries to emotional changes, its not always picture perfect as you will get to see online. Now a days mother’s have started speaking openly about their postpartum journey. In this post, we will talk about the realistic postpartum life, be it sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, emotional changes or physical changes. Its important for all moms to know that they aren’t alone in this journey and we all are there to help each other in this difficult phase. Its okay for moms to take a break without feeling guilty about it, its okay to ask for help, even though you feel the urge of doing each and everything all by yourself. Here’s an overview of what the postpartum journey may look like:
1. Physical Recovery
- Your body needs proper time to heal, whether it is a vaginal birth or a C-section. The process varies for each person.
- Breastfeeding can be physically demanding as both mother and the baby learns the process.
- Its common for new moms to be sleep deprived as they care for their baby through out the day while feeding and changing the diaper.
2. Emotional and Mental health
- Fluctuation in hormones’ will lead to mood swings, irritability and feeling of being sad and sometimes alone.
- It is also said baby blues and generally happen within the first two weeks and can impact your personal life.
- Many women feel anxiety, depression, helplessness. Even if everyone is around you might feel alone.
- Few moms bond with their baby instantly, while few takes time. And this is absolutely normal.
- Some mothers feel sense of loss of their previous self, while others feel empowered.
3. Relationship and social life
- On arrival of the baby, dynamics can be changed, one should always communicate more openly and share responsibilities.
- Setting Boundaries is a must. Managing visitors and unsolicited advice is crucial at this stage coz one needs peace of mind.
4. Adjustment to Baby
- Earlier, a person works according to their preference, but once the kid arrives, you need to work according to their preference.
- Everything will depend on their sleep schedule, food preferences, health, etc.
- Even the moms, sometime will feel difficult to adjust with the kid’s schedule.
- You will have to compromise you personal life sometimes, to maintain the pace with the kid.
5. Breastfeeding and formula feeding
- Latching issue, low supply and pain are common. You need to feel positive and happy to have proper supply of the milk.
- Formula feed is also a great option for those who needs it, there shouldn’t be any guilt in that.
- Babies need more frequent feeding at the starting stage.
6. Self Care and Well being
- Eating well helps energy levels and healing
- You need to walk and do light movements as it will boost the mood and aid recovery.
- Atleast keep those 10 mins of the time in a day for yourself as it will lift your mood.
These are the few points of what changes will happen once the baby arrives, but trust me how much ever tired you are, once you see your baby smile, you will again feel energetic.