A few Postpartum Tips & Hacks Every New Mum Needs | Dublin Newborn Photographer Linda Clarke
Ready for some real talk about postpartum life?
In this blog post, I’m dishing the honest, unfiltered truth about what to expect after giving birth—the stuff that no one seems to talk about. I wish we did talk about it more, not to scare anyone, just so we all don’t think we are the only ones that these things happen too! Or sometimes things seem less scary if we know about them before hand and can be prepared for them.
Buckle up, because we're about to get real, raw, and maybe even a little bit TMI—but hey, that's what friends are for, right?
This is one most mums aren’t expecting and that is… the first bowel movement after giving birth can be a little scary and kinda painful.
Let's face it, nobody wants to talk about bowel movements, but it's important to prepare for it after giving birth.
Stool softeners can make the process easier by softening the stool and preventing constipation. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or prune juice, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowel movements.
Trust me, taking care of yourself in this way can make a world of difference and help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Another tip too is to hold one of those big massive postpartum sanitary pads against your tummy to help you feel more supported, especially if you’ve had a C-section.
You might experience night sweats as your body gets rid of the excess fluid from pregnancy.
Night sweats can be surprising and uncomfortable, but they're a normal part of the postpartum experience.
Your body has been holding onto extra fluid during pregnancy, and after giving birth, it needs to get rid of it. This can lead to sweating during the night, which can be uncomfortable and even wake you up. I've woken up sopping wet and had to shower during the night!
One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight cotton pyjamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
I found these cotton pjs a lifesaver from Marks and Spencer and they don’t break the bank!
Cotton Cropped Marks & Spencer Cropped Pj's
Also a cooling fitted bed sheet relays helps as well, I used this one.
Keeping a fan nearby also helps and as a bonus works as white noise for baby.
Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and last for up to six weeks.
You got to skip out on your period for 9 months and now it’s back with a vengeance!
Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons.
If you are concerned at all though about the nature of your bleeding please give your public health nurse of GP a call, just to be on the safe side.
Your nipples will hurt, and possibly crack and bleed.
I was never expected how much it might hurt those first couple of days and how much nipple cream I’d blow through in 24 hours!
Your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you're not breastfeeding. Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver.
I found it quiet sore both times until everything had time to toughen up. I used LOADS of the nipple cream linked below.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to get professional help with breastfeeding and where to find breastfeeding resources in Ireland, click here to read my blogpost on breastfeeding in Ireland.
It's common to feel sad in the first few days after giving birth.
Everyone says becoming a mom is the best feeling ever, right?
Not for everyone, and that’s ok!!
The first few days after giving birth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it's common to feel a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety to sadness. Night 2 can be PARTICULARLY hard. Its totally normal!
These feelings are often referred to as "baby blues" and are a normal part of the postpartum experience.
BUT, if these feelings persist or get worse, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new moms, and it's important to get the support you need to feel better.
I experienced PND myself, twice. If you take away one thing from this blog, it is that it is OK to ask for help and definitely OK to say that you don'r feel right or feel the way you think you 'should' feel!
You might think you’re going bald with all the hair loss.
God I lost soooooo much hair, but it didn’t start until I was about 6 months postpartum on both my kiddos. I actually had a comb-over the second time!
You might be alarmed to see a lot of hair falling out after having a baby!
But don't worry, postpartum hair loss is actually quite common and temporary for many new mothers. This happens because during pregnancy, hormonal changes cause hair to enter a resting phase, leading to less shedding.
After giving birth, your hormone levels start to return to normal, and your hair begins to shed the extra strands it held onto during pregnancy.
Postpartum hair loss usually starts a few months after delivery and can last for several months.
To minimise the effects, try using gentle hair care products, avoiding tight hairstyles, and maintaining a balanced diet. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to its normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help.
Listen, it's totally okay to feel overwhelmed after bringing a new human into the world.
After all, you're doing one of the most important jobs ever!
So, if you need help, don't be afraid to shout it from the rooftops.
Seriously, nobody expects you to be Supermom.
Your friends, family, and healthcare providers are there for you, just waiting to lend a hand or a listening ear. Whether you need advice on how to soothe a fussy baby, some company during those late-night feedings, or just someone to hold the baby while you take a much-deserved shower, PLEASE reach out.
Remember, asking for help doesn't make you weak—it makes you wise! I’ve learned alot from my lovely Indian Mums that visit me in the studio. They have their Mum and Mum-in-Law, if at al possible move in with them. One looks after the new mum and one the baby! Its a super tradition and gives everyone the best chance of a good recovery.
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. How can you take care of them if you are on the back foot yourself.
Now you’re in the know about some of the less glamorous, but oh-so-real parts of postpartum life.
But remember, you’re
not alone in this and it’s totally ok to lean on others when you need to!!
Since you made it all the way down here – check out some images from my Dublin Newborn Photography Studio, as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!
Click here to see more of my Newborn Photoshoot info and pricing!
Newborn Photographer Dublin
P.S. I hope reading my Postpartum Tips Every New Mum needs blog has given you some helpful tips.
If you happen also to be looking for a Dublin Newborn Photographer, click here to see lots of fab squishy babies !!