Post~Partum

Being only 13 weeks postpartum, I thought it would be appropriate for me to start there.

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn't think about postpartum. I thought the baby came out, there was some bleeding and everything was normal again. Haha!! I soon learned that it took a while for things to get back to "normal" and even then, normal is different then it was.

These are a few things I wish veteran mom's would have told me about...

~Afterpains~

Afterpains hurt!! (especially if you have had children before) They are caused by the process of "involution", which is when your uterus is returning to it's non-pregnancy size. After your birth, your uterus will be about the size of a grapefruit, weighing between 2-3lbs. Over the first two weeks it will shrink down to fit into the pelvis and weight around a 1/2lb, during this time is when you will feel those afterpains the most.

Afterpains are basically mini contractions. And just like contractions, the release of oxytocin is what causes them. How is oxytocin released? Nipple stimulation. So while you are having a sweet nursing session with your new baby, you will be hit with some contractions. Most people use some form or Ibuprofen to help them through this time, so they can just focus on enjoying their time with baby.

~Back Aches~

During your last trimester, the hormone relaxin kicks in and starts softening your joints and losening your ligaments in preperation for labor. It is an amazing hormone that makes it possible for us to open up and make room for our babies to be born.
After the birth, your body has is still loose and soft. This can, just like in the last trimester, cause back aches. It can also cause weakness and leave you vulnerable for injury.

To prevent pain and injury, try not to hunch over while breastfeeding. This will lead to strain on your spine and a longer recovery. Bring the baby up TO your breast and use a pillow or boppy to support you. Try to avoid carrying those heavy car seats. Either have someone else do it, or pick your baby up and wear him/her (they want to be with you anyways). Lastly, make sure you are wearing your baby properly. Not only for the safety of you little one, but for the well being of you and your fragile body.

~Hair loss~

Throughout your pregnancy, the hormone estrigon keeps hair at a continual growing stage. After your baby is born and estrigen levels take a dive, your hair trys to go back to its normal process. Which is have 5-15% of your hair at a resting stage for release, promoting new growth. Before it can get back to its normal process, your body releases a lot of the hair that would have been released the previous 9 months. By your babies first birthday, your hair should be back to it's pre-pregnancy routine.