Nobody Told Me: Postpartum Edition
You made it through pregnancy and you gave birth like an absolute boss — congrats. Now here are six things nobody told me about postpartum recovery (but I wish they had).
Because if you thought birth was wild… it’s about to get real now that baby is earth-side.
Before we dive in… have you checked out our courses? They’ll pair well with this blog!
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Your game plan, done.
OK let’s get into it.
1) The jumbo pads… might not be jumbo enough
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) has phases; lochia rubra (first 3–4 days) is heaviest, bright red, often with clots. If you show up with a pantyliner, you’ll regret it. And thongs? No. Keep those deep in the drawer.
Make a “super pad”: fold a chux/puppy pad vertically, then stick two maxi pads on it for front-to-back coverage. Add healing goodies (foam/spray) and numbing spray.
People will say, “Just buy adult diapers; it’s easier.” If you like it, I love it. Personally, they felt less secure. Try both — choose what feels best.
2) The snap-back is a myth
You’ll probably leave looking ~6 months pregnant. Your uterus expanded to ~25× its normal size (about the size of your fist pre-pregnancy!) and needs ~6 weeks to involute — sometimes longer. Pack a dark, loose, comfy going-home outfit (avoid tight waistbands, especially with a fresh cesarean incision). Offer yourself grace.
Hi, I’m Tina — certified perinatal nurse and certified breastfeeding specialist, 17 years in. If you’re new here, welcome (and consider subscribing). If you’re not, thanks for sticking around.
3) Postpartum depression is common — and needs daylight
About 1 in 8 experience PPD. Different from baby blues. It often starts 1–3 weeks postpartum (but can appear later). You and your village should know the signs; the list isn’t exhaustive, so name what you’re feeling and tell your partner/friends/family/provider early. Taboo helps no one.
4) You might feel more rested than late pregnancy (truly)
“Just wait!” they say. For what? Many feel more rested postpartum than in the third trimester: fewer bathroom breaks, less sciatica, fewer restless legs… and oxytocin from baby cuddles can help mood/sleep. Once baby’s fed, changed, settled — boom — glorious sleep until the next feed. If someone says “just wait,” you can gently, “shhh.”
5) Night sweats are… a lot
The largest hormone shift of your life (post-birth) drops estrogen/progesterone fast. If you’re breastfeeding, estrogen stays lower, prolonging the drenching night sweats.
Relief tips: cool shower pre-bed, breathable/loose PJs, a fan, hydrate, reduce alcohol/caffeine; consider a mattress topper so you’re not changing the whole bed at 3 a.m.
6) Partner resentment can sneak in
Not every couple, but many. I remember resenting my husband for going to work — hot meals, a shower, adult conversation — while I was deep in the trenches. Logical? Maybe not. Real? Yes.
Try this: communicate early and calmly. Name what you feel (even if it’s not logical), ask for specific help, and problem-solve together. This season is hard — for longer than you think — and you’re a team.
