(1) 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. One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

(2) 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.

(3)Your nipples will hurt, crack and bleed. Breastfeeding is natural right? That’s what I was told – but I was never told 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. If you are struggling but want to persevere, I highly recommend finding a Lactation Consultant.

I have breastfed two babies, my first for 15 months, and still going strong with my 16 month old. I worked hard and struggled A LOT with both of them. My oldest son had a poor latch and was jaundiced, so we supplemented with formula, and I sought the expertise of a Lactation Consultant in San Diego. My second son was in the NICU for two weeks, so I was only able to exclusively pump for the duration of his stay.

(4) 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. 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 struggled with PPA and PPD with both kiddos. I finally sought mental health services and have handled postpartum life and mothering so much better since.

(5)It’s important to take care of your perineum if you had a tear or episiotomy. Ice packs, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide relief. If I hear someone else on social media talking about “bouncing back” after having a baby, I might lose it. One thing rarely talked about is that it’s ok to take months or years to recover. If you had a tear or episiotomy during delivery, it’s important to take care of your perineum as it heals. This can be a painful and uncomfortable process, but there are things you can do to make it easier. You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths to reduce swelling and pain. Padsicles are a popular DIY solution for postpartum relief. They are essentially frozen pads that are infused with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender oil. Here’s how to make padsicles: 1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need heavy-duty pads (such as overnight pads), witch hazel, aloe vera gel, lavender oil, and a large plastic bag. 2. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavender oil. Stir until well combined. 3. Open the pads: Unwrap the pads, but leave the adhesive backing on. This will help the padsicles stick to your underwear. 4. Apply the mixture: Using a spoon or brush, apply the mixture to the top of the pad. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pad. 5. Fold the pads: Fold the pads back up and place them into the plastic bag. Make sure they’re flat and not folded. 6. Freeze the pads: Put the plastic bag with the folded pads into the freezer and freeze until they’re completely frozen, which usually takes a few hours. 7. Use the padsicles: When you’re ready to use the padsicles, remove them from the plastic bag and peel off the adhesive backing. Place the pad in your underwear with the frozen side against your skin. The coolness of the frozen pad can provide relief from swelling and soreness. That’s it! Padsicles are an easy and cost-effective way to get relief from postpartum discomfort. Just be sure to change the padsicles as needed throughout the day, and discard used pads in the trash.

Anything I missed? Add in your postpartum expertise below!