4 Things To Expect After Giving Birth To Your Baby

There are plenty of wonderful things to look forward to once you give birth to your baby.  Needless to say, it’s also important to know that there are plenty of changes that you might not love so much. 

Some of them are physical, and others are emotional—many of them may be downright uncomfortable. Despite all this, sometimes it helps to know what to expect first.  Having an idea of the changes your body and mind will go through ahead of time can make a world of difference in how well you adjust to them. 

Anticipating what to expect can help you practice the right self-care and get the most out of your postpartum experience. With that said, take a look at some of the most common things to expect after giving birth to your baby. 

Hair Loss 

As many as three out of four women experience hair loss following birth. Your hair may be a little bit lifeless, and you may even have to call the plumber from too much hair going down the drain. The great news is that it won’t last forever. Your hair should return to normal after several months to a year. It’s just your hormones regulating themselves. 

Soreness  

Regardless of whether you gave birth naturally or had a cesarean, you’re going to experience soreness in your lower half. If you experienced tearing during your birth, you may be experiencing a different kind of pain that may seem unbearable at times especially when you go to the bathroom. 

It helps to do kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles and stop yourself from passing urine. You can also place a cold pack in this area to ease the pain. If you’ve had a cesarean, it may hurt to do things like laugh or cough. It helps to hold a pillow down on your lower half if you need to cough. 

Baby Blues 

There is a lot of confusion surrounding baby blues. The truth is that it can come in all shapes and sizes, depending on you. Some women may experience a less serious version of baby blues, while other women may need to see a doctor about it. The important thing to remember is that it’s normal for your feelings to fluctuate. You may have periods of extreme euphoria, followed by weeping. This is all pretty normal; however, if you feel that you need to talk to your doctor, then you should definitely do so. Its always best to consult with a professional if you have concerns.

Engorgement 

As your breasts start to fill with milk, you may feel extreme tenderness. This will usually go away and can be relieved by breastfeeding your baby. It’s a good idea to talk with a lactation consultant or your midwife about what they suggest if the soreness starts becoming extreme.