I’m currently 8 weeks postpartum and wanted to dedicate this post to my postpartum recovery thus far!
Even though this is difficult to talk about, I wanted to share my personal experience and how I’m doing physically and mentally. I’ve come to the realization that most people don’t talk about postpartum at all, yet there are lots of feelings and emotions to navigate through and new changes to our bodies.
I think the more we talk about our postpartum experiences, the more it will normalize the challenges that come with the fourth trimester! Postpartum is incredible and overwhelming all rolled into one!
My Physical Recovery
If you’ve already read Amelia’s birth story (linked here) you know that she was delivered “sunny side up” which resulted in my third degree tear. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a tear to the skin and muscles in the perineal area. Yes, it’s as terrifying as it sounds…
The first few weeks home, I needed ice packs and ibuprofen to control the pain. Sitting down on my bottom was painful and I could never find a comfortable position. I was taking stool softeners and sitting on a donut shaped pillow to help with discomfort. Adult diapers, tucks pads, numbing spray, and my peri bottle were my BFFs during this time. My bleeding stopped around 6 weeks and my stitches have now fully dissolved. Thankfully everything has healed well!
My postpartum belly is a little softer and pudgier than before. I’ve lost all of my pregnancy weight yet nothing looks the same. I’m constantly on my feet chasing my toddler around and most days I don’t get a chance to eat until they’re both napping. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories which is probably why I’ve lost the weight so quickly. I’ve started exercising slowly, mostly at-home workouts and walking around the neighborhood. I’m also trying to eat healthier not only for myself but to give Amelia the nutrients that she needs!
Overall, I’m feeling so much better physically. Even though my belly has stretch marks and my hips are wider, I’ve accepted the fact that my body may never “bounce back” to the way it was pre-pregnancy and I’m okay with that! I have so much more respect for my body as it has carried, delivered, and nourished my two babies!
Breastfeeding
Amelia latched right away and had no issues with breastfeeding. When my milk came in, it really came in! I had to use my pump multiple times a day to relieve myself. Even nursing Amelia every 2 to 3 hours I still had leaky, engorged boobs constantly. After about a month, my milk supply started to level out and I didn’t need my pump as much.
Breastfeeding is going so well and Amelia sure does love her milk, it goes straight to her cheeks! If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, I highly recommend seeing a lactation consultant for help. I sought help when I had Sophia, and I’ve learned so much about breastfeeding which has helped me this time around. Having a good latch is everything!
Postpartum Anxiety
There is so much to talk about when it comes to our mental health after having a baby! I haven’t experienced postpartum depression but I’ve definitely had postpartum anxiety with both babies especially after I had Sophia. Being a new mom, learning how to take care of a newborn, and being completely exhausted wore on my mental health. During those first few weeks, I felt the “baby blues” and cried often. I was constantly worried if Sophia was breathing or if she had enough to eat.
I googled EVERYTHING, and many times I felt like I was failing as a mom. Sophia had reflux and would cry for what seemed like hours. I worried about what I was eating and tried to eliminate dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods from my diet to see if it would help. I was always concerned about Sophia gaining enough weight.
This time around, I haven’t experienced as much anxiety. I think it’s helped that Amelia is a much calmer baby and having the experience of raising a newborn already. Amelia is a very different baby than her sister was and is gaining weight like a champ! My husband and I think that she will catch up to her older sister in weight by the time she’s one!
My anxiety comes in waves, and some days are better than others. Being a stay at home mom to a toddler and newborn is HARD. I know now that each phase is just a season in life and everything gets better with time!
Survival Mode With 2 Under 2
I truly think going from 0 to 1 baby was much harder than going from 1 to 2. It was such a big transition at first, realizing your old life was gone and now you’re responsible for this little baby while being completely exhausted. It was all a big shock! My girls are 19 months apart and let’s be honest, I’m on survival mode most of the time.
After I delivered Amelia, my husband Wes stayed home with me for 6 weeks. I’m very grateful he was able to take off of work for that long and help me out with both girls. We would divide and conquer! Now that he’s back at work, my time and attention is split between a toddler and newborn and I’m constantly focused on their needs.
I’m still adjusting to life with two kids and learning how to balance it all. Between taking care of my girls, cleaning the house, and making dinner there is very little time for me sometimes. When both girls are napping, I try to do something for myself. I’m usually taking a hot shower or catching up on a show!
Honestly, I’ve had some tough days where I feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained. Motherhood can be isolating and lonely sometimes and when I’m feeling this way, I reach out to my family and friends for help. No matter if you’re a working mom or stay at home mom, it’s okay to ask for help!
I’ve also allowed myself to live in the moment and accept that everything happens at a slower pace. I feel so much more happy and calm ever since having Amelia! I’m constantly taking pictures of Amelia because I just know how fast time flies.
Mentally and emotionally I’m doing much better. I’ve been “training” Amelia to put herself to sleep, which has been a game changer! With Sophia I rocked her to sleep for months and months which wore on me mentally. Amelia is a great sleeper and has slept through the night multiple times starting at 8 weeks old. I think getting the extra sleep has been super helpful for my mental health!
Everyone’s postpartum recovery is different yet we can all relate to the struggles and challenges that come with a new baby. We dedicate our minds, bodies, and souls to our kids yet it is truly special raising tiny humans. I hope this helps a mom out there that can relate to my postpartum journey. If you’re like me and taking it day by day, just know that you’re doing an incredible job. Give yourself grace, you’ve got this!
Thanks for stopping by! Let me know in the comments below if you experienced any of the same things during your postpartum recovery. Lets be friends on Instagram! @_cathyjune
