Recovering from Childbirth: What to expect for pregnant moms
Giving birth is often considered a most beautiful experience. And while it is undoubtedly a joyous event, it can also be incredibly challenging (even traumatic for some).
The recovery process is one of the new mothers' most significant (and underestimated) challenges. Often, people underestimate the arduous physical recovery after childbirth and the emotional implications of possibly needing full-time support from a partner or family member.
As someone who has given birth twice, I can now look back at my first experience with compassion for the person I was then. When I gave birth again four years later, I was much more prepared and honestly angry that my first time was not what I expected it to be. It's possible that either I wasn't listening to people when they were honest with me, or no one told me how challenging it could be.
Some people may not want to know all the things that could be hard because they may not be hard for them. If that's the case, then I respect that and you should probably click away from this blog because I wouldn't want to take that away. However, if you want to be really prepared or you've had a difficult recovery before and want to do things differently this time, keep reading.
TL;DR: This blog emphasizes the difficulties of recovering from childbirth, both physically and emotionally, and the importance of support during the process. It's crucial for new mothers to understand and accept the realities of childbirth, communicate their needs and boundaries, and receive necessary support.
Three ways pregnant people underestimate recovering from childbirth:
The arduous physical recovery
Emotional implications of childbirth
Importance of support
1. The Arduous Physical Recovery
Many assume they will return to "normal" within a few days/weeks of giving birth, but this is rarely true. The physical recovery process can be lengthy, exhausting, and painful. For instance, vaginal tearing, cesarean incisions, and mastitis are just some common issues that new mothers face. The physical recovery process can differ for each person, depending on the nature of the delivery. It can take several months, and you should not feel pressured to bounce back quickly.
2. Emotional Implications of Childbirth
Childbirth is a significant emotional event. The transition to parenthood is often overwhelming, and new mothers may experience a range of emotions, from pure joy and elation to fear and anxiety. It is normal to experience the "baby blues" in the first few weeks after giving birth. However, if these feelings persist or intensify, it may indicate postpartum depression or anxiety.
3. Importance of Support
It is crucial for new mothers to have support during the recovery process, both physically and emotionally. You may need full-time support from a partner or family member. Many women feel guilty or ashamed that they cannot handle everything on their own. Accepting the realities of childbirth and the support you need makes you more prepared for the transition. Support can come from a partner, family member, or hired help (postpartum doulas, for example). It is essential to clearly communicate your needs and boundaries and accept help when offered.
Furthermore, it is crucial for partners and family members to recognize the physical and emotional toll that childbirth will take.
They can help new mothers navigate the recovery process and transition into parenthood by offering practical and emotional support and understanding.
If you've read this far, I know you don't want some of these things to be true. And yet they are for many.
When birthing people are not prepared, it makes my heartbreak because the physical and emotional implications of not being prepared can have a lasting effect. And that's just wrong. You know what, though? I've helped many pregnant people prepare for the realities, and I've done that because I care. I care about your postpartum almost as much as you do.
Now you know what you know, you can't unknow it. Physical recovery is gravely underestimated, and emotional changes are entirely unexpected. As you read this, I hope you have started to recognize that the recovery process can be lengthy and challenging and that it's entirely reasonable to expect to need full-time support during the fourth trimester.
DOWNLOAD The Postpartum Plan: for pregnant moms preparing for life with a newborn.
The postaprtum plan ebook is perfect for you if:
You're expecting and want to feel prepared for postpartum.
You're between 20-38 weeks, and you want to ensure a smooth transition into postpartum.
You're starting to feel apprehensive, worried or even anxious about postpartum and want to be well-prepared for this critical phase of parenthood.
Written by Kayla Huszar, a social worker specializing in perinatal mental health,
this comprehensive resource draws from years of personal and client experiences and professional training to help you avoid the common pitfalls of postpartum life.
