Postpartum
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I wish I took better care or myself over pregnancy and after nutritionally, emotionally, mentally, physically-all of it. And that I chose more supportive people to be around through it. I could’ve saved myself a lot of stress and maybe had an easier time for sure.
@Maddy, yes! We need more education and honest conversations about breastfeeding available! I also had no clue how difficult it would be!
@Tiara, that support system is so incredibly important! I hope you've made more positive connections on your journey!
No one told me my hair was gonna fall out like crazy afterwards lol fr stresses me out I’ve always had very pretty thick hair and not it’s falling out and breaks all the time
That just because you desperately wanted a baby and you adore them with all your being doesn’t mean you will be happy 24/7, if anything the emotional rollercoaster will be brutal. Mum friends and my mother have been my pillar. Having women who understand your journey and can tell you it’s all gonna be okay is invaluable
This may seem like an afterthought but learn how to burp your baby (especially if they have tummy pain). Burp them religiously 😅 also PP anxiety can have so many forms. I had intrusive thoughts about accidentally dropping baby and around SIDS. They fortunately subsided after a while (few months). And lastly, if you are struggling with breastfeeding, do yourself a favour and see an IBCLC if you can afford it as they are worth every penny.
@Maddy definitely cluster feeding!!
-Don’t listen to all the pressure about breastfeeding. Changing to bottle is so fine even if it’s only after a couple of days - the first poo doesn’t really hurt it’s just awkward -peeing hurts more then you think but it doesn’t last forever - feeling 100x better after a shower and 2 minutes to yourself even if you get covered in baby sick straight after
I had never heard of cluster feeding, so when it started within hours of giving birth, I thought I was going to lose my mind. On top of all the exhaustion of labor, and the hormones, I had a total panic that this was what baby would be like all the time, and I couldn’t possibly be up to the task. I was ready to give up breastfeeding there and then- luckily I had a very kind nurse to talk me off the ledge. I wish I had known/read about it enough in advance to expect it, and know it does pass. Might not have made it physically easier, but I could have been more mentally prepared.