What happens to my body after I give birth?

Before I list what happens to your body after having a baby, I want you to keep the below in mind, you have just created a human and the incredible vehicle you did it in will take some time to recover. 

I would love to sit here and type, don’t worry hun your body will be the same after almost entirely building a human through your insides... by yourself… although, there’s this thing called reality that shows up and along with that comes some fairly dramatic body changes. 

*DISCLAIMER There is no such thing as bouncing back. We despise this term as it sets unrealistic expectations which 9.9/10 times just leads to increased self judgment and insecurity.

WEEK ONE

Whether you had a vaginal birth or cesarean birth, your body will be trying its best to heal. Please ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions for the best recovery. Your body is needing to discharge tissue that you originally had to support the baby, this can be seen in a white/yellow and/or pink colour. This is normal and should lessen over time, the glamorous adult diapers will be your best option whilst it is still very heavy. 
 
Unfortunately, something that comes as a shock, is that the contractions continue while your uterus is working its way back to its pre-baby size. Breastfeeding can sometimes trigger these. During birth, a lot of pressure can be put on your bladder, rectum, and abdomen causing it to stretch and swell. Be patient with your body and try not to strain as this can lead to further issues ie. haemorrhoid's… yay.
 
Again, totally normal to get ‘baby blues’ a few days after giving birth, in fact, 70-80% of new mums tend to feel this. However, if these negative feelings and thoughts persist for a couple of days, please speak to your doctor. Don’t forget, there is strength in asking for help. 

WEEK SIX

Breast engorgement, a term we rarely know until we feel it. It is when your breasts feel like they are on fire because they are so milk-filled. Thankfully the discomfort should ease as soon as you breastfeed or pump, however, if you choose not to breastfeed the discomfort should subside in 7-12 days from birth. Another breastfeeding perk is cracked nipples! Some cream from your doctor can go a long way. 
 
6 weeks with a newborn, whether you are a new mum or a seasoned mother, is exhausting. No one is meant to run off minimal light sleep, it is almost inhumane (not really but feels this way), so forgive the mood swings and short temper, it is okay. This won't last forever and you should start to feel better soon. 
 
Exercise and sex are probably doctor-approved, however, each of these will take their own time to truly be back on the table. Your body will have lost a lot of muscle and will take a while to regain your pre-baby strength. It is best to look at this as a new body that needs to be treated with extra TLC, take your time and please don’t expect to ‘bounce back’, it DOES NOT EXIST! Likewise, with sex, it can take a while to mentally be ready for sex again, let alone feel horny. Listen to yourself and don’t rush how you feel. 
 
If you are still feeling like you have the ‘baby blues’, please contact your health care professional. It is okay to ask for help and it really can make a difference.

SIX MONTHS

Hair should finally stop falling out in clumps, it can take longer but it is all a part of the marvellous journey. If you have been breastfeeding, your milk production may begin slowing down but it will vary for everyone. 

Urination control should be back to normal (thankfully), if not, kegel exercises can be your best friend in regaining strength in your pelvic floor (also beneficial for your sex life). Again, it depends on each wonderful individual but your menstrual cycle may return around this time too. 

FINALLY,

Often people assume a woman's body plays its most significant role in the first 9 months, however, the 4th trimester is also very important and we should appreciate the recovery in this period to ensure our mothers are taken care of when they need it most (even with us incredibly strong independent mumma's). 

Comment below if you have found this blog post helpful and if you have a burning question or topic you would like us to cover. 

Sources used to create this article include:

Pampers - Healing After Childbirth 

Healthline - Postpartum Recovery Timeline

Hopkins Medicine - What Really Helps You Bounce Back After Pregnancy 

The Tot - 10 Things That Will Happen To Your Body After Childbirth

Parents - Your Postpartum Body / What To Expect and What To Do