The Weird Things That Happen to Your Body Postpartum

I've been wanting to write this post for a while, but it's taken a while to get far enough removed from that postpartum time period to even formulate the thoughts I want to convey. There are so many conversations I enjoy having with expecting mamas or other new moms, and this one might be one of my favorite! I've never been so in tune with my body and so aware of all the changes that have taken place in the last two years. It's a truly remarkable thing that happens to your body when you have a baby, and to see myself bounce back has been even crazier.

Emotions

I definitely struggled with the baby blues and maybe even a little bit of depression. I've touched on this many times on the blog, but the stress of being a new mom, the hormones, the lack of sleep, the breastfeeding - it adds up. I was in survival mode for the first three months, and never felt like myself until I stopped breastfeeding at eight months.Give yourself some grace. Your life is never going to be the same, and although that's an incredibly scary concept, over time you will find your new normal. I always say, baby has it worse - they have to learn how to be a human! Give yourself the okay to eat a little bit more, take a night off, and get out of the house, even when you don't want to. There are certainly going to be lows, but with them come all those highs!

Body

The initial days and weeks postpartum are uncomfortable, frankly. I wasn't pregnant anymore, but still had my belly for about six weeks. (I gained around 45 pounds total in my pregnancy with Finn (shoutout to carbs!) but lost about 25 of those in the first week. I lost another 10-15 within the first six months, and the rest over the remaining few months.) I was not prepared for the Jell-o-like my once hard belly would become. I still carry around that mom-pooch, thanks in part to a weak lower back and lack of core muscles (thanks Finn!).In the first few weeks of pregnancy my boobs were incredibly sore, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of milk coming in. The sensation was excruciating at first - bad enough that I even woke a sleeping Finn to help relieve the pain. Over time, the milk mellows out, but nursing pads are your best friend those first few weeks.I've been taking good care of my body the past few months, working out and eating well. I feel more energetic than I have in a long time. I've been playing soccer as well which is a pretty tough workout when you aren't training for 90 minutes of cardio. I can certainly feel little twinges, especially in my legs, that I didn't feel before I got pregnant, but I also like to think  of these as my body's reminder that I need to stretch and warm up. We aren't 18 anymore, Erica. Also, thanks to the 30-pound baby I have to carry around, my upper body is much stronger than it was before. 

Hair, Teeth & Nails

During pregnancy, my hair, teeth and nails were strong, sparkly and healthy. I was taking daily vitamins and certainly credit those, but those pregnancy hormones sure do wonders on your skin. I continued taking those vitamins as I breastfed, but around 4 months postpartum, my hair started to fall out clumps at a time. I knew this was completely normal, so I never really freaked out. UNTIL all that hair started growing back in! Now the top of my hair looks completely normal, but when I pull it up, I have about an inch of regrowth making it's way down my neck. It's quite the sight! I guess I'll just have to give it time to grow back out.My teeth have also taken a hit. I have always taken pretty good care of my teeth, but the dentist mentioned that pregnancy and breastfeeding can do a number to the enamel on your teeth. Makes sense, since so much of the nutrients you are eating are passed along to baby.Similarly, my nails seem weaker than they used to be. I could blame this on lack of time for pampering (hehe) but in reality, I think it has to do with the nutrients being passed along to Finn. I have to make vitamins more of a regular part of my daily routine.

Mindset

My mom always said that when I became a mom myself, I would understand. Well, once again, she's right. There's never been a time that I've been so in touch with my feelings and the feelings of my family. It's like a hyper focus. It's a good thing, and a bad thing. I know what I can do to help, but it's also incredibly overwhelming and I've become incredibly anxious about normal, everyday things.This is just a side effect of becoming a parent, I would presume. I would imagine this is something I'll have to live with and learn to deal with over time. As Finn grows up, there will be new things to worry about.I've prioritized mindfulness and taking some time for just me. Every parent needs to be reminded of who they are without a baby attached to their hip!

Must Have Postpartum Products

Nursing bras, nursing pads and a breast pump are the top items any new mom who plans on breastfeeding should have. Add to that list some lanolin, which helps with sore breasts and witch hazel, which helps with healing.By the time I gave birth to Finn, I was so over my maternity clothes. In the last few weeks of pregnancy, go out and pick up some new clothing. I suggest looser fitting items, and items like wrap blouses or v-necks to make breastfeeding a little easier.

Mamas, can you relate to these feelings?

Were the emotional or physical changes harder for you?