9 Things every Pregnant Woman needs to know about Postpartum

I started CODDLE because there was so much I didn’t know and expect postpartum. And since, I’ve met moms who just want to wing it and others who like me wants to know. Whichever side you’re leaning to, here’s are my high levels things that happen that you should know.

1. Skin to Skin with your baby –a/k/a the golden hour and its recommended for moms and baby. According to research from Sanford Health, uninterrupted contact between mom and baby for the first 60 minutes is critical to growth and development. Call your provider/hospital to find out what’s their practice. In the first minute/hour you’ll want nothing more than to have your baby lying skin to skin on yours.

2. Start breastfeeding right away — babies are alert and active at birth and it’s because of high levels of catechomamines — a hormone that makes them active and ready to learn. Breastfeeding is their first lesson.

3. When you deliver, you’re not done — your placenta is delivered as well - its known as the third stage of labor. When it’s out, you’ll feel cramps similar to contractions as your uterus closes.

4. We all bond with our babies differently — don’t beat yourself up if its not love at first sight. Enjoy the moment, you’ll eventually get there.

5. Shaking also known as ‘the shakes’ is normal, it can happen during or after delivery. I had a c section and I was shaking like crazy. I asked for blankets and was given two. Don’t forget to ask for them!

6. There will be blood……A LOT OF BLOOD — postpartum bleeding is normal. As long as you’re not going through more than a pad per hour bleeding is normal for up to 6 six weeks. Keep an eye out though for anything more than that.

7. Your first meal will be the most delicious — again c section moms the first two days will be broth, jello, broth again another then maybe another liquid then back to jello. You get the picture, ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD.

8. You will still look pregnant — it took up to 9 or 10 months to grow your baby. It may be the same or much more to get go back down. Your uterus takes 6 weeks, then more time for your body to get into a new groove. Forget what you read about celebrities looking ‘snapped back’ after birth. They are surrounded with help; trainers, chefs, plastic surgeons. Don’t compare yourself to them.

9. If you’ve had a c section you can expect extra soreness and a longer recovery healing time along with limited mobility. Vaginal birth — you will be sore however you can move around in a matter of hours.