https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:43:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-437116 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:25:34 +0000 mamimami 437116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both times I have been surprised what I am capable of! In terms of going without sleep, etc. It's hard but a different hard from pregnancy. It's like you start again with a clean slate! </p> <p>For example, at the end of my recent pregnancy I was worried I'd go into labor on one of those days when I was feeling so tired! But for me it was like: pregnancy. Stop. Labor. Stop. Post partum. Like, I started fresh with every (exhausting on its own) piece.</p> <p>So don't stress too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-437093 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:14:57 +0000 immabeetoo 437093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thought of something else - our pediatrician told me to breastfeed at least every 2 hours if not sooner immediately in the hospital. The hospital suggested every 2-3 with hunger cues. Pedi said if he was so sleepy not to eat, to pump. Doing this regularly was overwhelming at first, but (knock on wood) it got a great supply going for me and he got the hang of BFing quicker. I also never got painful engorgement because he was eating so often - milk just sort of snuck in.</p> <p>Also like @hellobeeboston the sleep hasn't bothered me as much because I slept like crap for 75% of my pregnancy. So I'm waking up a little more, but when I'm actually asleep now I'm not in pain so it is way more restful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-435241 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:37:12 +0000 hilsy85 435241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was also terrifed of recovery. It really was not that bad!! I had a vaginal birth, with a tiny tear--one stitch. I had an epidural and was walking around two hours after giving birth. I was really sore for about 3 days, but then the bleeding lightened, I wasn't so sore and I felt much more like myself. I would say by 1 week post partum, the swelling had started to go down, my bleeding wasn't so bad, and walking around felt normal. I had a really hard time with breastfeeding, so that caused many many tears (and my milk coming in made my boobs huge and painful) but now at 7 weeks pp, my supply has regulated so my boobs are so much less sensitive and tender. It really is not that bad, and it DOES get better so quickly. By week 3 I was going to the gym and using the elliptical and fitting in more of my clothes. </p> <p>I totally agree that the biggest thing is getting out of the house. We have gone outside every single day and it is the best thing for my mental health. Even if it's a walk around the block. And don't stress too much about any one thing since you don't know what your baby will be like. Mine has given us 3 hour stretches of sleep from the very beginning, so sleep deprivation was never too too awful for us. Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask for help from others. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-435107 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:55:15 +0000 mediagirl 435107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: Oh no! I'm so sorry you feel this way! The first couple of months are tough. It takes a while for your body to get back to normal. It might take more than 6 weeks, it might take less. Everyone is different. While you won't be running marathons 2 days after your lo is born, you'll get back to it in time. </p> <p>I think the hardest part - others said this, too - was breastfeeding and getting used to a newborn's schedule. I was MUCH less worried about me and much more worried about her. I didn't sleep much because I worried about her but I didn't seem to need that much sleep. I think I ran on adrenalin for 4 months! You will get through it and it won't be horrible if you have a normal post partum period. </p> <p>You will get back to normal. You will feel like yourself again after that baby is born and has been here for a while. You'll just be a different you with a shiny new baby in your arms! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-435043 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:34:55 +0000 hellobeeboston 435043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and for me -- I had a vaginal delivery with a 2nd degree tear - by week 2 I was feeling much better - week 3 was when bleeding stopped and I felt about 95% normal again.... I just took it super easy in the beginning but got out for short walks each day, did the sitz baths and took my Colace regularly! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-435040 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:33:41 +0000 Mrsbells 435040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>From 6 weeks to 8 weeks is when I started feeling more like myself again. I had a c-section so I couldnt walk much for the first 2 weeks or so </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-435030 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:31:30 +0000 hellobeeboston 435030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to jump in and say I too was worried about the pp time and early weeks.... Im actually still in it - LO is 6 weeks -- but honestly, it's been pretty great. I thought it was going to be much harder/worse... I think I had built it up so much to be bad that I have been surprised. Sure, there are tough days, but it's been really fun and so different from what I thought...</p> <p>Some things that may have helped - I basically stopped sleeping through the night at 33 weeks, I honestly think that was super helpful prep. We are BFing and its been going really well since week 2, I am trying not to super stress about everything and its helping/working, I think LO is a pretty good baby so we have been lucky (despite his evening fuss!)</p> <p>Just try to enjoy it!! Ignore what others say, I already feel like its going by too fast! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434967 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:12:35 +0000 rachiecakes 434967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: the worst part PP for me was my stitches healing, getting the hang of breastfeeding, and learning how to be a mother on top of that.<br /> I didn't feel like me in my body until 9 months postpartum, I wasn't pumping anymore and no longer got engorged to the point that I felt ill. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434957 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:08:02 +0000 prettylizy 434957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was up and walking withing an hour of giving birth and physically felt pretty normal physically within a day or two. Emotionally it's a wild ride, but totally worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434934 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:00:10 +0000 Kemma 434934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Physically speaking, I found recovery to be the easy bit. I had a 27 hour labour, ventouse delivery and an episiotomy and have had no issues with recovery, apart from losing fitness and some strength. I've lost all my baby weight and then some and my clothes are all too big!</p> <p>When it comes to the physical stuff, your body will do what your body will do. As long as you look after it, eat well and sleep when you can, you shouldn't have too many issues.</p> <p>Baby-wise, our first three weeks were really, really rough and the hardest of my life! My milk took a week to come in and Baby was very ragey due to having a sore neck and head from her traumatic delivery so it was hard work. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful midwife who visited me almost every day during the first week and my Mum and Husband were also awesome and supportive.</p> <p>Emotionally the first six weeks were tough, lots of hormones and overwhelming feelings rushing around and lots of crying. I feel like we turned a corner at around six weeks - I woke up and decided I actually quite liked my daughter after all!</p> <p>Breastfeeding is a still a struggle for us at almost eight weeks, I have plenty of milk but LO has a tongue tie and latch issues so gulps lots of wind when feeding which results in lots of spitting up and the need for lots of burp cloths! Fortunately I have excellend milk supply but the ongoing pain with feeding is sometimes had to deal with.</p> <p>In terms of advice, make sure you have somebody looking after you so you can look after baby. Ask them to make sure you're eating well, drinking plenty of water and make sure they give you emotional support too. Something as simple as a hug or being told you're doing a great job will make a big difference to how you feel!</p> <p>Don't put any pressure or expectations on yourself AT ALL in the first few weeks. Achieve what you can each day and just do what you need to survive, you don't have to go out, you don't have to have a schedule and it's ok to ignore all the advice in the books! If Baby wants to sleep on you, enjoy it, if you spend the day parked up in front of the tv, enjoy it!</p> <p>It is hard, but it does pass and it does get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434917 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:56:23 +0000 Weagle 434917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FutureMrsMcK: I also lost a lot of blood and had to get a transfusion. I think that significantly slowed my recovery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434912 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:54:21 +0000 lovehoneybee 434912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mentally, with a few exceptions, I felt great PP. The first few days were really emotional, but a good emotional. I felt so happy that I thought I would burst--and then my eyes would leak, lol. I definitely had rough times where I felt very overwhelmed by the lack of sleep and how demanding he was (is), but they were surprisingly few and far between.</p> <p>Physically it was definitely rougher. It was nice to immediately be able to take super hot showers and bend over, but it probably took 6-8 weeks before I felt more like myself (I was easily winded even walking to the mailbox). But I had sort of a rough delivery, and lost a lot of blood, so that was to be expected. </p> <p>Starting at a week or two PP I made a point to close the bathroom door and take a hot bath and then shower. I tried to do it when DS was asleep, but if he woke up DH would walk around with him until I was finished. This got even easier around 3 weeks when DH took his first bottle. Physically the hot water helped heal me down there (although the first few weeks I sat on a folded hand towel), and having just a little bit of time to myself did wonders. </p> <p>I was also very open with DH when I was getting too overwhelmed or stressed out. And more than once handed DS off to MIL or FIL and took a nap.</p> <p>ETA: And I definitely agree with @highwire: try to get out of the house. As I said, it took a while before I felt well enough to walk, but I would take DS for a drive (sometimes with the windows down!) or have dinner with my SIL, or just slowly walk around the complex. Anything to get some air and not feel cooped up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434784 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:02:40 +0000 DillonLion 434784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The first week was very challenging, but I am now 9 days PP and feel a million times better, physically, mentally, all of it. We go out everyday for either a walk or shopping or a breastfeeding support group, etc. Makes a big difference I think. And taking help when it is offered, napping as much as possible (even though you can't always sleep when baby sleeps, give it a valiant effort)</p> <p>ETA: we have a lot of trouble with breastfeeding so I am nursing, pumping, and supplementing with formula at almost every feeding. My milk took a week to come in and we are just now able to start cutting back on formula. So that has been our main struggle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434781 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:01:48 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 434781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I actually felt pretty good postpartum. The bleeding sucked, and so did peeing myself every time I laughed hard. But the actual pain it self wasn't too bad. I have to say it was so nice being able to touch my toes again without feeling like I was suffocating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434779 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:59:03 +0000 immabeetoo 434779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I was really nervous about this too - but honestly.. I have been elated! I was definitely having crying fits at random things in the third trimester and figured it would get worse postpartum. I'm 11 days out and haven't cried once. I was most worried because we don't have local family and my husband had to go back to work quickly (and then we're moving) but honestly I think I had my expectations so gloomy and awful for no reason. Am I tired?? yes. Does my crotch hurt from my stitches? yes. </p> <p>But I'm actually enjoy breastfeeding, ran out to do errands with makeup on last weekend, and am absolutely loving spending time with my little boy! He does seem to be a "good baby" and is mellow and sleep well (like right now as I type!) - so I don't know if my outlook would change if he was more high needs or if I was having complications or trouble breastfeeding. My husband has been super supportive which definitely helps - and we have lots of freezer meals to eat! </p> <p>I already feel like I can do 90% normal physical things and fit in most of my prepregnancy clothes (although they're not necessarily flattering). I'm not through the 4th trimester yet but it's way better than I expected. My best advice would be to get in to see a lactation consultant ASAP so you start right, and brainstorm ways other people around you can support you by taking shifts, bottle feeding pumped milk, cooking, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434778 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:57:39 +0000 travelgirl1 434778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it really depends from person to person. Although I was physically in pain from a c section, I have loved my first month being a mum, my daughter is just everything I ever wanted and I love looking after her. Breastfeeding was hard though, and I wad very teary for quite a while. I never felt sad, just emotional and very guilty if I ever forgot to do something for her, or if anything was wrong with her, I'd really beat myself up about it. because I put on so much weight too, it is taking me longer to lode it and that's hard to deal with. But being able to turn over in bed again, not have heartburn and nausea.... It's amazing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434764 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:52:14 +0000 jennylynn 434764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I felt like I instantly had my body "back". It felt great to be able to bend over, and sleep in any position I wanted. I was pretty sore for a couple of weeks, but nothing unbearable. I just had to be reminded that I couldn't go right back to my pre-preg activity level without feeling like crap. That definitely intensified the pain. I think the most important thing is to take it slow and let other people help you. Remember that it's an adjustment and a learning process, and that you aren't going to be able to do everything. The most important thing in the beginning is taking care of the baby and yourself. Let the housework fall behind, and get any extra sleep when you can. I thought the people that told me to "sleep when the baby sleeps" were ridiculous, but looking back now, thats one piece of advice I wish I would've listened to. Newborns sleep so much, but it's in short increments between feedings and diaper changes. I tried to stay up with the house during the day when she napped, and it took it's toll when I was getting up every night every 2 hours to feed LO. </p> <p>I have a history of depression too, and I was really afraid of PPD. But fortunately, it never happened to me. I think it's a good thing that you are very aware of it though, so maybe if it does happen to you (I hope it doesn't!) you'll be able to get help sooner and be better prepared to work through it. </p> <p>The first couple weeks are rough, but it *does* get better. And it just *keeps* getting better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434759 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:49:31 +0000 T.H.O.U. 434759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Physically, I was moving around (easy to stand up, sit down, walk) within about 3 days. I never had to take stool softeners (just ate lots of fruit) and the bathroom wasn't bad after that. </p> <p>However, I still had a lot of cramping for about a good week or so. Also, I had a lot of bleeding for over 6 weeks. Nothing that kept me home or uncomfortable though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434752 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:47:03 +0000 Weagle 434752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Physically it took 2-3 weeks for me to feel normal. I was terrified of going to the bathroom. I think I finally stopped taking stool softeners at 7 weeks :) Mentally, I was on cloud 9! Some people have a rough time, but not everyone. Some people have an amazing high after baby is born. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434642 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:03:56 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 434642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Physically, easier than I expected. Though I still don't really feel like I have my body back. Maybe if I lost 20 pounds ...!</p> <p>Mentally, it wasn't so bad after the first couple of weeks of feeding issues. The best advice I can give you is GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Don't be afraid to go places because baby needs to eat or baby will cry. Take advantage of the fact that babies will sleep anywhere at that age and go. We took LO on his first hotel stay at 10 days old and never looked back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434630 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:59:19 +0000 MamaMoose 434630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The first couple days home I seriously had no idea how I would be able to do this. It's hard, there's no way around that. But every day gets easier and easier. My daughter is only ten days old and I already feel a big difference! Yesterday I even went a whole day without crying : ) Once your hormones start to level out things get easier to handle. Obviously we are running on serious sleep deprivation but other than that we're doing great. Now I feel like I know what I'm doing and I can meet her needs a little better. And as far as getting your body back at 10 days post partum I weighed in this morning at 3 pounds BELOW my pre pregnancy weight! And I'm back in all my regular clothes. Having a very hungry baby who only eats breast milk helps with that for sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/terrified-of-postpartum#post-434620 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:55:03 +0000 jedeve 434620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 34 weeks, and I'm terrified of the postpartum period. I feel like I'm so tired and sore and uncomfortable now, and all I hear about is how exhausting and miserable the first few months are. And I have a family history of depression, so I'm worried about getting PPD, especially since the baby will come in the middle of Montana's long, dark windows.</p> <p>When did you physically feel like you had your body back? (just being able to move and bend over and that kind of thing, not fitting into prepreg jeans necessarily!)<br /> Was the "fourth trimester" easier/harder than you thought?<br /> What's your best advice to get through?</p> <p>I'm so worried about it. I'm hoping people just tell you the worst because they dont want you to have false expectations...but now I don't have *any* good expectations.</p> <p>Help!! </p>