When you’re pregnant for the first time and you have questions, you never ask about what it’s like to be in the hospital after giving birth. I didn’t, at least.
I was concerned about how to know if I was in labor, what to expect when I am in the hospital, what I should do with the baby after the hospital, and all sorts of things in between except what happens in the hospital after giving birth. I knew they’d take the baby and clean her up and then we’d have about 48 hours in the hospital to learn to nurse and make sure everything goes alright with her, but what about how my body would feel?!
No one told me that if my labor was too long and strenuous, I’d rip so much that I’d be sore for over a week! No one told me that my body would ache so much. No one told me that there’d be a lot of blood and so I’d have to wear this make-shift diaper for the first hours after birth with a cold pack in it and because I pushed so hard for so long, I’d actually wear it home. No one told me that my nipples would be in so much pain from trying to nurse that I’d cry.
And that’s why I appreciate the truth. I appreciate moms who tell it like it is. Just like this mom below.
Amanda says with her picture with the baby being held by the father with her in the background in her make-shift diaper, “Motherhood uncensored.
I’m sharing this picture because it’s real. This is motherhood; it’s raw, stunning, messy, and freaking hilarious all rolled into one. Having a baby is a beautiful experience, and the realities of postpartum life aren’t spoken enough about. And definitely not photographed enough. Some people probably find this uncomfortable, but why? I seriously don’t get it! It’s probably because this part isn’t talked about. We all should try and educate, empower and embrace every aspect of childbirth, including moments like this. And do it while having a sense of humor. Nothing says welcome to motherhood like an adorable squishy baby, and a giant mom diaper. ?”
What surprised you after your first baby?
