6 Weeks Postpartum
Welcome back to the blog! My husband and I are the proud parents to Wyatt Wayne. He was born 6 weeks ago and it has been a roller coaster ever since. There have been so many amazing memories, but there have also been some really difficult experiences that I wasn't fully prepared for. I am going to share my postpartum experience in hopes of helping new moms feel less alone during their journey. I also want to help future moms feel more prepared in what to expect after having a baby. With that being said, lets dive right in!
Weight Loss: After 6 weeks, my body has not exactly "bounced back". My tummy is looser, I have more cellulite and I lost a lot of muscle. However, I am only 8 pounds away from my starting weight. I gained a total of 35 pounds during my pregnancy and feel very thankful that most of that weight has disappeared in the last 6 weeks. My biggest suggestion is to give yourself time and be kind to your body. Do not put pressure on yourself to get your pre-baby body back right away. The first 6 weeks are a crucial time to allow yourself to heal and recover. I have been focusing on drinking plenty of water, eating healthier and going for walks.
Stretch Marks: This has been the toughest area for me after giving birth. I had stretch marks before having a baby but wasn't expecting so many new ones. While I was pregnant I only noticed new stretch marks on my sides and around my hip area. After giving birth, stretch marks starting showing up like they were going out of style. I now have them on my stomach, breasts and all over my thighs. Of course they are all worth it but I don't feel like myself yet. I have cried numerous times thinking that I will never feel strong and sexy again. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone. It is normal to feel uncomfortable with your post-baby body. Keep in mind that everyone's body reacts differently to pregnancy. Do not compare yourself to other moms that don't have stretch marks. Your body is still beautiful and you can feel confident again.
Anxiety and Depression: I have experienced most of the postpartum depression symptoms since having Wyatt. Especially in the first two weeks. I cried every day. I was exhausted, anxious and trying to figure out motherhood. The first two weeks can be extremely challenging for new parents. As a mom, you are recovering from birth, feeding your new baby every few hours, trying to figure our why your baby is crying, etc. On top of that, your body is doing some major adjustments in the hormone department. It's a bit overwhelming to say the least. I was also extremely anxious at night when it was time for bed. I hated the thought of sleeping while Wyatt was sleeping. I wanted to check on him every few minutes, which makes sleeping impossible. If you experience this, know that it will get easier. One thing that has really helped me to feel better is getting out of the house. Whether it's going for a walk or driving to a coffee shop. All of my attention is focused on Wyatt during the day and it's easy to forget about myself.
Sleep Deprivation: I am a better human being when I get enough sleep. Before motherhood, I would aim for 8 hours of sleep each night with a nap added into my weekends. Needless to say, I love sleeping. Fast forward to motherhood where my nightly sleep routine is a hot mess. Wyatt wakes up every few hours to eat and then I have to change his diaper and get him to go back to sleep. This does not always work out in my favor. Some nights he goes back to sleep right away and other nights he decides to stay awake for a solid 4 hours. It's a little game I like to call baby roulette. My advice, ask for help and learn to take naps during the day. If you have someone in your life that can help you at night, let them help you. During the day, have a friend or family member come over for a few hours so you can nap. When you are rested, motherhood feels a lot easier.
The Good News: IT'S ALL WORTH IT. Nothing compares to motherhood. I love Wyatt so much and I am so thankful to be his mom. Everyday gets easier and easier and I love seeing him grow. Thank you for reading!