Postpartum Recovery: How to make it not suck (as much)

This post is presented by Chelsey Daley of Sequoia Fredericton

Before diving into postpartum recovery, I think it’s important to tell my birth story because all births and recoveries are different. Walking around Micheal’s craft store at 8:30pm trying to find something, anything to distract myself from the fact that I was two days past my dues date, my water broke. We rushed to the hospital and after 9 hours without going into natural labour, I was induced at 5:30am. Before giving birth I had this beautiful vision of walking around or siting in the hot tub and taking the most natural approach to labour and delivery as possible. 

That dream faded from existence as they hooked me up with an IV drip of Pitocin and monitors, confined to the hospital bed. I was in intense labour for 8 hours having two contractions in a row lasting 120 seconds with a short 45 second break. Also, when I envisioned this beautiful natural birth I didn’t know how completely not beautiful contractions really are. After 8 hours of trying to be a hero I was a whomping 2cm dilated, so it was time for an epidural. Once the epidural kicked I slept for three hours woke up 9.5cm and started pushing shortly after. I was able to deliver vaginally which is the only part of my “birth plan” that actually went to plan. Baby number two give me that epidural right away, no shame! 

I spent a lot of time preparing for birth, but never thought much of the recovery aspect of birth. I thought I would be out walking soon after and ready to take on the world with my new baby. Long story short: postpartum recovery sucks, and I was completely unprepared. I don’t think it’s something we often address because as  hard as it is, you do forget. I think biologically we have to forget otherwise the human race would not survive. I don’t want other women to feel completely blindsided by postpartum, and in the interest of making your postpartum experience a little less crappy.

So, here are some tips and products that helped me through the recovery process. 

1. BUM CREAM ( yes, for you ) 

You are extremely swollen and sore, I remember feeling like there was a small water balloon between my legs. You will need a nice bottom cream. I swear by the locally made Anointment Push Balm this gentle moisturizing cream helps your stitches heal, makes sitting down a little easier and keeps your bottom from becoming dry. 

2. HYDRATION

Pooping is scary, yes I said it! I remember being terrified the first time I felt the urge to poop after giving birth. All I can say is drink lots and lots of water, and cry if you have to. 

3. ADULT DIAPERS  

Those mesh underwear you get at the hospital, they are actually awesome and you should stock up if you can! I sent my mom to Walmart a couple days after giving birth to pick up large granny panties and big comfy pads. Totally hideous, but at this point it’s all about comfort. Don’t disregard the idea of depends, I wore  depends for 2-3 days after giving birth then switched over to big comfy pads. Although I didn’t have excessive bleeding it was more to cushion my lady bits when sitting. 

4. KLEENEX

You will cry. A lot. I found myself crying tears of joy, sadness, worry, fear, and if there was any reason to cry, I was crying. Allow yourself to cry, it’s ok! You will start to feel like yourself soon, I promise. 

5. NIPPLE CREAM

Take care of your nipples, pick up a natural nipple cream and stock up on some ice packs. Anointment also makes a lovely nipple butter that is natural, moisturizing, and safe for your nursing baby. 

6. SQUIRT BOTTLE

Peeing, yeah that hurts too, I’m sorry. Make sure you take home the little squirt bottle they give you at the hospital. Have that beside the toilet filled  with warm water ready to go, always! Again drink lots of water this will help dilute your urine making it a little easier. After I tore a couple stitches, I could only pee in the bath tub, pretty I know. 

7. WITCH HAZEL

Let talk stitches, I only had 6 internal stitches and none on the outside. I thought these would heal without any issues. I tore 2 and it was awful. If you don’t follow any of these tips make sure you write this one down! Grab a Masson jar, fill it with organic cotton pads, and soak them in witch hazel. Keep this mixture in the fridge  and bring it with you every time you go to the washroom. Wiping with these anti-bacterial  pads will help heal your stitches faster and the cooling effect feels heavenly. 

 

8. DEODORANT

Hormones can make you smell. I didn’t sweat much before having a baby now, I need my deodorant. Luckily I have access to a large number of natural deodorants.  If you notice Sequoia has recently had a   boost in “long lasting” and all natural “antiperspirants”. This is me trying to find the best deodorant for my postpartum smelliness. I love the Curator by Routine, although with my new lovely scent I find myself needing to reapply to get through a day. Tom’s of Main long lasting men’s (yes men’s) deodorant is perfect!

9. LACTATION BALLS

Prep your meals before giving birth, head over to your local healthy food store and prep some healthy nutritious meals that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Prepare some snacks as well, I swear by no bake lactation balls; they satisfy a sweet craving and help with that oh so precious milk supply.

Here’s the recipe: 2 cups of oatmeal, 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 3/4 cup of flaxseed, 2 tsp of organic vanilla. 

10. LOVE

Your love will be intensified. I remember looking at my husband, baby, and family with a deeper love then I have ever felt. It could have been the Pitocin hangover, the flood of hormones, or biology’s way of ensuring this new human is cared for, but it was truly something I’d never felt before. 

11. HELP

Asking for help does not make you a failure; it’s ok to need help and it’s ok to ask. I had a really hard time asking for help. As a new mom I felt like this role was my responsibility and I had something to prove. In reality everyone around me wanted to help and to this day understands that being a mama is not an easy task, especially when continuing to run a business, asking for help is a must. 

Finally as all things in life, it gets better! Postpartum kind of sucks, there’s no other words for it. Your baby will eventually sleep, your boobs will go back to normal (sort of), you will have sex again. You will adjust to your new normal and you won’t remember life before your sweet new baby. You will absolutely love motherhood and before long you’ll be talking about baby number two. 

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Hi everyone! My name is Chelsey Daley and while originally from Moncton, NB, I have been calling Fredericton home for the past 5 years. I graduated from St Thomas University in 2015 and  married my high school sweetheart the same year.  In 2017 I decide to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and opened Sequoia, a successful health food store in the heart of downtown Fredericton.

2018 has been one of the most amazing years yet – I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! So now I have joined all of you, in this wonderful and crazy journey called Motherhood!

Most recently, I became a Registered Holistic Weight loss Expert! I will be offering an online program for women who are looking to grow their skills and knowledge in nutrition, wellness & business all while creating a healthy life and helping others to do the same.

When I’m not at the store, you will find me spending time with my family, running with my dog, and enjoying the outdoors. I’m passionate about wellness, nutrition, and fitness and hope to inspire other boss moms along my journey. 

 

Disclaimer | This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

 

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