Beginning of 4th Trimester

Postnatal. Baby Blues. Postpartum. The 4th Trimester.

We’ve heard the time after the birth of a child called different names, and typically it’s associated with negative experiences.

Mood swings. Tears. Anxiety. Depression. Intrusive thoughts. Bleeding. Diapers (for baby and mom). Pain. Exhaustion.. and SO much more.

Jill-

There are so many details that took not only us by surprise but our husbands by surprise. Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable times in life. Your whole entire body is exposed to people you've never met before. People are constantly touching every inch of you, poking and prodding trying to keep you and baby safe for delivery, the blood pressure cuff on your arm hurts after being on for hours/days, the monitors on your belly are so uncomfortable and constantly move. It can be a lot .

At the point of pushing it is absolutely necessary to be the center of attention....

1. you don’t care at the point what you look like- you want the baby out safe and fast

2. If the doctors & nurses chose this unit- they know what everything looks like- yours is not special.

3. Get. The. Baby. Out.

the hospital crew is FANTASTIC and walks you through everything listed above - aka you’re not alone!

I made the decision to go straight to bottle feeding for Drew. I had personal reasons why I did not want to breastfeed (if you have questions ask!) which decreased a lot of touching and exposure to random people.

After I had Drew I was checked one time to make sure the uterus was going down properly and that was just a belly check! But…

the most surprising & unknown time are the hours right after giving birth.

So in love with that blessing that came into the world but your body feels ripped apart - vaginal or c-section!

I remember waddling to the bathroom in the hospital after having Drew and the nurse followed me in and helped me undress, change my gown, taught me how to pack the diaper (my own) properly, how to put the diaper on without losing any pieces, how to use the peri bottle, to pat dry and not wipe etc.

I. Had. It. Down.

Hours later Chad was helping me in the bathroom and It was definitely a very different bonding moment for us and let me share that I am an open book - As I went to the bathroom, he lined up the witch hazel pads (they are life saving), the ice pack, and the diaper and put them together for me and as he was doing it he said-

”I feel like I work at subway and I’m making your deli sub”

I laughed and It hurt but it was a moment I will never forget.

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Chelsea-

Birth is the craziest experience I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! After almost delivering Aubrey in the car (I shouldn’t have spent so much time sending my contractions log to my nurse friends tehehe) I got situated in the delivery room so fast I barely had any time to think about how exposed I was (a curse and a blessing looking back!)

After a natural delivery, you have to have help walking to the bathroom for the first time from a nurse (as Jill mentions above). I was so exhausted from the entire day of labor and especially delivery, and she knew it. I was on the verge on tears from being so overwhelmed and wondering what she was seeing while she cleaned me up. She helped me so much, and then walked me back in bed. I remember thinking afterwards “she’s an angel”. Nurses are just freaking angels.

Many memories come to mind when thinking about the hospital stay.. seriously it is the craziest experience. You are learning so many things at once all while you feel as if you've been ripped apart (it gets better, promise!)

Another main memory of the two day stay was the lactation consultant frequently coming in to discuss breastfeeding. I’ve never been without a shirt for so long in front of strangers.. especially while having an older lady squeeze my chest to see if I was producing. I was very determined to nurse Aubrey, this was probably the only thing I "planned" for. Although we had a wonderful journey (as always, more to come on that later..) the beginning was completely overwhelming and way more nerve racking than I expected. The milk coming in.. OW. Getting a folder of things you should and shouldn't eat or drink.. it was just so. much. information.

Night Two: Aubrey was crying and I couldn’t figure out the swaddle (bring a Velcro one so you’re not on Amazon at 3AM like me) and I had no idea what to do. I called the nurse and just started sobbing. Bobby knew I was so emotional and just wanted me to do what made me feel comfortable, bless him.. and the nurse who stayed with me for 30 minutes while I tried to figure my new life out.… I remember apologizing profusely for crying and taking up her time, where she reminded me over and over that is what she is here for! Did I mention nurses are angels..

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We could continue with all the vulnerable moments that happened over the two days in the hospital, but we think you get it. The point is, you may think you’re ready for everyone to see every inch of you.. but it is still incredibly overwhelming! Add in those postpartum hormones and you gave yourself a recipe for huge roller coaster ride!

how to make your stay somewhat homey-

• cozy blanket

• your own skincare routine

• nightgown for after birth

• long phone charger

• chapstick

• lotion

• a baby washcloth (easiest to clean the area with because it’s soft)

• a loose & comfy outfit to ride home in

• snacks for you and your partner

baby essentials- (you don't need much at all, seriously they have everything)

• going home outfit

• car seat

• cozy blanket for snuggles

• obviously the adorable outfit / letter board / whatever decor you want to announce

piece of advice that you didn’t ask for-

•take everything the hospital offers! diapers, formula, witch hazel pads, mesh undies, peri bottles, ice packs.

•continue taking stool softeners for a couple weeks •ask for help when you need it, seriously that is what the staff is there for.