The Postpartum Truth Bomb: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known

Dearest Expectant Mother, 

As you cradle the anticipation of your little one's arrival, let's also gently prepare your heart and mind for the transformative journey of postpartum. It's a time of profound change, a sacred unveiling, and it deserves to be approached with gentle understanding and self-compassion. As a Mother and Naturopath, I want to share some truths, some whispers of wisdom, to guide you through this delicate phase. 

1. Your Perineal Area Will Feel Different: Let's be honest, your perineum and anal area have been through a lot. Prepare for this with soothing sitz baths, gentle stool softeners, and time.  

2. Organ Prolapse: It is estimated that 50% of Women who have given birth, will experience some degree of prolapse. Your body has done incredible work. It needs time to heal. Rest and Pelvic floor exercises are essential. Honour this phase of restoration with patience and kindness.  

3. The 5-5-5 Rule: A Gift of Deep Rest: Five days in bed, five days on the bed, five days around the bed. This is not indulgence, but essential healing. Prioritize rest above all else.

4. Bonding May Blossom Slowly, Not Instantly: Don't pressure yourself for immediate connection. It's a journey, not a destination. Gentle skin-to-skin contact, quiet moments, and self-compassion will nurture the bond between you and your baby.  

5. Babies Are Noisy Sleepers, and That's Normal: Place the bassinet on the father's side, if possible. This helps everyone get better sleep. Remember, this is a temporary phase.  

6. Night time Can Amplify the Shadows: The quiet hours can magnify anxieties and fears. Create a calming bedtime ritual with herbal teas, essential oils, and soothing sounds. Ensure your partner shares the night duties. Rest is essential for BOTH of you.  

7. Postpartum Rage: Acknowledge the Intensity: This is a real emotion, often born from hormonal fluctuations and overwhelm. Allow yourself to feel it, and seek extra support from loved ones. Calming herbs and grounding practices can help you navigate this intensity.  

8. Postpartum Depression is a Shadow, Not a Definition: It's not a sign of weakness, but a common experience. Hormonal shifts and the intensity of this time can create a vulnerability. Know that help is available, and you are not alone. Gentle herbs, nutritional support, and emotional therapies can bring light back into your world.  

9. Your Vulnerability is Your Strength: This is a sacred time of opening. Surround yourself with a supportive "village" who can lift you up, nurture you, and remind you of your resilience.  

10. The Father's Role: Nurturing You, So You Can Nurture Your Baby: His primary responsibility is to care for you. Encourage him to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a safe haven for your healing.  

This postpartum journey is a sacred initiation. You are strong, resilient, and deeply loved. 

With gentle understanding, 

Your fellow Mother and Naturopath.