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I never realized just how strong women are until I became a mother. Giving birth doesn’t just bring a baby into your life—it brings a whole new version of YOU. The kind that aches in unfamiliar ways, cries without reason, and still smiles through it all. Do you know why? Because now, your heart lives outside your body.
But along with this transformation, many of us quietly face something deeper—like the fog of postpartum depression, which no one really warns you about.
So, here is my story—and maybe a bit of yours too. Let’s talk about what really happens after giving birth. Let’s walk through the messy, beautiful, tearful, powerful transformation of the postpartum journey—together. 💕
Real Talk: Postpartum Body Changes. What Happens to Your Body After Birth
Each one of these moments caught me off guard. Some made me cry. Others made me laugh nervously. But all of them reminded me how powerful the female body is.
👉 The Unexpected Aches
After delivery, I felt like I’d run a marathon. I had a second-degree tear, and it took weeks before I could sit without flinching. Some of my mama friends talked about back pain from the epidural, or sharp cramps while breastfeeding.
Pro tip? Postpartum support pillows and gentle stretches are lifesavers.
👉 The “Mum Bod” You Didn’t See Coming
Oh, mama! The mirror shows a stranger at first, but she is a warrior. I learned to look at my stretch marks as stories, not scars. I started using stretch mark creams not just for the skin, but as an act of self-love.
👉 That Hormonal Rollercoaster 🎢
One minute, I was crying over a commercial. The next, I was laughing uncontrollably. Hormonal shifts are real. Talking to other mums helped me so much. I also tried herbal bath for mamas and magnesium-rich snacks to feel a bit more balanced.
👉 Lochia: The Bleeding No One Warns You About
I bled for about two weeks after birth. At first, it was heavy and scary, then it eased up. Postpartum recovery packs gave me some peace of mind during that phase. Just knowing what to expect made me feel more in control.
👉 The Swollen Breasts and Leaky Nights
No one told me how full my breasts would get. I leaked, I sprayed milk at the worst times, and yes—my breasts changed my shape afterward. Supportive nursing bras and proper breastfeeding techniques helped me to manage these changes with confidence.
👉 My Flabby Tummy—And How I Made Peace With It
When I turned sideways or did light push-ups, I noticed the sag. It’s normal. I started doing gentle core contractions and over time, I felt my strength slowly return.
👉 The Surprise of Sneezes (Yep—Incontinence)
I’d laugh and… oops! The pelvic floor is one of those things you don’t appreciate until it stops working. Daily pelvic floor exercises are now my go-to.
👉 Night Sweats: A Silent Struggle
Those early nights felt like I was sleeping in a sauna. Hormones again. I switched to breathable bedding and kept a bottle of water nearby. It helped.
👉 Digestive Woes
Going to the bathroom was scary. My midwife gave me fibre supplements like Metamucil, which helped… though I still had some bouts of diarrhoea. (Too much info? Maybe. But it’s real.)
Constipation and subsequent diarrhea: After labour, it usually takes a few days for your bowel movements to resume to normal. Your nurses or midwives would usually ask you to consume Metamucil Fibre or something similar to help with passing the bowel. For some moms, it may help but subsequently experiencing diarrhea such as for me.
👉 Hair, Hair… Everywhere (Then Nowhere)
I lost so much hair. I cried the first time I saw a clump in my hand. Thankfully, it’s growing back slowly. I switched to volumizing shampoos and eased up on tight ponytails.
👉 Skin Discoloration: The Mask of Motherhood
Melasma hit me hard. I had patches on my face I never had before. SPF is now my best friend, and I’ve started using gentle SPF brightening creams with my doctor’s advice.
👉 Energy: Some Days I Felt Superhuman, Others… Not So Much
Some mornings, I felt like I could do anything. Others, I couldn’t get out of bed. Breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the constant giving wore me down. It’s okay. You’re not alone.
Emotional Waves: From Baby Blues to Baby Highs
Motherhood cracked me wide open. The emotional highs and lows were nothing short of overwhelming.
Postpartum depression: Hormones changes and physical changes are likely causing postpartum anxiety and some might escalate to depression. It is recommended to consult with your doctor and go through adequate treatment to resolve it both on a psychological level and physical level.
C-section scars: Unfortunately these may fade over the first year or two, but not completely.
Seek your doctor if you have any concerns with the changes in yourself both physically and mentally. Some of the signs to watch out for include but not limit to fever, smelling discharge, severe pain or discharge from C-section, swelling in legs, cheeks and feeling depressed ongoing.
My Postpartum Survival Guide
Embarking on the journey to reclaim your pre-pregnancy shape while navigating the physical and emotional changes postpartum presents its challenges, but as mothers, we have an innate strength to overcome them. Together, as a community of empowered mothers, we can navigate this journey with grace and resilience. Here are some actionable steps for new mums to take after giving birth:
Managing Postpartum Pain
From soreness to pelvic discomfort, postpartum pain is a common yet manageable aspect of the recovery process. Discover effective pain management strategies, such as warm baths, gentle massages, and over-the-counter remedies, to ease discomfort and promote healing.
Postpartum Fitness
Reconnect with your body through gentle postpartum exercises tailored to your individual needs. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, or a brisk walk with your little one, find joy in movement while honoring your body’s recovery process.
Our highly recommended Postnatal Yoga for New Moms is thoughtfully designed to help you heal, restore, and reconnect with your body after birth. Through gentle movements, deep core activation, and pelvic floor support, you’ll build a solid foundation for recovery — all at your own pace.
Why New Moms Love This Practice:
• Promotes safe, effective postpartum healing without intense impact
• Eases tension from feeding, lifting, and carrying your little one
• Nurtures a positive, empowering connection with your changing body
Nutrition for New Moms
Fuel your body with nourishing foods that support postpartum healing and lactation. Explore nutrient-rich recipes, hydrating beverages, and dietary supplements to replenish your energy and promote overall well-being.
Coping with Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss can be a surprising yet temporary side effect of hormonal changes. Embrace this natural process with confidence, experimenting with hairstyles, scalp massages, and nourishing hair care products to support regrowth and vitality.
Dealing with Skin Changes
As already mentioned, pregnancy and childbirth can bring about various skin changes, including stretch marks, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Embrace your skin’s journey by prioritizing gentle skincare routines, staying hydrated, and seeking professional advice for specific concerns.
Breastfeeding Challenges
Navigating the intricacies of breastfeeding can present unique challenges for new moms. Seek guidance from lactation consultants, explore breastfeeding-friendly clothing options, and prioritize self-care to enhance your breastfeeding experience.
Emotional Well-being
The postpartum period can evoke a range of emotions, from overwhelming joy to moments of doubt and anxiety. Prioritize your emotional well-being by seeking support from loved ones, practicing mindfulness techniques, and consulting healthcare professionals if needed.
Celebrating Your Body’s Journey
Above all, remember to celebrate your body’s incredible journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. Embrace the changes, honor the challenges, and cherish every moment as you embark on this transformative adventure.
As you journey through the phases of postpartum life, know that you’re part of a supportive community. Embrace your body’s transformations with patience, kindness, and self-compassion. In doing so, you’ll uncover a wellspring of inner strength and resilience. At Healthy Mum and Bub, we’re dedicated to standing by you through every step of your motherhood journey. Embrace the changes, mark the milestones, and treasure the moments with your precious little one.
Postpartum Frequently Asked Questions
How long does postpartum recovery take?
Recovery is different for every mama. Physically, many women feel more like themselves around 6–8 weeks, but emotional and hormonal healing can take longer. Be gentle with your body—it’s doing incredible work even after birth.
Why do I still look pregnant weeks after giving birth?
Totally normal, mama! Your uterus takes about 6 weeks to shrink back. Plus, fluid retention and abdominal stretching take time to settle. This doesn’t mean anything is “wrong”—just that healing is in progress.
When should I seek help for postpartum depression?
If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm last beyond two weeks or start affecting your daily life, it’s time to talk to someone. There’s no shame. You deserve support, and help is available.
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