Posted: 04/04/2012 at 13:37
I must admit I was expecting the blood loss to be worse than it was (still very heavy don't get me wrong!) but my periods have always been heavy and I just made sure to change my maternity pad every time I went to the loo (which was often due to being very thirsty and drinking lots of water). I held the old 1 over my stitches so there was no pain as I went.
Also, the midwife recommended to me that I should go for the first time just after my stitches were put in place so the anaesthetic was still in place.
And on the subject of stitches: They might have to very briefly put a finger in your bottom just to check none of the stitches have gone through.
I remember feeling shocked at how light I felt after giving birth and how odd it was to be able to move properly again after waddling for weeks and not being able to bend over lol
With regards to breastfeeding: It does take most mummies and babies a while to get the hang of it. The first 2 weeks can be rather uncomfortable on your boobs with the engorgement from your milk coming in, sore nipples, etc but it gets so easy after that. One day baby just gets the hang of it and latches on perfectly as soon as anywhere near your boob!
I always had a little box set up with some essentials for when breastfeeding since you are just kinda stuck wherever you are and let's face it hubby might not be that observant or he might not be there at all to supply you with anything. I had water, a cereal bar, nipple cream, breast pads, a muslin and my phone. Made sure that box was within reach before I'd sit down and then I had everything at hand.
Your hormones are gonna be crazy for a while and it's perfectly normal to cry for no reason at all.
During labour most women wee, poo, fart and/or vomit - and no-one cares at the time! The midwives have seen it all before and your birthing partner wouldn't dare comment given the amazing thing you are doing by bringing another life into the world!
Oh yes, I was surprised and confused by this, but my contractions were all in my back and thighs - during the pushing stage I even kept getting cramps in my thighs as there were so over-worked and I'm clearly too unfit
Lastly I would recommend having a babymoon and holding off visitors for a couple of days. Hubby and I had just a few days as our new little family and it was such a lovely time. I could rest in bed or on the sofa all day and didn't have to worry about looking presentable, we ate rubbish-y food and most importantly we got to know this new little person and didn't have to share him with anyone!
