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The decision to have a baby is probably the biggest choice you’ll ever make. It’s no wonder moms-to-be devour parenting books, scour baby blogs, and seek all kinds of advice from medical professionals, family and friends.

But here’s the thing: no matter how much research you do or how many conversations you have with the experts, some things will still catch you totally unaware.

This is because there are things that nobody tells you about pregnancy, birth and bringing home baby.

**This post may contain affiliate links to items that I own and am confident will benefit your immensely. Please read the full disclosure here if you’d like.**

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Postpartum

 

1. You’ll be Approached by Total Strangers

It’s a great idea to ask for advice; after all, babies don’t come with instructions! However, you’ll soon discover that even when you aren’t asking for help, people are giving it to you.

This may sound like a lovely gesture, but it’s actually annoying and presumptuous.

For whatever reason, folks (and we’re talking everyone, even people who don’t have kids!) feel compelled to offer guidance in your Postpartum period. Be prepared to smile, nod and…continue to do things your own way.

2. You’re Allowed to Get Angry

You’ve probably read that pregnancy makes your hormone levels go berserk and you should watch for signs of depression. But what about feelings of anger?

Right now you probably can’t imagine being upset with something so innocent as a newborn postpartum, but it happens. Know in advance that it’s OK to get angry.

It’s ok to set baby in a safe place like their crib and walk away and take a few deep breaths if you need to. Because once baby is finally here that time may come, and you very well may need to take a few moments to calm down.

(Of course, if you remain irritated for a long stretch of time, then it’s time to ask for help.)

 

3. You’ll Try Anything for Comfort

It’s important to prepare for pregnancy. When the discomfort of carrying around 30 or so extra pounds becomes too much, you’ll be open to just about anything that will make you feel more comfortable.

RELATED: How to Prevent Perineal Tearing with Essential Oils and Perineal Massage

Acupuncture, massage and prenatal yoga have proven to relieve joint pain, enhance balance, and improve breathing while preparing you for the physical demands of labor. There’s lot’s of pregnancy stuff you’ll have no idea you’ll need to aid in comfort!

Whether it’s before or after delivery, if you’re struggling to feel on top of your game, it’s smart and safe to try alternative remedies.

Related: Morning Yoga Routine You’ll Never Want to Start a Day Without

4. You May Not Feel Right Nursing

Breastfeeding may be “natural,” but breastfeeding can also be really difficult. In fact, some women have a tremendously tough time nursing.

There are many reasons why this may be: clogged ducts, inverted nipples, previous breast surgery etc.

Knowing in advance that not every baby takes to the breast in the same way can relieve some pressure and strain. (We suggest having a support system in place early on.) It’s also worth noting that there are tons of resources out there, on everything from latching to increasing milk supply, to help you!

** Enroll in the Ultimate Breastfeeding Class now to eliminate all your fears about breastfeeding and learn how to breastfeed like a pro GUARENTEED from the comfort of your own home! Get started now! **

Related: The Best Breast Milk Boosting Protein Powder to Heal PostPartum and Increase Supply

 

5. You May Not Bond Immediately

Moms like to reminisce about the wave of love that washed over them the first time they laid eyes on their baby. But what some moms don’t like to talk about is the fact that this bond can sometimes take a while to form.

So if you don’t experience an overwhelming connection, give it time. You’ll be head over heels soon enough.  

 

6. Your Parenting Styles May Differ

Did you know that there are four distinct styles of parenting? Did it ever occur to you that your partner’s ideas for raising children could differ from yours?

Before baby comes home, discuss your preferred methods of parenting, especially regarding the big issues (like discipline, education, religion, socialization etc.) and make sure you’re seeing eye-to-eye now before you may end up arguing about it in front of an impressionable baby.

7. You Won’t Remember

You’re going to swear that you’ll remember the date and time when baby first says “mama” or takes her first step. But guess what? Unless you document these milestones you will forget.

New moms are suffering from what’s called “mommy brain,” which is an annoying combination of flighty hormones, lack of sleep and an onslaught of emotion. In turn, there’s just no way you can remember things like you used to.

So be sure to pick up a baby book and document every little thing!

 

8. You’ll Do Endless Laundry

If we told you how much laundry will pile up every week, you wouldn’t believe us. You’re probably thinking, how could a creature so small make so many dirty clothes?

Well, suffice to say, you’ll be washing and drying more now than ever before (or after) baby. (If you are using reusable diaper and wipes the amount of laundry is even greater!)

Some tips to make baby laundry more manageable:

1. Have a bucket of water ready (I keep mine under the sink) at all times to throw in anything that gets a potential stain. Tossing immediately into water doesn’t allow the stain to set. It also allows you to deal with the many potential stains all together when you have time.
2. Rethink how you put away laundry. It is nice to have every piece of clothing not inside out and folded nicely. With the amount of laundry you have right now, you may want to forgo those simple niceties to save your sanity. Will anyone really suffer if their clean towel is wrinkled?
3. Don’t feel guilty doing laundry in blocks of time. It is nice to take things right out of the dryer, fold, and put away. Your life might not leave room for that with a newborn. Doing laundry in blocks of time throughout the day may be more manageable.

 

9. You May Hallucinate

Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on the body and mind. Add loopy hormones to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. So if you’re already overtired and are dealing with the demands of a newborn, don’t be surprised if your body reacts in very strange ways.

New moms have been known to experience audio and visual hallucinations, a sure sign that they’re stressed to the max.

The fix?

• Do not be above asking for help
• and getting some rest!

 

10. You’ll Want to Nest

Even if you’ve never been the stay-at-home type, having a baby will bring out your inner homebody. Before you know it, you’ll want every conceivable piece of infant gear and every hot baby toy.

While it’s impossible to completely curb this impulse, remind yourself that the most important thing to share with your newborn is love.

 

There are Never Enough Answers

Preparing for a baby is time consuming and exciting; all the unknown factors make it a little bit scary, too.

So no matter how much advice you receive (solicited or otherwise), and regardless of the amount of research you do, know that it’s impossible to ask too many questions.

 

More Pregnancy & Postpartum Help from Vigor it Out:

7 Things that Shocked me That I Needed for Pregnancy

How to Create DIY Padsicles to Heal and Soothe Postpartum 

Lifesaving Breastfeeding Tips and Tricks

Pilates with Baby, Safe for Postpartum!

 

This has been a wonderful guest post from Samara Kamenecka from Tiny Fry. Samara is a VA specializing in SEO and writing, based in Madrid. When she’s not chained to her desk working, she likes to explore the city with her boyfriend, their two kids and their dog. You can find her blogging over at www.tinyfry.com.

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