Postpartum Recovery: What to Expect in the First 24 Hours After Birth
Bringing a new baby into the world is a unique experience, filled with joy, exhaustion, and moments of pure awe. In this heartfelt video, a mom shares her raw and real journey just 24 hours after giving birth to her second child, Jude. From postpartum recovery to adjusting to life with a newborn while balancing time with her first child, Vivian, this video offers invaluable insights into the early days of motherhood. Let’s dive into the key moments, challenges, and helpful tips that this mom shared from her postpartum experience.
The First 24 Hours: Physical and Emotional Recovery
After giving birth at 10:25 p.m., the new mom found herself riding a wave of adrenaline that made sleep almost impossible. Despite her physical exhaustion, she couldn’t help but gaze at her new baby, wide awake and full of love. The first day was uneventful, mostly spent resting and recovering after the home birth.
While each recovery journey is different, she shares that her own experience was relatively smooth. Remarkably, she was able to get up from the birth tub, head to bed, and even converse and laugh through the process of being stitched up. She attributes much of this smooth recovery to the water birth, which she believes helped minimize tearing (a first-degree tear through the skin but not the muscle) and overall discomfort.
Postpartum Care Essentials: One of the standout moments was her emphasis on postpartum care products that made a significant difference. She highlighted a few must-haves:
- Freedom Mom Disposable Underwear: Comfortable and convenient for postpartum bleeding.
- Witch Hazel and Perry Bottle: For soothing the perineal area and keeping it clean.
- Clearoderm Spray: Used before and after giving birth to aid in perineal preparation and healing.
- Cooling Pads: Though she used them sparingly, she found these particularly helpful for recovery after birth.
Breastfeeding Journey: A Different Experience
Every baby is unique, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to breastfeeding. With her first child, Vivian, she had a different experience compared to her newborn, Jude. Jude was feeding more frequently—almost every hour or two. The little one preferred to snack frequently rather than having longer, more spaced-out feeding sessions. This led to a sleepless first night, but she took it in stride, acknowledging the importance of rolling with the changes that come with a new baby.
She also mentioned the difference in postpartum contractions during breastfeeding. These contractions were more intense with her second baby, likely because the uterus works harder to return to its pre-pregnancy size after multiple pregnancies. This sensation, she admitted, made her feel like she was in labor again during feeding.
Her tip for new moms? Silverette nursing cups, which she used religiously to prevent cracking and pain in her nipples. These cups have made her breastfeeding journey more comfortable, and she’s experienced minimal pain compared to her first time nursing.
Emotional Adjustment: Balancing Two Children
While navigating life with a newborn, this mom is also mindful of her older daughter, Vivian, and the emotional transition of adding a new sibling. She candidly shares how she’s making an effort to spend more time with Vivian, recognizing that she, too, is adjusting to not being the only child anymore. From cuddling with her in bed to spending some quality time with her amidst the chaos, she’s ensuring that Vivian feels loved and seen.
With the help of family members, particularly Jared’s parents, she has been able to focus on the baby while still giving Vivian the attention she needs. This support system, she says, has been essential in making the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Postpartum Recovery Tips: What Helped the Most
Recovery is often the most challenging aspect of postpartum life, especially with a toddler at home. She emphasized the importance of staying in bed and getting as much rest as possible. In her case, having family around to help with meals, laundry, and other household tasks made a huge difference.
Meal Trains: One significant tip she shared was the concept of meal trains, where friends or family members organize a schedule to drop off meals. She highlighted the importance of focusing on nourishment during the postpartum period, as it not only helps with physical recovery but also provides the energy needed to breastfeed and care for a newborn. If friends and family can help, organizing a meal train can be a lifesaver for new moms.
Jaundice Monitoring and Midwife Visits
At 24 hours, Jude had passed most of his newborn tests, but his bilirubin levels were slightly elevated. This is a common condition in newborns and is typically a sign of mild jaundice. The midwife reassured them that it wasn’t in the high-risk zone, but they scheduled another check-up for a few days later. The convenience of having the midwife come to the house for follow-up visits was a huge relief, allowing the new family to stay home and rest rather than traveling to a doctor’s office.
Looking Ahead: Rest and Recovery Are Key
As she wraps up her day, the new mom reflects on the importance of rest. Though tempted to get back into household chores like laundry and cleaning, she reminds herself that the best thing she can do for her recovery is to stay in bed and spend time with her newborn. She acknowledges the privilege of having the support to allow her to rest and encourages other moms to accept help whenever possible.
Her honest portrayal of postpartum life, filled with moments of bliss, exhaustion, and humor, serves as a comforting reminder to all new moms: recovery takes time, and it’s okay to take it slow.
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The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional, pediatrician, or qualified expert before making any decisions regarding your health or the health of your child. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in this article.
