During pregnancy, most of the focus is on delivery. Parents ache over every minor detail and ensure that they are as well prepared as they could ever be.

Even if they talk about things after delivery, it tends to do with baby names, how to paint the nursery, what kind of toys would be nice, and the like. However, very few people consider the importance of what happens in the postpartum period. Postpartum is the period after the baby has been delivered. For a woman that has just been through a gruelling labour and nine months of discomfort, it is the light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’re a parent in waiting, then this article is for you. Many women don’t have a clear understanding of what will happen to their bodies after delivery. Also, now that their little child is in the world, they will finally experience parenting first hand and will have a hands-on experience of everything they’ve been reading about. Below we’ve listed seven remarkable things that you can expect when you’re in the postpartum period.

1. You’re extremely emotional

Women think that post delivery, their hormones will return to normal and they will not have mood swings that are normally associated with pregnancy. However, even postpartum, women will find themselves on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some women experience bouts of unexplained crying, anger, or both.

2. People will do things for you

Post delivery too, your family and friends are still going to be fairly accommodating and caring. This means you won’t have to worry too much about household chores and can focus on yourself and your baby. You shouldn’t feel bad about asking for help when you need it.

3. The realities of breastfeeding

While in every book you’ve read, breastfeeding is supposed to be a natural process, the facts are much different. Your baby may struggle with latching on initially. There are also problems with swelling, pain, and an occasional lack of breastmilk. There is also the option of formula feeding your child, a decision that many new mothers find is convenient and easy.

4. There will still be blood

Post delivery, your body is in recovery mode. This means that there is still a lot of soreness and exhaustion that will remain. There will also be a lot of bleeding. This can catch some women off guard and may even scare them. The way to keep yourself calm is to know that it is a natural process and will get better within a few weeks.

5. Your relationship strengthens

Despite what a lot of people claim about the effect a child has on your relationship, the reality is very different. While the initial stress will take some time to get used to, the sharing of work, sleep deprived nights, and constantly supporting each other actually strengthens the bond between partners.

6. You might lose some hair

This can seem like a complete nightmare, but is not as bad you may think. One of the side effects of the intense hormonal changes that occur during and post pregnancy is hair fall. Some women have quite severe hair fall, whereas others have no such problems.

7. You’re allowed to take it easy

Post delivery is when you get to enjoy the perks of being a new mother. As hectic as it is, it is also a time you can relax a little as there will be plenty of help at hand. Whether it’s help with cleaning the house, cooking food, or with your baby, the initial few months are when you will be spoilt. You will also have that special new mother’s glow which will only add to the experience.

Living with a newborn child is a joyous occasion. You have so much to look forward to and experience making it a challenging as well as a rewarding period. As long as you have the right support group, an understanding partner, and the help of a good doctor and/or midwife, you will be able to sail through it! Hopefully, this article has helped give you a clear understanding of what you should expect from the postpartum stage. Happy Parenting!

What advice do you have for new parents? Share with us below.