Postpartum Life: What’s going on for new moms?

8 Things to Expect After Baby Arrives

When you’re pregnant, everyone tells you what to expect while you’re expecting. What they don’t tell you is what your new mom postpartum expectations should be. And let me tell you, the fantasy you envision and the reality you end up living are not always the same.

Here are eight things to expect in the postpartum period, both physically and emotionally.

1. Feeling a little bummed… or a lot.

The image of new motherhood is one with perfectly styled hair, a beautifully made up face, a sweet and loving baby, and an overwhelm of love and happiness for Mom. It’s really beautiful, right?

But many new moms experience “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Postpartum anxiety may also occur. Baby blues tends to be a very mild feeling of unhappiness and worry and can affect up to 80% of new moms. Postpartum depression can affect up to 15% of new moms and last much longer.

Typically, the temporary depression and/or anxiety of baby blues is due to the sudden hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and delivery. It often only lasts a couple of weeks. When it is more intense or lasts longer, it’s most likely postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel like you’re experiencing it, you shouldn’t hesitate to talk with your midwife or doctor. The best way to overcome…