So, you’ve just welcomed a precious bundle of joy into your life, and your world has been changed forever. While the joy and love that your new baby will bring to your life will be significant, so will be the changes that occur in your body after giving birth.
If you’re a first-time mom, it makes sense to be apprehensive about going into unchartered territory. It can help to understand how your body changes in those postpartum days and months so you can be prepared for what might be to come—remember, though, everybody is different.
Read on to find out some of the physical, emotional, and lifestyle shifts that can come with the territory of new motherhood. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
The Physical Changes
Sometimes, the most obvious changes are the physical ones that you can see. You might find that your stomach still looks like it’s “with child”, despite the very obvious fact that it isn’t, and this can be a difficult thing to accept. However, don’t fret! It’s completely normal.
After giving birth, your uterus will gradually shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size, a process which is known as involution. This can take several weeks or even months, and during this period, you’ll start to notice your stomach gradually flattening again. It’s important to note that this won’t happen overnight—your body has just performed a miraculous accomplishment, and it deserves time to recover without any scrutiny or shame.
Sagging skin, stretch marks, excess fat, and other changes may still be apparent after a considerable amount time has gone by, and if this is something that you want to address, there are packages such as a mommy makeover in Tulsa that you can look into. However, the best treatment is self-love and acceptance.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
While your body is undergoing these physical changes, your brain, hormones, and emotions are also going on quite the rollercoaster ride, too. Postpartum hormones can leave you feeling elated one moment and in tears the next, which can feel impossible to manage. While it doesn’t make it any easier, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite normal.
It’s essential that you lean on your support system during these times. Talk to your partner, friends, or family about your feelings, and consider seeking professional help if it continues. Postpartum depression can be devastating, so don’t just keep quiet about it.
The Aesthetic Changes
Many new moms experience certain changes in their looks, such as postpartum hair loss. You may notice a lot of hair in your brush or in the shower, which can be extremely alarming, but don’t worry—this is temporary. The hormonal fluctuations can cause a bit of havoc, but when things settle down, your hair will eventually return to its normal growth pattern.
You might also notice that your skin is also going through some changes, whether this is acne, or what seems like a great fall from the famous “pregnancy glow.” Everything will calm down in the end when your hormones stabilize, so don’t panic!