42: Navigating the Postpartum Journey--What I Wish I'd Known

Postpartum is a journey filled with lessons, challenges, and unexpected changes. In this episode, I reflect on my own postpartum experiences, sharing what I wish I’d known and the insights I’ve gained along the way. From managing hormonal shifts to embracing self-care, nourishing your body, and asking for help, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice for navigating postpartum. Whether you're a first-time mom or adding to your growing family, you’ll find relatable stories and actionable tips to support your unique journey.

🎧 Tune in to learn more and feel less alone in the postpartum season.

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Free Resources:

Hormones 101 Secret Podcast: https://wellnesswithvanda.thrivecart.com/hormones-101/

Minerals for Mamas Guide: https://wellnesswithvanda.myflodesk.com/intentionalliving

Hormone Reboot: https://www.wellnesswithvanda.com/hormone-reboot/

Transcript

Host: Hey, hey, guys! Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we’re going to be talking about postpartum—my postpartum journeys and some of the things I’ve learned along the way. These are lessons I wish I had known or that someone had told me. My hope is to share some tangible takeaways that you can incorporate into your own postpartum journey.

The Realities of Postpartum

First up, let’s talk about the realities of postpartum—the things you can expect but that people may not be upfront about. For context, I’ve been through three postpartum journeys. My most recent baby is now between five and six months old. My other kids are three and five. With each postpartum experience, I’ve found that things went a little smoother, which is what you hope for as you gain experience.

To preface, I’ve had vaginal deliveries and no unexpected complications postpartum. I’ve also breastfed all three of my babies and never formula-fed, so my insights come through that lens. I’m aware that every postpartum journey is unique, and I’m always open to hearing and learning from others with different experiences.

What I Wish I’d Known

1. Hormonal Shifts Are Intense

The hormonal shifts you go through immediately postpartum and in the weeks following are significant. While the "baby blues" are common and often considered normal, it’s important to monitor your feelings and seek help if you notice signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. The drastic drop in hormones after delivering the placenta is like a rollercoaster for your body and emotions. Adjusting takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight.

2. The Six-Week Postpartum Checkup Isn’t the Finish Line

There’s a misconception that the six-week checkup means you’re fully healed and ready to return to life as usual. In reality, recovery is different for everyone and depends on factors like your delivery method, labor length, and any complications. You’re not automatically “back to normal” at six weeks—and that’s okay.

3. The Pressure to “Bounce Back” is Unrealistic

This idea of "bouncing back" and losing baby weight quickly is toxic and doesn’t reflect the reality of most postpartum journeys. Every person’s experience is different. For me, recovery—physically and mentally—varied with each baby, and that’s completely normal. Focus on feeling good in your body rather than meeting societal expectations.

Lessons Learned

1. Nourish Your Body

Take the time to sit down and eat nourishing meals, especially in those early weeks. It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re caring for a newborn, but your body needs fuel to recover. If you have someone to help, let them hold the baby so you can eat uninterrupted.

• Pro Tip: Don’t stress over perfect nutrition. Focus on eating enough and making the best choices you can in the moment.

2. Prioritize Rest

While the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” is well-meaning, it’s not always practical. Instead, try incorporating one longer nap into your day. For me, a daily contact nap with the baby in the early afternoon was restorative and helped me recharge without disrupting my circadian rhythm.

3. Stay Hydrated and Replenish Minerals

Hydration and minerals are game-changers for postpartum recovery. Starting with my second postpartum experience, I prioritized mineral-rich drinks, and the difference in my energy levels was night and day. Start incorporating these habits during pregnancy and continue through postpartum.

4. Communicate Your Needs

You can’t do it all alone. Communicate with your partner, family, and friends about how they can help. Whether it’s preparing meals, running errands, or holding the baby so you can shower, don’t hesitate to ask for support.

• Pro Tip: Practice saying no to things that drain your energy and yes to offers of help. Remember, no is a complete sentence.

5. Give Yourself Grace

Comparison is the thief of joy, especially in postpartum. Social media only shows the highlight reel, so don’t compare your journey to what you see online. Every mom and baby is different. Focus on your own progress and celebrate the small wins.

Encouragement for Moms

Postpartum is a challenging time for the whole family. Every baby brings new adjustments, but some parts do get easier with experience. Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone who can support you—whether that’s a friend, family member, or professional.

If you ever have questions or just need someone to talk to, I’m here. You can email me or connect with me on Instagram at @wellness.with.vanda. I’m always happy to share my experiences or just listen to yours.

Join My Free Training

Before we wrap up, I want to invite you to my free training, From Tired to Thriving, happening on February 19th. This training is designed for moms in the first years of postpartum who are struggling with fatigue and want actionable strategies to feel better. I’ll include the link in the show notes—be sure to sign up!

Thank you for tuning in today. I’ll talk to you next week!