A Note from Mary on Postpartum | Part 1
MotherhoodI may be a third-time mama, but postpartum still hits hard. As I journey through this experience for the third (and final) time, I wanted to journal what postpartum means to me. Have you felt the same?
xx M
Knight — two dimples, olive skin, deep blue eyes, and an indescribable sweetness I’ve never met. He looks just like his older sister and is perfect in every way. We connect immediately in the OR as the doctor pulls him from the same scar where his brother and sister entered the world and took their first breaths. The scar that has taught me so much – how powerful the female body is, how to be gentle and gracious with myself, and how beautiful the imperfections really are. Over the years, my appreciation for this beauty mark has grown and today I feel that emotion so deeply.
He knows me. He knows my voice, my smell, and he’s totally peaceful once in my arms. I feel like we’ve known each other for a lifetime and in that moment we’re the only two on earth, the only thing that matters. He immediately latches, and we are one.
Newborn life is everything all at once. Even through the magic of our bubble, I’m quickly reminded how raw and tender these first few weeks of postpartum are. As women, we are sold a fairytale and so much of it does feel to be just that, but there is also another reality to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a mother of three (still getting used to that one!) and someone who has been in both places, it’s important to me to share both sides. Ultimately, it can be both the fairytale bliss and a complete crash all at the same time…AND THAT’S OKAY.
“I’ve been through this postpartum journey twice before now, and yet it still feels surprising and new. Maybe because I’m not who I was two years ago? I’ve grown, changed, made mistakes and failed, dreamed bigger, built more, and loved harder.”
There is a sense of restlessness and peace that settles in as we leave the hospital. The world feels perfectly complete and utterly chaotic simultaneously. These first few hours and days together hold a multitude of emotions and beginnings, and I try to stay present for each and every one.
Some realities, however, are easier to stay present to than others. I’ve forgotten about the fatigue, exhaustion, pain, soreness, night sweats (oh the night sweats!) and the throb of my boobs transitioning into giant watermelons. This time around, the baby fog has been so intense. I’ve become shit at making decisions. Maybe that’s the two toddlers, or how quickly I know I’ll be jumping back into work, or just the sheer fact of my third abdominal surgery in three years. Even trying to decide something as simple as what’s for dinner feels almost impossible. My concentration is fleeting, and it’s hard not to feel like I’m always just one step behind—like I’m mentally wading through waist-deep water.
Of course, there’s a sense of beautiful joy at meeting my son, gratitude for our health, and deep love, but it’s coupled with lingering dips of vulnerability and an acute sense of my own limitations.
My nervous system feels overloaded and frayed. I’m easily startled and more anxious than normal as we transition into home life. I assure myself that it will all settle as sleep resumes and a schedule takes shape. If I’m honest, it’s hard to be patient and trust that this, too, is part of the postpartum process. It’ll just take time as I regulate, in the meantime I try to give myself grace and stay present.
I’ve been through this postpartum journey twice before now, and yet it still feels surprising and new. Maybe because I’m not who I was two years ago? I’ve grown, changed, made mistakes and failed, dreamed bigger, built more, and loved harder. Of course it’ll take time to settle into this new world, this world where Knight is here snuggling, cooing and nestling just beside me. And I’m so glad he’s here…I’m so glad he’s mine.
As I’m drifting back to sleep I remind myself of this…
These days I’m living in the realm of “both/and”. I’m exhausted, and deliriously happy. I’m both teary, and grateful. My body is both sore and healing, and it’s strong and resilient. I’m overwhelmed by the day-to-day, and still feel a deep sense of peace that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Here in the pile of diapers, with a million half-full glasses of water littered around my house, soft baby cheeks pressed against my chest, and nights where Madison and I collapse into each other at the end of the day— here’s where we’re home. Here’s where I belong.
28 responses to “A Note from Mary on Postpartum | Part 1”
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Postpartum is the period following childbirth, which can be a challenging and emotional time for new mothers. Mary, in her note, might be sharing her personal experience and offering advice and support for other new mothers who may be going through similar experiences for more info visit our Fiesta Mentor .
Those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life.
Symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy. You can check this out: bulking.store/
Women and their obstetric care providers should anticipate maternal health needs beyond the 6-week comprehensive postpartum visit. This Committee Opinion is supported by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, American College of Nurse-Midwives, and Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The 6-week postpartum visit is crucial in ensuring maternal health, but it’s important to acknowledge that the postpartum period extends well beyond that timeframe. During this phase, many women face ongoing physical and emotional challenges, making continued support and care essential for improving their well-being and navigating the complexities of motherhood effectively. How can we raise awareness in society about the significance of extending maternal care throughout the entire postpartum period?
Mary has been working with expectant and new mothers for a decade. She was a birth and postpartum doula and midwife (LM, CPM) before becoming a marriage and family therapist specializing in perinatal mental health.
At her comprehensive postpartum visit, a woman’s obstetrician-gynecologist should identify a new health care provider who will assume primary responsibility for her ongoing health care in her medical home. This change should occur no later than 12 weeks after delivery.
Optimal maternal health postpartum requires a change in paradigm. Instead of an arbitrary 6-week postpartum visit, obstetrician-gynecologists should provide comprehensive, woman centered care after childbirth.
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Since Mary began working with expecting women and new mothers, she has been in this field for ten years. Prior to becoming a marriage and family therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health, she worked as a birth and postpartum doula as well as a certified nurse midwife (LM, CPM).
At the comprehensive appointment that a woman has with her obstetrician and gynecologist after giving birth, the woman’s obstetrician and gynecologist should choose a new health care provider who will take main responsibility for the woman’s continuing health care in her medical home. This modification need to take place no later than twelve weeks following the birth.
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Thank you for this wonderful contribution. Your essay demonstrates your dedication and experience in this sector.
It’s perfectly normal to have a range of emotions and mixed feelings during this period. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being, seeking support from loved ones or professionals if needed, and being patient with yourself can help navigate the challenges of postpartum.
However, the author also acknowledges the realities of the postpartum period. She highlights the rawness and tenderness that can accompany the early weeks after giving birth, emphasizing that while there is a fairytale perception of pregnancy and motherhood, there is also a less glamorous side to it.
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yes, newborn life is everything all at once. Even through the magic of our bubble, I’m quickly reminded how raw and tender these first few weeks of postpartum are.
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I also went through this postpartum period once. It was really a difficult connections game time for me. I’m so lucky that I always have loved ones by my side to help me get through it
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