we must be hardwired to forget. it's why women have more than one baby. i gave birth to hanky about ten weeks ago, and i'm already forgetting. it wasn't that bad, right? for the most part, no... but there were moments. here is what helped me most during the worst of it.
some unsolicited advice:
start taking colace, like yesterday. the constipation you will experience post delivery is no joke- physically or emotionally. your first poop will be a lot scarier than actual labor.
speaking of delivery, they say if you feel like you're going to poop, you're doing it right. which is why the preparation h and tucks pads will come in handy. enough said.
get some maxi pads in varying sizes- overnight, heavy, regular, light. get the unscented ones! i didn't pay attention and the burning was unbearable. you will probably need these for about a month, so stock up accordingly.
take a luke warm bath everyday. add some epsom salt and try to relax. it will help a lot with the burning and itching.
have a perineal bottle in each bathroom and make sure you fill it with warm water each time you use the toilet. then use a hair dryer on the low and cool setting, dry your area. spray dermoplast all over your new pad and pull up those too big undies.
stay hydrated: it will help you establish your milk supply and it will also dilute your urine. diluted urine = less burning when you pee.
when people say that breastfeeding doesn't hurt they are lying to you. it's even more offensive when they say 'it shouldn't hurt if you are doing it right'- now that's a bold face lie. sure it will get better and doesn't hurt forever, but at the beginning your nipples will feel like they are on fire. you will also get some pretty bad cramps as your uterus continues to contract. do yourself a favor and slather on the lanolin each and every time.
when your milk comes in it hurts. you will feel like your have rocks in your boobs. they will be veiny and shiny. newborns can't take enough milk to empty your breasts completely, so you'd do best to pump after each feeding. my electric pump was delayed being shipped by the insurance, so my mom picked up the Medela Harmony Pump. This manual pump was a godsend.
put the round ice packs on your boobs. it will feel amazing.
a quick tip- let your boobs air dry after a feeding and before you put on the lanolin, breast pads, and bra. it's important because no one wants thrush.
get walking: the fresh air will make you feel better. you will feel like a normal person. go slow.
and grab everything from the hospital: the mesh undies, the chux pads, extra large maxi pads, dermoplast-- whatever they have, you should take.
y'all, to be honest, it's not THAT bad. there are moments where you will not believe that the burning and later the itching will ever stop. but it will. be prepared and take it easy. lay on the couch and cuddle with your baby. let other people cook and clean your house. you will forget. and you will probably want to do it again.
love, sarah
Very helpful!
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