Postpartum Recovery Tips: What I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Mom

Those early days after birth can feel like a lot — your body has gone through a major change. I want to share my experiences from my postpartum journey and some tips that might help you feel better on your own. I think it’s important to talk about these things because we often forget to share what we’ve learned — sometimes out of embarrassment or simply because it doesn’t cross our minds. If I can help ease the experience for you, then I’m happy to share.

After giving birth, needless to say, I was pretty sore. I had two small tears on the sides (which was new to me — I didn’t realize you could tear there!). At the hospital where I delivered, they had premade padsicles. For anyone unsure what that is, it’s a frozen pad with soothing gels to help the area heal. These were probably one of my favorite things in the first 24 hours. My tip would be to make some at home before giving birth, because you definitely won’t want to make them once you’re home. Or even better — have your partner, a family member, or a close friend make them for you. I made the mistake of not preparing any in advance and didn’t think to ask anyone to make them for me.

Another tip would be to set up a small space in your bathroom with a caddy that holds your pads, peri bottle, and any soothing creams or foams. It makes things so much easier. That first trip to the bathroom at home was honestly scary for me. I went to pee, and a big blood clot came out. I called the hospital to check what I should do, and they said that as long as I wasn’t bleeding excessively, it was okay. That said, always check for yourself — everyone’s situation is different. Having my caddy ready helped me handle that stressful moment because everything I needed was right there.
After using the bathroom, do not wipe down there, as that can make things more uncomfortable. This is where your peri bottle comes in handy! I used an upside-down style bottle, which made it super easy to spray in the right spot. I preferred using warm water and spraying as I peed — it helped reduce the stinging sensation.

Something else to keep in mind: that first poop after childbirth. I was so scared to go because I was worried about pushing too hard and causing damage — or honestly, pushing my uterus out (yes, I was definitely overthinking it). I couldn’t go for a few days, which is very unusual for me — I’m a “go every morning” kind of girl, so I started getting really stressed. Not a fun time if you’re regular like me!
My next tip: have some RestoraLAX handy at home. After taking it, things got moving within a day, and I felt amazing. It wasn’t something I needed to worry about, but I got stuck in my head about it. If that sounds like you, I highly recommend having some on hand before you have to send your partner out for an emergency pharmacy run like I did.

Another big thing that took a toll on me was my lack of bladder control for the first month or so after giving birth. All I can say is, make sure you’re preparing your pelvic floor — childbirth can do a lot of damage and really weaken it. I thought I was ready, but because I had to push so hard and fast to get George out, it took a big toll on my body.
The product that helped me feel more confident was Always Discreet underwear, and when I felt better, I switched to the pads. A huge lifesaver until I strengthened my pelvic floor again! I was advised to do Kegels every day, and that really helped. Another great option is seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist — they can teach you exercises and techniques to strengthen the area safely.

Finally, watch out for the baby blues. I was lucky to only experience a mild case, but I remember moments like sanitizing my breast pump and suddenly crying for no reason, or feeling overly worried about my baby’s well-being. Whenever I had those strong emotions, I’d talk to my husband or my mom to help me get through it. Their love and support made a big difference.
That would be one of my biggest postpartum tips — reach out for support when you need it. Baby blues can turn into postpartum depression, so please always ask for help. Your mental health is so important. Always know that you’re not alone in your feelings — every single mom has been there and understands.

To wrap it up, those are the most important tips I’d pass along. I hope they’re helpful as you navigate your postpartum journey. These were all things I didn’t anticipate in my own recovery, and if I can help someone else feel a little more prepared, then I’m so happy to have made a positive impact on your journey. 💕