1. This is one most moms aren't excepting and that is... the first bowel movement after giving birth can be scary and painful.

Stool softeners can make the process easier by softening the stool and preventing constipation. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or prune juice, to keep your body hydrated and to help with bowl movements. 

2. You might experience night sweats as your body gets rid of the excess fluid from pregnancy.

Your body has been holding onto extra fluid during pregnancy, and after giving birth, it needs to get rid of it. This can lead to sweating during the night, which can be uncomfortable and even wake you up. 

One way to deal with night sweats is to wear lightweight pajamas and use breathable bedding. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

3. Postpartum bleeding can be heavy and last for up to six weeks. 

You got to skip out on your period for 9 months and now it's back with a vengeance!

Time to stock up on heavy-duty pads and avoid tampons.

4. Your nipples will hurt, crack and bleed.

Breastfeeding is natural right? That's what I was told - but I was never told how much it might hurt those first couple of days and how much nipple cream I'd blow through in 24 hours!

Your breasts might leak milk and be sore, even if you're not breastfeeding. Nursing pads + nipple cream are a lifesaver.

5. It's common to feel sad in the first few days after giving birth. 

The first few days after giving birth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it's common to feel a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety to sadness.

These feelings are often referred to as "baby blues" and are a normal part of the postpartum experience.

BUT, if these feelings persist or get worse, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many new moms, and it's important to get the support you need to feel better. 

6. It's important to take care of your perineum if you had a tear or episiotomy. Ice packs, witch hazel pads, and sitz baths can provide relief. 

If you had a tear or episiotomy during delivery, it's important to take care of your perineum as it heals. This can be painful and uncomfortable process, but there are things you can do to make it easier.

You can use ice packs, witch hazel pads, or sitz baths to reduce swelling and pain.

Padsicles are a popular DIY solution for postpartum relief. They are essentially frozen pads that are infused with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender oil. 

7. You might think you're going bald with all the hair loss. 

You might be alarmed to see a lot of hair falling out after having a baby!

But don't worry, postpartum hair loss is actually quite common and temporary for many new mothers. This happens because during pregnancy, hormonal changes cause hair to enter a resting phase, leading to less shedding.

To minimize the effects, try using gentle hair care products, avoiding tight hairstyles, and maintaining a balance diet. Rest assured, your hair will gradually return to normal growth cycle, and the shedding should slow down. 

8. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help.

Listen, it's totally okay to feel overwhelmed after bringing a new human into the world.

Your friends, family, and healthcare providers are there for you, just waiting to lend a hand or a listening ear. Whether you need advice on how to soothe a fussy baby, some company during those late-night feedings, or just someone to hold the baby while you take a much-deserved shower, PLEASE reach out. 

Remember, asking for help doesn't make you weak - it makes you wise!

Because taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little one. 

But remember, you're not alone in this and it's totally ok to lean on others when you need to!!