Motherhood comes with a lot of surprises. We go into motherhood with an idealized version in our heads of what to expect, what is normal and the kind of parent we want to be. However, we quickly realize that motherhood is a transformative journey, and our thoughts can change on what we want our journey to look like. And while family, friends and social media provide a lot of advice and ‘facts’ (some of which unsolicited), not all of it is accurate. Postpartum expectations can leave moms feeling confused, overwhelmed and in a constant state of worry.
This blog post will go over 5 common postpartum myths and set the record straight! Let’s clear the air and empower each other with postpartum realities.
1. Breastfeeding as a Foolproof Birth Control Method
Many new moms believe that breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy, and falling pregnant those first few months can come as a big surprise to those who thought it couldn’t happen. The truth is a little more complicated than that. Research shows that breastfeeding can act as a natural birth control method, but only under very specific conditions—such as exclusive breastfeeding (no formula or baby food) and feeding at frequent intervals. Even then, it’s NOT foolproof. While exclusive breastfeeding may delay ovulation, it’s not a guarantee.
Empowering Tip: If you’re not ready for another baby just yet, it’s a good idea to explore other contraceptive options with your doctor or just use the necessary protection measures. It’s normal to want to give your body sometime to heal.
2. Postpartum Bleeding is Like a Heavy Period
Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, is often misunderstood. For some, it may seem like a heavy period, but for others, it can be much heavier and longer-lasting. Althought it’s your body’s way of healing, it can feel overwhelming and scray to experience. Buying postpartum disposable underwear can help during this time, but don’t be afraid to talk about how your feeling – it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with it all. Remember that this is a natural way of recovering and it can last several weeks or even longer. It’s also important to remember that every recovery journey is unique.
Empowering Tip: Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you’re unsure about your symptoms. You know your body best, and if you feel like something is wrong, seek support! Ask your doctor what symptoms to keep a look out for, like pain or bleeding getting heavier instead of lighter.
3. Postpartum Recovery is Complete 6 Weeks After Birth
No, No and No. This one is a major misconception. While physical recovery might align with that timeline, emotional and mental recovery often take much longer. The emotional and mental recovery are unique and vary from one mama to another. These two recovery paths shouldn’t be associated – they’re very different! Remember that emotional healing is a journey, not a timeline.
Empowering Tip: Embrace your unique healing process. It’s okay to feel like you’re still finding yourself weeks, months, or even years postpartum. Allow yourself grace and patience to adjust to your new role as mom, process your birth experience and navigate the demands of motherhood. Don’t pressure yourself to fit within the timeline of someone else.
4. You’ll Instantly Bond with Your Baby
Many moms to be believe that once they meet their little one, they’ll feel an instant connection; one that they have been awaiting for through all the challenges. But the truth is, this is not the case for everyone. While for some, it’s true – for others it might take a little bit longer to bond with the baby and that is okay! Remember that just like everything else in motherhood, bonding is a journey and it can take days, weeks or even months to unfold. This doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong or you’re not a great mom; it just means this is part of your unique journey and you need a little bit more time to bond.
Empowering Tip: Bonding happens in countless small milestones—a little cuddle, a special song, or feeding your little one. Let go of any pressure to feel a certain way and trust that the bond will grow naturally in its own time.
5. Motherhood Should Be Instinctive
One of the most common sayings that people tell a pregnant women is “You’ll know what to do”. The idea that you should automatically know how to handle every little thing in motherhood is not only a myth but it also can cause a lot of unspoken pressure on mama to feel like she has to figure everything out. The truth is, we all have moments where we just don’t know what to do. It’s part of the learning process! From soothing a crying baby to navigating sleep schedules, it’s okay to feel like you’re figuring it out as you go.
Empowering Tip: Give yourself time to learn, experiment, and make mistakes (Yes, mistakes are part of the journey too!). Every mom’s journey is different, and there’s no such thing as being “perfect”; you will grow and learn alongside your little one so give yourself time. You’re doing an amazing job.
Wrapping It Up
Postpartum is full of surprises but having the right information can make a difference and reduce unrealistic expectations. Remember though, that your journey is unique and there is no “right” way to experience motherhood. Your story is different – embrace it, learn from it and give yourself credit for growing along the way.
One way to manage postpartum emotions, expectations and celebrate small wins is through journaling. If you’re not sure where to start, make sure to grab our 30 Journal Prompts Journal for 6 weeks postpartum!
