Where will hours of pushing, sweating and crying get you? What will the prolonged moments of a risky surgery offer?
Yes, of course, the little life you have fostered for 9 months inside the sanctum of your body. Those tough moments go by thinking your baby will finally be in your arms in a jiffy and you just have to push yourself a little more.
However, there is more to the story. There are other challenges that you have to pass through while you are still in the hospital, recovering—now, with your baby beside you. Here are a few things that happen at the hospital that you may not have anticipated.
1. Sleeping Becomes A Challenge
Your biggest struggle would be trying your bit to get some sleep. Your body will be in dire need of rest.
You know the sleep would come if you close your eyes for just 2 minutes. However, there are too many things happening around you to keep you awake—you will be holding or breastfeeding your baby, nurses may be strutting in and out of the room for periodic checkups, and visitors will be coming to meet the new guest. Amid all the commotion, sleeping could be a lucky affair.
2. Checkups And More Checkups
Your nurses will be there to help you while you are under recovery. They will visit you at regular intervals to keep a check on your and even your baby’s health—in case, they have arranged for your baby to stay in the same room. However, you may find it disturbing the peace and privacy that you need with your baby if the nurse wakes you up from your precious sleep for health checkups.
However, you may find it disturbing the peace and privacy that you need with your baby when the nurse wakes you up from your precious sleep for the health checkups.
In case, you were coping with gestational diabetes, the intervention may be too frequent, with your blood sugar levels being regularly checked.
3. Your Baby Won’t Stay Silent
Didn’t your baby’s first cry bring tears of joy in your eyes? But, they won’t let you miss their crying for long.
Babies do sleep for long hours after birth. However, for some, the feeling of being in a different world, which isn’t as cozy and comfortable as the previous one and may be too much to take in a day, making them cry.
Experiencing a sensation of different touches and smells apart from learning to drink milk and even breathe could be overwhelming, so much so that your baby may cry incessantly.
Feeding and cuddling them with a skin to skin contact will help them feel secure and comfortable.
4. The Agony Of Fundal Massage
A massage is an amazing feel—it is relaxing and rejuvenating. However, a fundal massage that you will get at the hospital feels nothing close to that.
After the birth, the uterus shrinks back to in size—as it was before pregnancy. Fundal or uterus massage prevents excessive bleeding and cramping caused when the uterus contracts—it helps prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
It isn’t a very pleasant experience after your body has already gone through the hardships of birthing. As an after-effect could put you off when you want to spend some good moments with your baby.
5. Troubles With Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding will also be a period where you can let your motherly instincts flow freely and develop a strong connection with your newborn.
However, it could be tough at first—even if it is the birth of your second or third baby, latching could become a challenge. The good news is that on the first night at the hospital, the nurse will help you if you need some.
You could also be referred to a lactation specialist. It may be disappointing for the new mom that her baby isn’t able to drink milk—don’t worry, it isn’t unusual to struggle at first. You will get the hang of it after a while.
6. You Will Be Exhausted
The tumultuous process of birth will leave you exhausted. Even if you are having a c-section, the wait and stay at the hospital for few more days may make you impatient. You may want to be left alone with the baby to get some rest—but sleep is a far cry, the first day in your hospital could leave you tired.
The grueling and strenuous process of birth may drain you of the energy. Get as much rest and sleep as you can afford amid the commotion in the hospital.
7. A Waterfall Of Emotions
A lot of emotional moments will follow your baby’s birth. Even if you are a tough lady, holding back your tears will be a near-impossible task—that little life will take your breath away. With the physical exhaustion and hormonal changes striking all together, not much will be in your control. All you have to do is to let is go.
8. Sleeping With Baby Is Not Allowed
Yes, you will be given ample time to have a skin-to-skin contact with your baby. However, if you close your eyes for a jiffy with your baby, resting on your chest and latched onto you—the nurse may have a problem with that.
Many rules don’t allow the mother to sleep while nursing the baby. You need to be straight and upright lest you fall asleep and the baby gets hurt—such advised are made to reduce any risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so never mind.
9. Facing Bathroom Horrors
The biggest struggle that will face on the first night after delivery is in relieving yourself. You may have a burning sensation while urinating. Those who experienced vaginal tears may find it very uncomfortable to pee until 6 weeks after birth.
Your first post-birth poop could be extremely painful, similar to having developed a condition of acute constipation. Moms who underwent c-section may develop a fear of stitches ripping open.
Your nurse will be there to help you use the bathroom. Call her if you feel you need to use the loo, don’t try to perform the stint all alone. You will be provided with a stool softener or painkiller. The nurse will provision have ice-packs and pads for you.
Your health is the hospital’s responsibility. Have a good time with your newborn while you are being taken care of.
