What they don't tell you about post-partum life...

So - this post is pretty graphic. If you're not interested in reading about the real-life happenings of post-partum life, then please do not keep reading. If you're interested, then buckle up for some real talk!

When I gave birth to Aubree, I thought I was totally ready for post-partum life. I was ready for the sleepless nights, the cranky newborn, and all of those things the doctors and nurses tell you will happen. However, I was not ready for the changes and situations that would happen to my body. Then, after having Walker, I thought I was more ready for these things. However, even MORE weird things happened! There are so many things that CAN happen to your body after giving birth. So, I thought I would share some of the things that happened to me between the two kiddos I've birthed. Now, not every one of these things will happen to you, but they definitely can! Childbirth is a crazy thing, and life after birth gets even crazier. Here's my list of all those things I was never told about post-partum life.

1) Pain - everywhere. Your muscles will hurt, your breasts will hurt, your insides will hurt. Your head will hurt (especially if you get an epidural). Everything is painful for a while. Kudos to you mommas that breastfeed because I hear that hurts, too.

2) Bleeding. You're going to bleed for two weeks. Or more. It's not fun, and it's kind of freaky. You will notice your energy will go down with all that blood loss. The doc will tell you that you should look for "large" clots, but you lose so much blood that you won't even know what size clots you've got.

3) You will smell. No joke. You'll feel like after every shower, you want another one. This smelly-ness was something I experienced with both babies. Luckily, it stops after a couple weeks! Well, at least I'm pretty sure I don't smell anymore ;)

4) Hair loss. This one is something I knew, but let's be real, it still sucks. I knew going into pregnancy that I would lose some hair. BUT, no one told me how much hair I would lose! The worst part about this hair loss is it happened right around my front hairline. Aka - super obvious bald spots.

5) Appetite Loss. Now I'm not sure if this one is the same when you're breastfeeding, but omg I completely lost my appetite for months after giving birth to Aubree. I've noticed that after having Walker, my appetite has already started coming back, but I definitely lost it for a while! Nothing sounds appetizing, and nothing sounds remotely exciting to eat. Sad, right?!

6) Confusion. I blame the zero sleep for this one. I swear mom-brain is worse than pregnancy brain. That whole "putting the car keys in the fridge" is not just what happens in movies. I put the salt and pepper shakers in the freezer the other day....no joke. I also find myself telling my husband something 87 times a day because I can't remember telling him that thing in the first place.

7) You won't go #2. You will need help from laxatives, fiber-rich foods, and probs some coffee for this to happen. It's super uncomfortable as you can imagine. The doc told me that if it didn't happen for a week, I should be concerned. Well, it happened. After a solid week. Ugh.

So, you guys, I don't want you to think I don't love being a mom. BECAUSE I DO. I love everything about being a mom. However, the post-partum process is not for the faint of heart. Just another reason mommas are AMAZING.

Xo, J