Soon, the little one who has been keeping you company in your belly for nine months will be born. Here’s what you can expect!

Nine months. A small belly that becomes a big belly, a new life that grows and gets ready to be born. So many wonderful feelings—perhaps with the exception of nausea, which, for those who experience it, is one of the most annoying parts of pregnancy—and the desire to hold that little bundle in your arms as soon as possible.

What no one tells you, however, is that postpartum isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and it comes with a few unpleasant aspects that all mothers have to face. Nothing too dramatic, but still, it helps to know that postpartum has some decidedly *less-than-pleasant* sides. Are you, Mom, ready to find out what awaits you? And you, partner, are you ready to see your sweet new mom not looking her sexiest—and to offer your shoulder when she feels a little overwhelmed?

My first: why does no one tell the truth about childbirth and postpartum?

Our society is used to the stereotype of the woman who breathes out calmly through contractions, who pushes on the delivery table—sweaty, yes, but completely in control—even without an epidural (but who can do that with all that pain?), who might scream, but after a couple of cries, smiles as if nothing ever happened. How much of this is true? Very little.

Films show us a cinematic, fictional reality that almost never matches what a mother actually faces in real life. Of course, every birth is unique, and between the mother who, in pain, keeps saying she regrets it and the one who seems like she’s just broken a nail, there’s an infinite range of experiences.

Some aspects of labor and postpartum, however, are more or less common to all women—like these ten slightly uncomfortable things that every mother has the right to know.

Ten things you might not know about childbirth and postpartum

1. In the delivery room, it may feel like you’re in a factory’s operating department.

   A bed, the mother on top, the father holding her hand, and everyone around waiting to catch your baby like a rugby ball after a throw? Not exactly. As the contractions grow stronger and the mother longs for it all to be over, there will be a flurry of people preparing to do different tasks: midwives checking on the mother, nurses getting ready with gloves and supplies, and instruments being sterilized. There will truly be a lot of activity around you.
   

2. There might be some tears.

   Nothing out of the ordinary. It’s very common for tears to occur in the vaginal mucosa and perineal area. The good news is that the mother probably won’t even notice at the time. The stitches, once the anesthesia wears off, may pull a bit and feel uncomfortable to manage, but it may be less bad than you imagine.
   

3. The little belly might stay with Mom a little longer.

   The celebrities who show off a perfectly flat stomach just two days after giving birth? Sometimes they’re lucky; other times, remember they have a whole team of massage therapists, personal trainers, and coaches at their disposal. And for everything else, there’s always photo editing! Even after giving birth, for a while, Mom may still have a little belly. This is completely normal; in a few weeks, everything will be back to normal.
   

4. Mom will still have some contractions, even after childbirth.

   They’re called uterine bites, and they’re contractions that are part of a completely natural process that helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state and stop typical postpartum bleeding. They’re involuntary and increase during breastfeeding because oxytocin production is activated. Nothing to worry about, though: after labor contractions, uterine bites will feel like a little tickle for the new mother!
   

5. You’ll see pads like you’ve never seen before, and Mom will have a sort of period that lasts 40 days.

   Slim, extra-slim, super-thin pads? No way. After childbirth, Mom, you’ll wear pads of unprecedented size. This is because, for about 40 days, you’ll have lochia, a completely normal but somewhat annoying phenomenon.
   

6. You’ll have maxi, fishnet underwear.

   Nothing like fishnet stockings—they’re far from sexy! Fishnet underwear is specifically used to keep the maxi pad from point 5 in place. At best, you can wear disposable hygienic underwear.
   

7. Mom might experience baby blues.

   The postpartum period is a rollercoaster of emotions, and hormones play a key role. It’s often far from easy for the new mother, who may find herself dealing with baby blues—a short-term period characterized by sadness, melancholy, irritability, and tears. It usually disappears within 10 days after childbirth. It should not be confused with postpartum depression, which lasts longer and is much more serious than baby blues.
   

8. Your little one might not look exactly as you expect.

   We tend to imagine that all babies are born beautiful and delicate, with porcelain skin, ready for an Anne Geddes photo. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your baby may be a bit hairy, dark pink, and frowning. Don’t worry: within a month, newborns can change their appearance in a surprising way, and month after month they’ll transform completely!
   

9. Don’t be scared by the first diaper change!

   Your little one’s first stool (called meconium) will be very dark, almost black. This is how the newborn expels everything ingested while still in the womb. The good news? It’s odorless. But don’t get too used to the idea...
   

10. When your milk comes in, Mom, your breasts may feel ready to burst.

    Usually, 3 or 4 days after childbirth, your milk comes in—the first real arrival of breast milk after colostrum. It’s impossible not to notice: your breasts will become very warm and tense, and they may even hurt. The sensation can feel like a balloon ready to explode at the slightest touch! This feeling will lessen over time, but for a while, Mom, you’ll need to be patient…
    

The most incredible adventure of your life is about to begin. Don’t be afraid—soon you’ll be great at handling every challenge!