Many young mothers admit they weren’t sufficiently informed about certain ailments and less glamorous aspects of childbirth and the postpartum, or after-birth, period: the time following pregnancy. This phase can feel quite unsettling, because it’s still not talked about enough, and it’s easy to feel lost amid all the bodily changes. If you’ve never heard of lochia, milk let-down, or baby blues, then this article is for you. We’ll break the taboos around the changes that can happen during childbirth and postpartum—topics that are still too rarely discussed!

1. Perineal tears during childbirth are quite common

Even if it’s probably not part of your ideal birth plan, perineal tears and other injuries are quite common during a vaginal delivery. While the words may sound frightening, in reality, it’s often not as bad as you might think. In many cases, tears are superficial and affect the vaginal mucous membranes, connective tissue, and skin. Swelling can also occur, but it usually disappears within a few days. In some cases—especially when tears are deeper—the midwife will suture them at the end of the delivery. You’ll need to take care of yourself and pay special attention to the scar, which may remain painful for a few days. Wash your hands before and after urinating, clean the area by letting a stream of water flow over it, and dry it by gently patting with a soft cloth—do not use a hairdryer. If you’d like to reduce the risk of tears and prepare your perineum for childbirth, you can regularly massage it in the last weeks of pregnancy with a perineal massage oil.

2. Goodbye to modesty and privacy!

If you give birth in a maternity ward, it’s best to know in advance that you’ll have very little privacy. The delivery room can sometimes feel like a real hive of activity. During the first contractions, midwives and doctors will regularly check your cervix and palpate your abdomen. After the birth, they’ll help you breastfeed (if you wish), examine your nipples, and ask you questions about your bowel movements. If this makes you uncomfortable or puts you in an awkward position, we understand; you can record your wishes in your . Also, try to put it into perspective: the medical staff has seen it all, and they only want what’s best for you and your baby.

3. A newborn is not necessarily cute at birth

When you think of a baby, you might picture a little pink doll with delicate features and big blue eyes. But let’s be honest: at birth, a newborn doesn’t always match that perfect image. It’s very likely your baby will look like a small, wrinkled, reddish-blue little being, covered in blood and vernix (a waxy, greasy, whitish substance), with a slightly misshapen head—because yes, the journey from your uterus to your vagina can leave its mark. ;) One thing is certain, though: even if your little adventurer looks a bit squished at first, what matters most is that they’re healthy—and to you, they’ll be the most beautiful baby.

4. Childbirth does not end after the birth

Once the baby is here, many women feel that labor is over and that the contractions from the last few hours will disappear. Unfortunately, this is often only a brief moment of relief before they return. About fifteen minutes after the baby’s birth, the placenta is expelled. To push it out, your uterus will continue to contract—though the pain is usually much less intense. In the days following childbirth, contractions may also persist, because your uterus, which stretched considerably during pregnancy, needs to contract to return to its original shape: these are the afterpains ». All young mothers, whether they have given birth vaginally or by cesarean section , know these postpartum contractions. Their intensity varies from woman to woman; some find them painful, while others barely feel them. If you want to learn more about the different types of contractions, check out our article: « The different contractions during pregnancy ».

5. Constipation and hemorrhoids

During the few days following childbirth, it is common to suffer from constipation . Your bowel movements may be disrupted for several reasons: a side effect of the epidural, fear of having a bowel movement after stitches, an episiotomy or tears, hormonal fluctuations, or even a cesarean section. Don’t hesitate to discuss this with the maternity medical staff, who can prescribe oral laxatives or glycerin suppositories and possibly offer dietary advice, such as eating foods rich in fiber. As a reminder: going to the toilet cannot cause the stitches from an episiotomy or a perineal tear to come undone. ;)

Another troublesome effect that can occur after childbirth is the appearance of hemorrhoids ; about 20% of young mothers experience them. They are generally triggered by pushing during childbirth, constipation, or hormonal changes. They usually disappear within a few days after delivery and can be relieved with sitz baths. Treatments exist, just like for constipation, and you should not hesitate to discuss them with midwives or your doctor. We tell you more in our article « Hemorrhoids during and after pregnancy »

6. Lochia and postpartum pads

After the birth of your baby, you won’t only be changing their diapers—you’ll also become familiar with thick maternity sanitary pads. After delivery, you’ll notice vaginal discharge as your body expels blood, placental tissue, uterine lining, mucus, and more: these are . They can last up to eight weeks after birth and are much heavier than regular periods. To prevent leaks, it’s recommended to wear specific sanitary pads or maternity underwear, which are much more absorbent than regular pads. If you give birth in a maternity hospital, they’ll be provided during your stay, but of course, you can also buy them in advance at the pharmacy. Generally speaking, if you opt for pads, it’s best to have cotton panties that are slightly larger than your usual size. They’ll hold the pads in place and feel more comfortable.

7. Baby's first stools are black

When you change your baby’s diaper for the first time, you may be surprised by what you find. A newborn’s first stools are thick and dark in color, ranging from green to black; this is called the meconium . Your little adventurer is eliminating everything they swallowed in the uterus: amniotic fluid, skin cells, and other intestinal contents. Meconium has a very viscous, sometimes sticky consistency. It’s a sign that your baby’s digestive and urinary systems are functioning. You can clean it with a little warm water and liniment. If you want to know what you might find in your baby’s diaper, take a look at our article: « Diaper change for baby » ;).

8. Your organs must return to their original position

The more your baby grows, the more space they need in your womb. By the end of pregnancy, organs such as the lungs, liver, and intestines have been pushed upward in your body. After childbirth, they will gradually return to their original position. At first, you may feel like your belly is empty, but still just as large. In fact, some new mothers say their belly feels completely soft and stretched, as if something might fall out. Don’t immediately put away your panties, shapewear, or even your old maternity pants; they can give your belly the support it needs during the postpartum period and help you feel more comfortable.

9. The baby blues

For months, you’ve been eagerly waiting to hold your little one in your arms—and then, when the moment arrives, you find yourself crying. Don’t panic! It’s normal to feel completely overwhelmed during the first days with your baby. In the days following childbirth, you’ll experience a sudden hormone drop that causes what’s known as the baby blues. It affects many women, and symptoms can include low mood, heightened emotions, or even anxiety. This may be compounded by sleep deprivation and uncertainty about how to care for your baby. But don’t worry: generally, after a few days, your hormonal balance will stabilize and the apprehension will quickly fade. If you want to learn more about the baby blues and how to manage them, find all the information in our article: « The symptom of baby blues during the first days with baby » .

10. Painful milk let-downs

In the days following childbirth, your breasts may feel larger, more sensitive, and painful as milk production begins: this is called lactation . If your breasts are sore, warm compresses or a warm shower can help relieve discomfort. You can also express a little milk with gentle pressure. If you have milk leaks between feedings, you can place nursing pads in your bra. Although milk coming in can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean you’re producing too much. If you wish to breastfeed, it’s important to stimulate lactation; some herbal teas can support it. We tell you more in our article « Everything you need to know about breastfeeding and nutrition ». Over the next few days, your body will adapt to your baby’s needs, and your milk supply will stabilize. If you do not wish to breastfeed, discuss it with your midwife, who may be able to prescribe a treatment to stop lactation.

Like any mother, you’ll likely want to take time to get to know your little adventurer and settle into your new family life during the postpartum period. Even though postpartum can be physically uncomfortable—sometimes painful—and emotionally challenging, remind yourself that your body has accomplished an incredible feat over the past nine months and continues to do so. Be patient with yourself; soon, these aches will be a distant memory, and you can be proud of yourself! :)