5 Postpartum Pains Nobody Talks About (But Every New Mom Should Know) 😌

Everyone is so busy preparing for the birth that sometimes the postpartum period is overlooked.

And honestly? I get it. Labor and delivery feel like such huge, intimidating events that it's natural to focus all your energy there. But here's the thing: the postpartum period is just as important and deserves just as much preparation and understanding! 💕

These are all "postpartum pains" that we were not expecting when we had our first child. We truly were clueless and had no idea what we were doing.

Today I'm sharing the 5 postpartum discomforts that caught me completely off guard - the ones that nobody really talks about but that so many new moms experience. You can see these important topics laid out visually here to help you prepare for what's really coming after baby arrives!

In our last class of the HypnoBirthing series, we discuss what to expect AFTER you have baby so you feel prepared. Because knowledge is power, and being prepared helps you focus on bonding with your baby instead of worrying about whether what you're experiencing is normal.

Why Nobody Talks About These Postpartum Realities 🤐

There's this strange silence around postpartum recovery that I've never quite understood. Maybe it's because:

• People want to focus on the "happy" parts of having a baby

• There's shame around bodily functions and physical discomfort

• We forget the details once we're past them (pregnancy brain is real!)

• Society expects us to "bounce back" quickly and quietly

• Previous generations didn't discuss these things openly

But here's what I believe: knowledge is empowering, not scary. When you know what to expect, you can prepare properly and won't panic when these normal postpartum experiences happen to you.

The 5 Postpartum Pains Nobody Talks About 📋

1️⃣ Constipation 💩

I never knew with my first baby that this could be a postpartum pain. Focus on your first bowel movement after baby is born.

Why it happens:

• Pain medications slow down your digestive system

• You might be afraid to push due to stitches or hemorrhoids

• Dehydration from blood loss and breastfeeding

• Hormonal changes affect digestion

• Iron supplements (if you're taking them) can be constipating

The reality: That first bowel movement after birth can feel as scary as labor itself! Many new moms are terrified they'll "tear their stitches" or experience excruciating pain.

What helps:

• Start taking stool softeners immediately after birth

• Drink LOTS of water (more than you think you need)

• Eat fiber-rich foods when you can

• Gentle movement when cleared by your provider

• Don't strain - use a squatty potty if helpful

Remember: Your healthcare provider can prescribe stronger stool softeners if over-the-counter options aren't working.

2️⃣ Hemorrhoids 🍑

Hemorrhoids have happened to me all 3 times with my babies. This one can be common for lots of Mama's.

What they are: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum that can be internal or external.

Why they happen:

• Pressure during pregnancy as baby grows

• Straining during the pushing stage of labor

• Increased blood volume during pregnancy

• Hormonal changes that relax blood vessel walls

• Constipation (which creates a cycle of problems)

The symptoms:

• Pain, especially when sitting

• Itching and irritation

• Swelling around the anal area

• Sometimes bleeding with bowel movements

What helps:

• Hemorrhoidal cream (don't be embarrassed to ask for this!)

• Sitz baths with warm water

• Ice packs for swelling

• Witch hazel pads

• Avoiding straining during bowel movements

Sitting on a donut pillow

The good news: Most postpartum hemorrhoids improve significantly within a few weeks.

3️⃣ Stitches 🪡

Depending on if you tear or not, stitches can help repair that.

What you need to know:

• Even small tears often require stitches

• Episiotomies (surgical cuts) also require stitching

• Most stitches are dissolvable and don't need removal

• Healing typically takes 2-3 weeks

The discomfort:

• Sitting can be painful initially

• Going to the bathroom might sting

• The area feels tender and swollen

• You might feel the stitches pulling when you move

Comfort measures:

• Use your peri bottle religiously

• Pat dry, don't wipe

• Ice packs for the first 24 hours

• Witch hazel pads for soothing relief

• Take pain medication as prescribed

• Sit on a donut pillow

• Change positions frequently

When to call your provider: Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, warmth, foul smell, or pus.

4️⃣ Uterine Cramping 🤰

Cramping was one pain I did not know about going into having my first. I was surprised by it and glad it didn't last very long. Each time lasted a bit longer for each new birth.

What's happening: Your uterus is contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size - a process called involution.

Why it happens:

• Your uterus needs to shrink from the size of a watermelon back to the size of a pear

• Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which causes contractions

• This is your body's natural healing process

What it feels like:

• Similar to menstrual cramps but often more intense

• Usually strongest during the first few days postpartum

• Often worse during breastfeeding sessions

• May feel like mild labor contractions

The pattern:

• First baby: Usually mild and barely noticeable

• Second baby: More noticeable cramping

• Third+ babies: Can be quite intense and last longer

What helps:

• Pain medication (ibuprofen works well for cramping)

• Heating pad on your abdomen

• Deep breathing during intense moments

• Remember it's temporary and means your body is healing

5️⃣ Breast Pain 🤱

Whether or not you breastfeed, your body is trying to create your milk supply once baby is born. This can cause some discomfort.

Types of breast pain:

• Engorgement: When milk first comes in (usually days 3-5)

• Sore nipples: From learning to breastfeed

• Clogged ducts: Tender lumps in breast tissue

• Let-down pain: Sharp sensation when milk releases

Even if you don't breastfeed:

• Your body will still produce milk initially

• Engorgement can be very uncomfortable

• Milk production usually stops within a week without stimulation

What helps:

• For engorgement: Ice packs, well-fitting bras, cabbage leaves (really!)

• For sore nipples: Lanolin cream, breast shells, proper latch technique

• For clogged ducts: Warm compresses, massage, frequent nursing/pumping

• For let-down pain: It usually resolves within a few weeks

If you're not breastfeeding:

• Wear a supportive, well-fitting bra

• Avoid stimulating the nipples

• Use ice packs for comfort

• Pain medication as needed

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters 🌈

Don't let these pains worry you as you approach postpartum. You've endured pregnancy and you can do this. Every Mama has a different postpartum experience and it's important you can ask your village for help when you need. Be kind to yourself.

Understanding these common postpartum experiences helps you:

• Prepare mentally and physically for recovery

• Know what supplies to have ready before baby arrives

• Recognize what's normal vs. when to call your provider

• Feel less alone in your experience

• Ask for help when you need it

Preparing Your Postpartum Recovery Kit 🧰

Based on these common issues, here's what to have ready:

• Stool softeners (start immediately)

• Hemorrhoidal cream (don't wait to get this)

• Peri bottle (the hospital one or get a better one like Frida Mom)

• Witch hazel pads (cooling and soothing)

• Ice packs designed for postpartum use

• Comfortable, high-waisted underwear (disposable or cotton)

• Nursing bras that fit well

• Breast pads to prevent leaks

• Pain medication (ibuprofen and acetaminophen)

• Heating pad for cramps

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider 📞

While these discomforts are normal, watch for signs that need medical attention:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication

• Signs of infection: fever, increased redness, warmth, or pus

• Heavy bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour

• Foul-smelling discharge • Severe constipation lasting more than a few days

• Signs of postpartum depression or anxiety

The Support You Deserve 🤗

Here's what I want every new mama to know:

• You're not weak for experiencing these discomforts

• It's okay to ask for help with household tasks while you recover

• Rest is not lazy - it's necessary for healing

• Your comfort matters - don't suffer in silence

• Recovery takes time - be patient with your body

• Every woman's experience is different - don't compare yourself to others

Creating Your Support Plan 💕

Before baby arrives, think about:

• Who can help with household tasks the first few weeks

• What meals can be prepared ahead or ordered

• How to communicate your needs to your partner/family

• What comfort measures you want to have available

• When to call your healthcare provider

The Bottom Line 🌟

Postpartum recovery involves real physical discomforts that are completely normal but rarely discussed. By knowing what to expect, you can prepare properly and focus your energy on bonding with your baby instead of worrying about whether what you're experiencing is normal.

Every mama has a different postpartum experience, and that's okay. Some women have minimal discomfort, others experience several of these issues. Neither experience makes you stronger or weaker - it just makes you human.

Be kind to yourself during this time. Your body just accomplished something incredible, and it needs time to heal. Give yourself permission to rest, ask for help, and prioritize your comfort. You've earned it. 💕

Want comprehensive preparation for both birth AND postpartum? Our HypnoBirthing classes at Happy Birthing AZ include detailed postpartum preparation in our final session, covering everything you need to know for confident recovery. Because feeling prepared for after baby arrives is just as important as being ready for birth itself. 🌵