Postpartum Recovery: What Shocked Me in the First 6 Weeks

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I thought once my baby came it would just be blissful and they would sleep perfectly. I had no idea that I wouldn't bounce back the next day and that it might be painful the next few weeks.

I thought I was ready.

I had read the books, packed the hospital bag, washed the onesies, and stocked up on diapers like a responsible, well-prepared mom would be in the first six weeks. But what no one really spelled out for me — at least not in a real, raw way — was just how intense those first six weeks postpartum would be.

I thought once my baby came it would be blissful and they would sleep perfectly. I had no idea I wouldn’t bounce back the next day — or that it might be painful for weeks.

There were moments I felt like I was drowning. Exhausted, healing, overwhelmed, hungry, and emotional — all while trying to keep this tiny new human alive. I was prepared for the birth. But the postpartum? That hit like a freight train.

Now that baby #2 is almost here, I’m preparing completely differently. I’ve learned from the chaos, and I’m rebuilding my game plan with experience, intention, and simplicity.

Let me share what blindsided me the first time around — and exactly what I’m doing differently this time.

If you’re pregnant right now — don’t underestimate how much food you’ll need. You’re recovering from birth and likely feeding a baby from your body. That’s elite athlete-level output.

1. I Was Starving… and Not Prepared for It

I remember sitting on the couch nursing my newborn at 2 a.m. and feeling absolutely ravenous. My body was healing and producing milk, but I hadn’t thought beyond “snacks for labor.”

  • My fridge? Hardly the essentials.

  • My freezer? Full of things I didn’t want to cook.

  • My energy to cook? Nonexistent.

I ended up living on muffins and smoothies — and my recovery suffered for it.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

  • Prepping postpartum freezer meals I can dump in the Crockpot or reheat one-handed

  • Stocking actual meals, not just “easy snacks”

  • Batch-cooking protein-packed breakfasts like egg bites and lactation muffins

If you’re pregnant right now — don’t underestimate how much food you’ll need. You’re recovering from birth and likely feeding a baby from your body. That’s elite athlete-level output.

I lived in a soft, button-down nightgown after birth. It was part of my postpartum hospital outfit and made nursing easy while being gentle on my healing body.

2. The Emotional Crash Was Real

Around day 4, I hit a wall. I was sobbing, exhausted, and convinced I was doing everything wrong. Everyone called it the “baby blues,” but that made it sound so cute — and it wasn’t.

I felt isolated and mentally scrambled. My hormones were swinging, I was sleep-deprived, and I didn’t know if this was normal or something more serious. And when I looked in the mirror? I felt sad about my body.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

  • I’ve got a mental health plan in place — with gentle reminders and quotes bookmarked

  • I built a “mood toolkit”:
    walks, magnesium, a playlist, affirmations, and boundaries around visitors

  • My husband and I had a real talk about the signs of postpartum depression and what support will look like

If you don’t know how to say no to visitors, check out my Postpartum Playbook. It has boundary scripts you can actually use.

3. I Didn’t Understand How Much Support I’d Need

I thought I’d just bounce back. I’d cook. I’d clean. I’d be supermom.

Spoiler: I was too sore to get out of bed some days, and everything from standing to showering felt like a major task.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

  • Asking for specific help (not just smiling at “Let me know if you need anything”)

  • Creating a simple meal train link

  • Accepting frozen meals, not flowers

  • Setting up stations around the house with essentials:
    bedroom, couch, and nursery — so I don’t have to move far to feel supported

This isn’t the time to be a hero. This is the time to be held.

If you’re preparing your postpartum kit or building out your postpartum outfits summer wardrobe, think breathable, soft, and easy access for breastfeeding. Your postpartum belly is healing—don’t squeeze into anything tight yet.

4. I Had No Real Plan for My Own Recovery

I knew I’d need diapers and wipes for the baby, but I didn’t think much about what I would need.

I had no postpartum care cart.
No peri bottle set up.
No idea how to manage bleeding or sitz baths.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

  • I’ve got a fully stocked postpartum recovery cart:

    • Pads

    • Adult diapers

    • Peri spray

    • Dermoplast

    • Peri bottle

    • Nipple cream
      (P.S. the hospital will likely give you most of this)

  • I’ve packed postpartum-specific clothes:
    high-waisted undies, soft nursing dresses, and a cozy robe

  • I’m embracing a “stay in bed” mindset for the first 1–2 weeks

Healing is the goal. Not bouncing back.

5. I Thought Bonding Would Feel Magical Instantly

Instead, I was consumed with breastfeeding and trying to get it right. It was hard to enjoy the little moments and not focus on the pain and exhaustion.

I felt like I was doing something wrong.

What I’m Doing Differently Now:

  • Giving myself permission to adjust slowly

  • Knowing now that bonding can take time — and that’s normal

  • Letting go of pressure to feel a certain way
    and focusing on simply showing up with love and care

To help other mamas who are right where I was, here’s a quick rundown of the postpartum essentials that made the biggest difference

My New Mom Essentials List (Learned the Hard Way)

To help other mamas who are right where I was, here’s a quick rundown of the postpartum essentials that made the biggest difference — or that I’ll be using this time around:

Postpartum Essentials I Swear By:

  • Postpartum diapers (better than pads those first few days)
    (Pro tip: I used baby diapers and turned them into ice packs)

  • Peri bottle

  • Instant cold packs

  • Nipple balm + reusable breast pads

  • Haakaa (lifesaver for catching milk)

  • Hands-free pumping/nursing bras

  • A simple postpartum meal prep list

Snack Ideas I’m Stocking Up On:

  • Nuts

  • Lactation cookies

  • Breakfast burritos

  • Smoothie packs

  • Protein muffins

  • Mini cheese sticks

  • Popcorn, oatmeal packets, Greek yogurt

If it’s one-handed, nutrient-dense, and satisfying — it’s a win.

What I Wish I Knew Then (That You Can Know Now)

Postpartum isn’t just something to get through — it’s a season to prepare for.

I don’t say that to scare you — I say it to empower you.

The second time around, I’m not trying to “bounce back.” I’m trying to build a nest that actually supports me — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

And if you’re still in the thick of pregnancy prep, let me share something with you:

🎁 Grab My Free Hospital Bag Checklist

It’s everything I wish I had the first time — no fluff, just the must-haves (plus a few “wish I didn’t forget that” items).

👉 Download it here

📘 Go Deeper With My Postpartum Playbook

If you want a nurse-approved, mom-tested plan for postpartum that actually prepares you, I made this guide for you.

Think:
✅ Boundary scripts
✅ Daily mini-routines
✅ Product recs
✅ What to expect when no one’s telling you what to actually expect

👉 Check it out here

To the Pregnant Mama Reading This…

If you’re reading this while pregnant and overwhelmed, I see you.

You’re doing more than you know.
Prep now — even just a little — so you can rest and recover later.
You deserve that.

You’ve got this, mama. 💛