The Honest Truth About Postpartum Recovery (that NO ONE Talks About…)

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Thank you to Ritual for Sponsoring this video. Get 25% OFF your first month Go to ritual.com/healthnut25

[@shopwithjen]

Keep an eye out on those heavy periods! I just had to have a hysterectomy after years of what I thought was just normal heavy periods due to being pre menopausal which started for me at 38 years old. I ended up finding out I had a uterus FULL of FIBROIDS causing the heavy bleeding, like really heavy bleeding to the point I was anemic. My uterus was measuring 5 months pregnancy size when i went in to my annual checkup with my gyno this past January. I had no idea it was fibroids I thought I was just gaining weight :( I had no pain at all my only sign of fibroids was the very heavy bleeding. They were never caught in my previous annual apts becasue they were so small and then grew so much. This May I had to have an open abdominal hysterectomy, and because my uterus was so big I had to have a 9" incision to get my bowling ball size uterus out, it was 5 pounds full of fibroids :( So yeah, just keep an eye on it :) HUGS!

[@hafsahdabiri5040]

Currently 2 weeks postpartum crying in bed with my toddler and newborn. You’ll never understand how much this video spoke to me! Thank you!!

[@chichiangel2478]

Same😢

[@daisyzeee]

The intrusive thoughts makes so much sense now 😮 Ever since having my baby all i think about at night are burglars and emergencies happening!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I use to think I was crazy until I saw all the tiktoks normalizing it

[@BloodSweatandFears]

It’s actually your maternal instinct warning you of all the dangers. Think of it as a helping voice instead of intrusive, that helped me a lot!

[@Faith.M22]

I’ve had them during my pregnancy from time to time. Thought something was seriously wrong with me 😂😂

[@bonnie1832]

Thank you for creating this video and especially the comment it takes “9months to grow a baby” and it’s going to take longer to heal yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. You are 100% right on the notion to bounce back and to give yourself grace as taking care of a baby especially with colic, digestion, your own healing, the expectations of others, and all of the things that change in a mums life. Pregnancy itself can be difficult for so many people and postpartum is a whole other experience especially extra heavy periods, where prior mine were okay, body odour, and feeding your baby, the good, bad and the ugly! I am 7mths pp with my only babe and the biggest thing I’ve done in the good and rough times is hug my baby and try to be super present, as it does make you feel better…and even if they are screaming it’s okay to share those emotions with them as we are and our babes are so in tune. We were chosen to be their mums and we are not given anything we cannot handle, as hard as it may be at the time it does get better ❤❤

[@Ijusthavequestions]

Pray y'all above all else. For your wounds and baby and everything else in between. The One who made you and the baby and the whole process is always there to hear us and heal us.

[@ThePixidust333]

This is very needed. Girl preach, this info needs to be out. You literally described everything I am going through. 9 months post and life still is wild. Also Post partum depression is real and it sucks. Ladies, seek help. It is okay. There is no shame. You need help to be your best self for baby. Also I did have heavy periods at the beginning and yes I did wear adult diapers. Made nighttime much easier. So definitely recommend. It did get better for me. They did lighten up and became shorter. Much love to all you beautiful mamas. ❤❤❤ you’re doing so good.

[@hilarybilary9145]

Fellow Canadian here. Postpartum care in this country is abysmal. I had no idea what to expect after giving birth to my first and some things still surprised me after my second. I relate to so many of these points. Thanks so much for making this video!

[@megb2336]

Those phantom cries in the shower make me feel crazy 😂

[@HealthNutNutrition]

right?? So strange

[@Lovelymama212]

I still get them and it's been 16 months!

[@Meg-eq2md]

This!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Tina-i9w5y]

My baby is 9 months and I still get this all the time!

[@BloodSweatandFears]

They freaked me right out! I was so relieved when I saw they are extremely common 😅😅

[@Nicole-jz8yd]

The hair fallout is so scary. I told my friend it would happen to warn her and she still messages me like, “when is it going to stop!?” You literally feel like all your hair is going to come out.

[@joywonky]

Thank YOU finally somebody is talking about postpartum! I wished i saw these a few weeks earlier when i was in early postpartum. I felt like i was going insane with the hormonal changes and being crazy emotional!

[@Beanshome]

The intrusive thoughts are crazy! I was so scared of it my first time but after learning that so many women experience it too, it made me feel so much better. More people need to hear this. Thank you for being so open and shedding light to these!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

So happy you enjoyed this video. It’s always strange talking about the TMI stuff on the internet but I feel called to do it and I love connecting on the real stuff

[@sumaiyasadeque4128]

1000 times agree with you. Breastfeeding mom hunger it’s crazy. When I was pregnant I didn’t feel that much hungry.But when breastfeeding the baby the hunger and feeling thirsty those feelings are another level never felt like that in my life.

[@astammm1]

I wish i had seen this video before having babies, omg such positive energy and REAL perspective, loooved it🍁

[@ChelseyOBrien08]

The intrusive thoughts definitely got me too... i kept thinking about what if the person driving next to me on the highway was a killer... and also- my periods are SO heavy now too- i just got it back in August (a month after i stopped pumping- 10 months PP) can't wait for your video about your naturopath!

[@Ijusthavequestions]

It's mama bear over protective hormones like in animals too.

[@amyhansen6549]

Thank you for this video! I am a year and 3 months after my second child was born and everything you said, was RIGHT ON! You gave me hope!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I’m so happy to hear that

[@shannellemcmillan8465]

The honesty in this video 👏👏👏👏thank you for sharing.

[@dianamedley3456]

The phantom cries! They do get better after the first year…. My periods got harder in terms of more fatigue before and more emotional symptoms. It’s been a journey! So different for everyone, too

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Im ready for these heavy periods to stop.. ugh!

[@AshleyPontoni-gt9dt]

Thank you for talking about all this. I wish I saw this video sooner. I’ve been watching you since you had Sage. I had my first baby July 2020 and you definitely helped me through the tough times. Thanks Nikole you are great!!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

🥹

[@ericadbrown11]

This is great and glad you’re talking about this especially the pelvic floor! I am seeing a Pelvic floor therapist for prolapse. It’s also not a bad idea for some to see a Urogynocologist who specialize in that area depending on severity of your condition. They’ll advocate for therapy first of course but sometimes other procedure are necessary if say you have stage 3 or stage 4 prolapse (look it up, it’s wild!) same thing with bladder or anal prolapse. I’m glad there’s more discussion and resources becoming available to women. We shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable and quiet about this.

[@cjgamer830]

Your Going To Get Through This! ❤🎉 Happy Almost 1st Birthday Oakley!

[@Lovelymama212]

Oakley looks so much older than even 2 videos ago! 😍 He is really starting to look like Sage now that he has more hair. ❤

[@rozeflyrbridge7335]

Holy crap YES THE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS ON THE STAIRS! Oh my GOD they are so bad! So graphic and disturbing. I was talking to my health visitor about it and she said that she also had them but was too scared to talk about them when she had kids in case people wanted to take her children away! I'm so glad people are talking about this more. I just try to remember that even though those thoughts are in my brain, they are NOT me. They are not my rational thoughts and I can acknowledge them, then let them pass by. That helps a bit, but it's still so unpleasant when they come out of nowhere!

[@Mayjse]

I am truly so thankful for all that you are describing. I was struggeling with a lot of the same things as you in my first pregnancy❤

[@HealthNutNutrition]

so happy you found this video helpful xx

[@ro143cky]

7 month pp here and I needed this😭❤️

[@TaylorParnell]

LOVE THIS ❤❤❤❤ I’m a first time mom 8 months pregnant tomorrow and I love your videos CANT wait to make more videos like you on my channel so inspired by you ❤

[@elfuertedelasrosas1352]

This is such an insightful video! You are absolutely right, there is not enough content covering what happens post birth. I wish i would have seen this either in the run up or just after having my beautiful baby Loved your video! Inam sure it will help people understand what happens post birth Relevant for everyone, the mum herself, the partner, family members, friends and any decent human being ❤️

[@xochitlramirez9659]

Nikole! Thanks for making this video I am expecting my 2nd baby soon and you sharing your experience and things we go through postpartum helps to be mentally prepared that is okay to feel weird sometimes.

[@ElizabethGarcia-nj9tr]

Love the style of this video. Just point after point after point, this is exactly how I feel. I can finish talking about one "complaint" and then immediately switch to another one with no hesitation. I am 3 weeks away from 2 under 2 and literally have things running thru my mind 100 mph😅

[@sydneygray783]

Everything you said is so true !! LOVE THIS VIDEO THANK YOU❤ I feel like I’m not the only one now cuz like u said no one talks about it

[@reneemitchell9414]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience with heavy periods, I’m struggling with this!!! I would love a video on any recommendations 🙏🏻

[@Amanda-ru6xe]

First time pregnant mama here. Loved the video. Thanks!

[@carlymace7915]

Are there any classes you recommend for breastfeeding ? Or videos? I had a rough time with my first. I had mastitis and almost ended up in the hospital with an abscess. Love your videos! Thank you .

[@TheWellnessCuess]

This was great information ! thanks for sharing ⭐

[@lbr5077]

Thanks for talking about this.. our society act like giving birth and post is like a trip to the store

[@ClarkInglish]

Thank you for discussing something that very few people do!! So informative

[@parissinclair1809]

Im glad I kept that pad from the hospital 😂 I have not gotten my period yet which is odd considering we mostly formula feed. But at least i have it for whenever that returns

[@RNmamaP]

Hi Nikole! Can you do a quick run through of your makeup products? Looking for some non toxic alternatives but having the hardest time finding any good quality ones!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

For sure! Ilia, Saie, merit and tower 28 are some of my fav brands!

[@KateLisgar]

I'm going to wade in here and add some suggestions: Jane Iredale and Pure + Simple (Canadian brand) - gorgeous all natural makeup, mineral based colours, no talc, etc.

[@nicolecondron5176]

That is the realest thing ever as a mom hearing a phantom scream and thinking, does someone need me lol.

[@allisong3736]

Omg the towel by the door to block the light getting into babies room!! I'm right there with you! Also I get phantom kicks at 8 months pp if I think too much about when baby used to kick in my belly, it's so weird

[@aprilb4831]

Love that you say it as it is!!! I wish everybody did!!!!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I appreciate the feedback 🥰

[@HoneyIYKYK]

This is such a helpful video! I actually been watching your videos all through my pregnancy. I had my baby girl naturally with a midwife in August💕✨ I love the points in this video. I’m experiencing all of the above 😂😂 not looking forward to the hair loss I hope that skips me. Good to know about the heavy periods too. I had them in my early twenties actually when I weaned myself off of birth control and I found it’s called Menorrhagia. I used Vitex aka Chaste Tree tinctures and tons of Ginger.

[@zebrakat3552]

Had the crazy postpartum periods after my first too. It lasted for a year then they calmed down. After second baby, periods have gone back to normal. You don’t have to live with heavy periods until menopause!

[@fernandadelagarza9396]

Omg yes! So true on the phantom cries, intrusive thoughts, mommy brain and uterine contractions after second baby

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Yay us 😆

[@karinseaman4060]

I was very sweaty before I had my son.. But it's even worse now! And yes, the periods are heavy! 2 years in and not getting better.

[@HealthNutNutrition]

The period struggle is REAL..

[@sharmacamino7494]

I'm also the unlucky girl that got her period back 2 months after bub. Mine also are really heavy for the first few days I also get very bloated to the point some clothing won't fit 😢 very interested in your video about how you're helping your body with it all. ❤

[@RFan881]

Those intrusive thoughts are normal and research shows are protective makes us be extra careful (hold on to a handrail, take extra care holding a baby). What’s missing is educating that intrusive thoughts are normal and functional so that when you experience them you do not think more of them than what they are - brain’s way of telling you to be careful (yes I am a professional who treats OCD, what I wrote is my area of expertise 😉)

[@pacar4240]

And if I may ask, what do you recommend if they take over at night (fear of burglary, people taking your kid etc) to stop them? I was never one for anxiety bc I always told myself ‚Ah, what is the worst that can happen‘ and when it was only about me, this question always calmed me down. But now the worst is very bad (something happening to my child) so I need a new thought to calm myself. Any recommendations?🫣

[@RFan881]

@@pacar4240 Find a nice psychologist to talk to so that they can help you manage them and help you make them what they are - just thoughts 😊 In the meantime if it helps, kiss your baby, remind yourself that you are doing your best to prevent the worst and that the worst rarely happens especially with what I am certain such a great parent like you 🤗 I would also say hug yourself or ask for a hug from someone at night without explaining why you need a hug to reassure yourself that you’ve got this (this is a very tiring phrase to hear for a parent, I know 😉)

[@marissaambrose5561]

Thank you! This is my 3rd baby and post partum has been a struggle physically. He was a big baby! Heavy periods and definitely the body odor but not under the armpits. I have an appointment coming up because its also very irregular. Good to know that they may push birth control/IUD - not interested in them. Please follow up with what you did to control it.. Thank you!!

[@MegaTelenovela]

This video is so validating yet bubble crushing for me. I'd hope some of the things mentioned not happen in future babies.

[@skeller7474]

Yess the contractions while feeding... ouch! 5 days post partum and it is rough

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Hang in there!

[@katarzynawisniewska783]

Thank you so much! Love your honesty!❤

[@HealthNutNutrition]

when I film videos like this I feel like Im chatting with friends

[@elora6910]

I love this video! Everything you mentioned is SO true!!! Don’t feel like its talked about enough !!! X

[@HealthNutNutrition]

So glad!

[@ErinKuttler]

I would recommend seed cycling! I used it before I got pregnant and it helped regulate my cycle! It's natural and uses different seeds for menstrual phase and ovulation.

[@amandamartelli8811]

I’m nearly 10 months pp, breastfeeding a milk monster and have been ‘full’ less times than I can count on one hand my whole postpartum. So hungry all the time!!!!

[@annabelle_vanee]

Didn’t know i needed this video!! I dont feel so crazy now ahah

[@jolantagourmaud7613]

Hi Nicole, it is funny I've experienced shower skreams and intrusive thoughs, they are scary. Period return is probably linked to night breastfeeding, my children ate a lot during the night and it took, 17 and 26 months to have my period again. Interesting, my period after are less abundant with no cramping at all. Everybody ist different 😅

[@tonii2019]

I watched one of your older videos about postpartum and I appreciate it so much. After watching, I prepared for the 3/4 month hair fallout and the body odor stench. I use the “Shea Moisture Antiperspirant & deodorant” which is an amazing product. Thank youuuu 😮‍💨😅 P.S. lol at 17:04

[@GraceLoedeman]

Sorry about the uterine contractions. I guess it's a benefit if a c-section. I had 2 emergency c-sections and didn't notice the uterine contractions afterwards. They also don't tell you that some babies have no rooting response or ability to suckle. With my first I had to syringe feed him breastmilk for the first week, and at 2.5 years old he still can't properly suck.

[@cmatkovich5539]

Thank you for this 🙌🏻 My post partum menses are like the elevator scene from The Shining!?! Would love to hear about how it goes with your naturopath

[@aytenlusi2741]

Omg phantom kicks and the screams I hear whilst in the shower is so accurate!!!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

😆

[@ninarechin2531]

Phantom cries, yes this is a thing!!! My girl is almost 2 and i still think i hear her in her room crying for me. Its CRAZY!!! And even after you get up, walk to their door and not hear a noise and go back to your bed, you still hear them!! Like what?!?!?

[@destroia4]

Try red light on your belly when you have your period. I used to get extremely heavy periods and I feel like they have gotten lighter faster with red light

[@peacebalance8067]

The eff. 😒 Thanks for the heads up.

[@cassidyphillippe2553]

I think its important to talk about that not everyone loves the newborn stage. Its not always a blissful baby bubble. My baby is 8months and this is my fav stage by far and i dont miss the early days. Not everyone is starving after birth... i had to remind myself or force myself to eat.

[@BloodSweatandFears]

Those “intrusive thoughts” are your maternal instincts letting you know the extra dangers to your baby at that moment. It’s a biological instinct. They are a good thing. They are normal, and can be very useful. No need to feel guilty as that’s what your brain is supposed to be doing for you to be more prepared to care for a newborn. ❤❤❤❤

[@Toker43]

What is the link for the menstrual pad you place on the bed? Please and thank you. I know a momma who could use this.

[@Beachedwhales237]

lol at the gyno saying “get used to it” wth man lol

[@alena4212]

Your doctor’s advice was not helpful. Glad you are talking to a natural path. I had some hormonal problems right before I got pregnant with my first in 2021, my doctor only offered me BC. I also didn’t take that as an answer, read tons of books on fertility and balancing hormones. Figured it out myself and was pregnant within a month 😄😄 Trust you’re own instincts 💕💕

[@allisong3736]

Yes heavy periods and very interested in your tips

[@sara17007]

WOW everything you said was on point!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I’m so happy this video resonates with you 🥰

[@irinalukyanova9083]

My daughter is 2.5, my son is almost 6 🙈 still breastfeeding my daughter, very tired already but just cant stop it yet. 😅🐣 i think i had few things from your video… the smell, the weird and scary thoughts, appetite too. A lot of your comments ring the bell. 🙏 but my periods are not too bad … bit not less for sure, first 2-3 days heavy… and actually because of the C-section i think period is longer now, as if blood gets stuck in some pocket and gets out later at day 8 😅 thanks for amazing video. I want try the deodorant you mentioned. And yeah, the feminine wash is needed 🙈

[@irinalukyanova9083]

I had a fantom cry just during the video 😂😂😂had to stop it and listen if my kids are fine and they are old already😂😂😂

[@marybelaponte3068]

Sometimes continued excessive bleeding during menstruation can be a sign of fibroids. Something you can have checked just to be sure.

[@borlanda92]

I had terrible periods for the first year postpartum, heavy flow, terrible cramping, and lasted a few days longer than before baby. I got my period back regularly at 6 months postpartum and I breastfed for a year. My period was never really nice and light and 3 days long (like it was pre-baby) after my daughter. And then I got pregnant again at 2.5 years pp so a little nervous for getting my period back this time around 😬😅

[@ollieslulliesandmore]

The painful afterpains was something I never heard of and made me resent breastfeeding for my first baby. #2 due in a week, hopefully its a better experience. At least, I know what to expect!

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Luckily the subside fairly quick I believe but yes omg not fun at all

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Also congrats on baby coming so soon!

[@ollieslulliesandmore]

@@HealthNutNutrition thanks!

[@Ijusthavequestions]

Breastfeeding helps the uterus to heal. It's all part if the process. Hang in there.

[@nashaybock7511]

I got my period back the 2nd month pp also! I got an IUD about 12 weeks pp with my first and got it removed about 9 months later or so. Since then, my periods were really light, like lighter than prior to ever having babies. Currently pregnant with my 2nd and I don’t plan to get an iud or birth control so I’ll report back 😂

[@ninarechin2531]

Ive never been a sweaty or smelly person and i still am not stinky in general still.

[@Path-of-Emilia]

Intrusive thoughts: me going through the house during the night thinking that there may be a serisl killer in the house ... Tough... And suoer scary...

[@l.w.9567]

I prefer no bgm! Great vid regardless

[@mupeM]

Its the smelly pits for me 😩 most annoying post-partum side-effect, plus fluctuating emotions

[@virginie3783]

Love this video ❤

[@HealthNutNutrition]

So glad!

[@petyakoastova-todorova2525]

My neighbour got pregnant less than 3 months after the first one. The boys are born within the same year 😅

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I would cry 😭 lol

[@katiesingleton7112]

What brand is the bed pad you use when you’re on your period?

[@karlieprozanski8250]

I mean I’ve heard people talk about it 🤣 But for real I think the “no one talks about it” comes from not everyone having the same experience. You’ll never hear me talk about postpartum stink because I never experienced it.

[@Suebearish]

And also postpartum your ligaments and muscles are loose from the hormones that happen during pregnancy to enable the pelvis to open up. You can easily pull a muscle if you are you are active too soon before your pelvic floor tightens again

[@HealthNutNutrition]

very true! I think its called relaxin or something

[@klimtkahlo]

I think Korean moms stay home for a month with a person that cares for them. They eat nutritious food, etc. I think many societies had this… sad how we evolved to being less kind to mothers.

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Yes we have some friends that did that and it’s so smart

[@NS-yz8ym]

Girl did you check your thyroid hormones?

[@salo81]

On the heavy periods: I don't find that normal. At least that your doctor says that will stay until menopause. Yes, the first few periods after birth maybe heavier but that should not stay this way. My friends, my mom's and my experiences are that the periods got lighter and more regular after having kids.

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Yeah I was not impressed that she told me the only solution was birth control.. 😑 I agree not normal and should be addressed instead of a bandaid solution

[@alexaboro4276]

Intrusive thoughts are the freaking worstttttt. I was like 10 feet away from a candle holding my baby and I couldn’t stop picturing putting her feet in the fire. I have to say like “omg omg” out loud or it doesn’t go away lol

[@Ijusthavequestions]

I'm just going to include one other thing about intrusive thoughts. Prayer. I swear it helps and heals especially anxiety. Or just reading uplifting verses like psalms. The Word of the Almighty is life and it heals physical and spiritual wounds.

[@faithandtawakkul2867]

ALLAH AZZWAJAL is the true ONE and ONLY GOD , CREATOR of the heavens and the earth and all that exists , Sustainer Nourisher Guardian HE has no son, no partner , no associate HE is ONE and only ALLAH AZZWAJAL

[@truebelieversallarewelcome7876]

blessings 🤔 pelvic floor ?

[@cassieleefryeklund5623]

I got my period the 2nd month too

[@ItsVNess]

No one talks about the odor!!! I was so embarrassed at first lmao

[@Tina-i9w5y]

Y are wire bras bad for you? You should share the ones you like...

[@elizabethmeakem6074]

Hi when is your wedding

[@sdl5731]

Intrusive thoughts still happening 9 years later 😬

[@BlaackStones]

I use period underwear now, it litteraly changed my life

[@HealthNutNutrition]

I’m wearing a pair right now and I couldn’t agree more

[@KirstenSarle-np5dl]

Maybe try eating some liver or taking liver supplements a week before your period to help with the heavy flow.

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Thank you!

[@newdayplans7760]

It all happens all over again premenopausal

[@HealthNutNutrition]

FML... lol

[@fuzzles93]

I just had my second baby boy 3 weeks early. I totally forgot about so many things like milk coming in and how intense your boobs feel and then the BO omg so smelly and ya I had post partum rage too last time and hoping I don’t this time.

[@GlitterQueen24]

The hair loss is scary af

[@lindsayfoster4759]

Postpartum >>> pregnancy a million times over lol

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Same same

[@christelleluc1766]

Still not stinky after 2 babies 😂

[@HealthNutNutrition]

Wow unicorn armpits that’s amazing haha

[@christelleluc1766]

Lots of contractions to shrink back utérus for 3 weeks pp but managable without medication or heat packs. Hope it stays like this if ever baby n3 😅