The Side Effects That Nobody Told You About (But Every Mum Experiences)
Body after birth
You spend months preparing for birth, reading, nesting, stocking up on tiny clothes, and still nothing fully prepares you for what your body does after the baby arrives. The postpartum phase is raw, intense, beautiful, overwhelming, and sometimes just downright strange. The truth is: every new mum goes through physical surprises no one really talks about, even though they’re completely normal.
From night sweats to sudden hair loss, ongoing bleeding, and unexpected bladder quirks, here’s a deep dive into the postpartum body shocks many mums face, and why you’re far from alone.
The Shower-Soaking Night Sweats
Imagine waking up drenched, as in, needing-a-complete-outfit-change drenched. Postpartum night sweats are incredibly common, especially in the first few weeks, thanks to a dramatic hormonal shift as your body clears excess pregnancy fluid.
It’s not glamorous, but it is temporary. Keeping your room cool, wearing breathable clothing, and using light bedding can help. Many mums also switch to the best maternity underwear for breathable comfort during this phase, especially when the night sweats mix with postpartum discharge.
And here’s the big tip no one gives you: don’t be alarmed. Night sweats are just your body regulating itself again.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
You’ve probably heard whispers about postpartum hair loss, but nothing prepares you for the clumps in the drain or the sudden thinning around your temples. After enjoying that lush pregnancy volume, oestrogen levels drop quickly after birth, causing many hair follicles to shed all at once.
While it can feel confronting, especially in photos or when styling your hair, it’s a normal process and usually resolves by 6–12 months postpartum.
Nourishing scalp treatments, gentle styling, and avoiding heavy heat tools can help. Most importantly, remember - it grows back. This isn’t forever.
The Bleeding That Lasts Longer Than Expected
Postpartum bleeding (lochia) can catch many first-time mums off guard, not just because of the flow, but because it can last for weeks. Lochia begins like a heavy period and gradually lightens in colour and volume. Stops and starts are normal, especially when you’re more active.
This is where comfort and practicality matter. Many mums swear by disposable postpartum underwear because they’re soft, secure, and allow you to simply toss them after use. Others prefer the structure and reliability of postpartum diapers, especially in the early days when bleeding is heavier.
No matter which you choose, having the right support can make the recovery phase feel calmer and less stressful.
The Bladder Surprises No One Warns You About
From urgency to leakage, bladder issues after birth are extremely common, whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean. Pregnancy weakens the pelvic floor, birth stretches things further, and hormones play a role in recovery.
https://www.wearejude.com/blog/health/did-i-do-this-to-myself-the-true-causes-of-our-bladder-leaks
But here’s the good news: your body is incredibly resilient, and many bladder symptoms improve significantly with time, pelvic floor exercises, and tailored physiotherapy. There’s no shame in experiencing it, and you’re definitely not the only one navigating this.
In the meantime, products like postpartum diapers or absorbent liners give you the freedom to move confidently while your body heals.
No One Warns You About the Emotional Rollercoaster
The physical surprises are only half the story. Postpartum hormones can make you teary over an ad, laugh uncontrollably the next minute, and feel completely overwhelmed the moment after that. Combine sleep deprivation, healing, feeding challenges, and the giant life shift of having a baby, and your emotions will have opinions.
Take it slowly, accept help wherever possible, and remember that support is not just allowed, it’s essential.
The Tools That Actually Help
One of the most underrated essentials in postpartum recovery is the peri bottle. If you’ve had a vaginal birth, using toilet paper can feel… intense. The peri bottle lets you gently cleanse and soothe tender areas with warm water, reducing discomfort and lowering the risk of irritation or infection.
Alongside that, supportive items like disposable postpartum underwear, postpartum band, and the peri soothe foam can make a huge difference in your daily comfort. When you’re healing, small comforts matter more than you think.
You’re Not Alone, Every Mum Goes Through This
Postpartum recovery is full of surprises, but none of them mean something is wrong with you. These experiences are universal, even if they’re not often discussed openly.
You’re healing, adjusting, learning, and doing an incredible job, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it. Be gentle with yourself, reach out for help when you need it, and remember: your body has done something extraordinary.
You’re stronger than you realise.
