Hey Girly---
My advice for the first couple of weeks post-partum based on what I experienced.
Some of this may be TMI, so fair warning. ![]()
You will go through an insane whirlwind of emotions. You will feel elated, sad, excited, anxious, overwhelmed and just plain FULL of love. Everything will make you cry. PG hormones are nothing compared to what you experience right after you give birth lol. Just know that it is completely normal, and reassure your DH as well. You know it isn't normal when you stop wanting to take care of yourself or your baby, or you only feel sad all the time. Just keep an eye out, and let your DH know to watch out for "warning signs". Make sure you take time to keep a small routine for yourself... like taking a shower every day.
Drink LOTS of fluids... and this is good for a multitude of reasons.
You will be sore, whether it's from a c-sec or a regular delivery. Just make sure you keep up on any pain medication that you are given the ok to take if you need it so you don't end up feeling totally crappy. I am still sore two weeks later, and my mom (who is a labor and delivery nurse) thinks that I probably separated my pubic bone during delivery. Yeah, owch. lol. But it could have been a lot worse. I only had one small internal tear, and I couldn't even feel it.
Everyone kept telling me to sleep when the baby sleeps... but I haven't needed to do that during the day. He sleeps pretty well at night, I have to wake him up still. But if you have a little one that likes to be up at night, definitely make sure you get your rest whenever the baby is down.
If you are breastfeeding, it is incredibly tough, especially at first. While you're in the hospital, take all the advice and help you can get from the nurses and / or lactation consultants. You will always worry about your supply... if little one is getting enough to eat. But the truth is, if the baby is starving, he will let you know. Don't get freaked out when your milk comes in and your boobs get to be as big as globes and hard as rocks. It's uncomfortable and it sucks... and little one might not latch when your boobs are like that, which is frustrating because the only way for them to feel better is for the baby to empty them. You might have to pump or hand express some milk so they soften so that he will latch.
Physically... I still looked like I was about 5 months pregnant when I left the hospital. Breastfeeding helps your belly shrink down as it releases hormones. Don't be freaked out about that. Also... if you have a regular delivery, your lady bits get pretty swollen. Take the ice packs the nurses offer. Witch hazel pads are wonderful, too. ![]()
Hold and cuddle your little one as much as you can, as much as you want to. It is impossible to spoil a newborn.
Cherish every moment, every hug, kiss, cuddle (man, I'm crying writing this...)... every facial expression, every new sound. You never get those moments back. And in those moments where you think you're going to lose it because it is so tough... remember... it won't be like this for long. (Think the Darius Rucker song! Beautiful, and perfect for these moments.) Time passes so fast, and the little one will change EVERY day. I'm already freaking out about when I have to go back to work and can't be with him all day long because I'm going to miss so much!!! ![]()
Re: vhcoleman--- Post Partum Advice :)
Hehe awesome.
If you need anything or have any questions, just let me know. 
:::In My Life, I've Loved You More:::
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:::In My Life, I've Loved You More:::
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Yeah, I hear that 30-week slowdown is a biatch. At least I have some things planned in weeks 31 (work trip/babymoon) and 33 (shower) to look forward to that might speed it up a bit.