Pixabay / CC0 Licence

Following a bereavement, popular knowledge suggests that people will experience the “five stages of grief”. These five stages are known as the “Kübler-Ross model”, and were first proposed by Swiss doctor Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her book On Death and Dying in 1969.

Explaining the five stages

According to the Kübler-Ross model, there are five distinct phases of grief:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

For the majority of people their understanding of grief is based along the same lines. The general belief is that each stage occurs individually, linearly and rather cleanly. For example, if you are experiencing “depression”, this will always be the fourth stage. You will have previously experienced denial, anger and bargaining. You will soon move on to acceptance.

This model has been widely accepted in popular culture and understanding of grief; there’s even an episode of the medical comedy-drama Scrubs entitled “My Five Stages”, where the characters work through the stages in sequence, as described by the model.

The only problem is… this understanding of the “five stages” is actually rather flawed.

The truth about the “five stages”

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first presented the five stages in relation to how people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness respond to the news – not as a method of describing how people grieve the loss of a loved one. Secondly, Kübler-Ross went on to criticize her own model, and in particular, the linear way it is presented.

Why is this a problem?

If you have recently lost a loved one, modern culture will have created the idea in your mind that you know what to expect. There’s a certain reassurance in the five stages of grief. At a time of darkness and sadness, it’s somewhat reassuring to know how you might feel and importantly  that you will eventually reach acceptance.

However, if you do not experience these stages in the order expected, it can be extremely troubling. You may find yourself in a situation where the already difficult process of grieving is further complicated by the lack of recognizable “stages”, adding confusion to a period of time in which you are already entirely understandably  struggling to cope.

These issues mean that the standard model of grief can be outright harmful. People know what they expect from grief, only to find themselves blindsided by a range of different experiences. They may find that they experience all five stages of grief, but in a different order; for example, if a loved one dies as a result of the harmful actions of another person, anger – rather than denial – is likely to be the first stage. Alternatively, they may skip some stages entirely; for example, moving from denial to anger, and then to acceptance.

Thinking beyond the Kübler-Ross model

/ CC0 Licence

As we have seen, the five stages of grief is a flawed model.  It was never designed as a model for how relatives of someone who has passed cope with their grief.  Therefore helpful to try and think beyond the Kübler-Ross model and understand what grieving actually involves .  At least as far as it is possible to predict.

Firstly, we have first to acknowledge that no two losses are alike. The way you may feel when grieving someone who has been lost in an industrial accident – a sudden, unexpected death – and how you feel in the aftermath of a loved one passing after a long terminal illness is, obviously, very different.

In the first instance, you may feel a huge amount of anger and shock, and find strength in actions such as contacting the attorneys at the Blumenshine Law Group for legal advice, or writing to your local representative to raise awareness in an effort to prevent such a scenario ever happening again. In the second scenario, you may feel very little shock.

Perhaps even a sense of relief, which is entirely natural.  Sadly,  all grief can be predicted in the same way.

Also, there is a second layer of subjectivity that we must acknowledge: no two people will grieve in the same way.  For example, have twins who lose a loved one; both would have the same experiences, memories and relationship with that loved one.  Both can grieve the loss in very different ways.

The important fact to remember

Given the variances as presented above and the problems of the “five stages” model, grief is likely best approached with an open mind wherever possible. Often, what causes the most harm is the failure to meet an expectation; for example, people often expect to feel incredibly sad, but actually feel somewhat relieved which is natural, but can make the person feel incredibly guilty.

Alternatively, people expect they will cope with death relatively well, only to find that they actually feel far worse than they anticipated, which adds further distress at an already-difficult time.

Instead, it’s helpful to try and see grieving as an experience where anything goes. All emotions and reactions to grief are entirely valid; all are natural; and all are understandable.

No matter how you respond to the loss of a loved one, it’s your experience; it doesn’t need to conform to a model or an expectation – just let it be what it is, talk to someone for support if you feel it would be beneficial, but mostly, just let yourself be.

Finally, it is also worth remembering that grief is incredibly changeable. You may start one day feeling at peace and relatively normal. You’re furious at lunchtime, then sad in the afternoon, and then back to acceptance by the time you are going to bed. Again, this is entirely normal and to be expected.  Try to take each moment as it comes rather than focusing on what might happen next.

In conclusion

Pixabay / CC0 Licence

While the five stages of grief have gained huge popularity and are the generally accepted “way” to grieve, in truth, grieving does not adhere to any specific model. Instead, focus on your experience, your emotions, and whatever actions or behaviors may allow you to cope as best you can.

Image source

Being a new mom brings lots of responsibilities. Including some financial ones. The cost of having a new baby in the house can be more than some had bargained for. With healthcare and diapers costing quite a bit before you start on anything else. What other financial matters should you as a new mom be considering?

Purchase Term life Insurance 

If the worst happens to you, how would your family cope financially? Suddenly they have to face many extra costs, as moms do so many things for free. There could be childcare and babysitting and other expenses associated with children.

 There are the expenses that would be incurred if you died, such as your funeral. If you discover more about getting insurance cover for these circumstances now, you can have peace of mind over this matter. You might think you don’t need to worry about this stuff now.  The better prepared you are the better it will be for your whole family.

Life insurance need not be as expensive as you think, especially if it is for a set number of years. Most parents have Term life insurance to cover  their children until high school.

You should also consider long-term disability.  In the event of a serious accident in which you become disabled, any income you lose is partly covered for a while at least.

Make a Will

Everyone has some assets.  even if they are not worth a great deal. You should make a will to ensure that whatever assets you do have go to the people you want them to. Without a will, there can be lengthy legal battles after losing someone they loved. that is the last thing a family should have to go through.

You could also take the opportunity to specify who you would want the legal guardians to be in the event that both you and your partner were killed in a road accident. 

Start Saving

 Start saving some money for the future. It does not have to be large amounts, but as you see your money grow, it will encourage you to save even more. It could be that it is to be used for your children’s college education, for their wedding or maybe for your retirement. Once you get into the habit it becomes easy and for some people turns into an obsession.

Build an Emergency Fund

It makes financial sense to have some money behind you in case of emergencies. Keep this money should in a separate account aim to save enough for six months living expenses. Then if while your children are growing up, you have to change your job or find yourself out of work, you will have a breathing space to get things in order before your finances get out of hand.

When your family starts, you will have so many things to think about that finances could be the last thing on your mind. You should find the time at some point though to sit and sort all these matters out, or at a later date, you might regret that you didn’t.

 Photo

There are big steps in your life, and it is important to prepare for these. It’s fair to say that moving house is one of the biggest and most stressful. In order to make sure you have the best possible outcome, as well as the most complete moving process, you need to make sure you prepare for buying a new home as much as you possibly can.

Make sure you are focused on improving the way the move happens.  That you know all the financial implications. Planning this out meticulously is so important.  It is something that will go a long way towards helping you get the right home for you.  Bear these things in mind moving forward as they are going to help.

1. Choose the Right Property

 Make sure you choose the right property to move into,  there are many choices these days. To understand what it takes to pick the right home, and you have to choose something that will suit your circumstances and your situation. There are different properties to choose from,  make sure your investment is the right one.

2. Sorting Out the Cost

That means you should do what you can to make sure you sort out the cost of buying a new home. Parting with money to buy a new property is not exactly cheap.  This is why you have to make sure you are focused on the cost, and what you can do to meet these costs as much as possible. Check out Altrua Financial to see the right sorts of financial decisions for the cost of getting a mortgage. Be sure you make the right choice now.

3. Making the Move

Making the actual move itself is something people overlook or see as being easy, and it’s not.  Keep in mind,  you want to try to make sure you make this process as stress-free as you possibly can. Preparing for a big move can be daunting, but, as long as you plan it all out and understand what you need to do, this is something that should go down without a hitch.

4. Settling In

One of the biggest challenges, when you move to a new home, is being able to settle in. This is something that can take a bit of time, and you might need to adapt to a new area. It’s exciting and fulfilling,  you need to make sure you think carefully about what it takes to improve your new home, and how you can gain more enjoyment from it long-term as well.

These are just some of the crucial things you to need to account for when you are looking at how to buy a new home in the best way you possibly can. There are a lot of things you need to understand about how you can get the best chance possible for your new home, and that requires you to make the right choices.

You’ll know when it’s time to move on, when your living space no longer comfortably seats you. Plus children and assorted pets or when working from home feels like the walls are closing in.
Then it’s time to pack up and upscale your living quarters.

Buying a new house is a healthy mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement in climbing the next rung on the property ladder. One step closer to your dream home, but fear of everything that comes with that. Money, time, complicated legal paperwork to name but a few house moving anxieties.

The process often begins relaxed enough. Browsing a few home sale sites and daring to dream about some of the properties you come across. Reality can set in pretty quickly when you’re negotiating down prices. Wondering if your dream home is, in fact a nightmare of rising damp and crumbling walls.

To avoid new move dramas, we’ve scoured the best of the web for handy hints and top tips to help make your next big move smooth sailing.

Preparation Is Everything

Perhaps you’re the kind of person who keeps everything neatly filed from the get go. All your plans and documentation are color-coded and it’s easy to lay your hands on just the right piece of paper. Or perhaps you find juggling school runs, work and home quite enough and wouldn’t even know where to find that mortgage statement or dental appointment letter.

If you’re the latter, now’s the time to get one file started: your moving file. In that, you’re going to need bank statements, mortgage statements, forms of identification and everything you’ll need to make the process of moving house as hassle free as possible. All these documents can be stored online as an extra precaution.

But hold everything, before you press play on buying your dream house you’re going to have to overcome one big hurdle: selling your own.

Here’s where it starts getting really complicated. Having the two processes running simultaneously in your head at the same time is enough to drive you crazy. That’s why, at this stage, you need to put the dream house on hold and get your house sold.

Getting Sale Ready

Before you even reach for the phone to call your realtor, start getting your property in sale shape. The best place to start is with a thorough decluttering. This can be the longest and toughest part of the process but be tough, be ruthless; when it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

Every room, every cupboard, every drawer in your property should be gone through with a fine tooth comb and anything that no longer fits, that is no longer played with or remembered needs to go to the seconds shop, or to the trash.

If you struggle to let go of objects for sentimental reasons consider gifting them to friends and family instead.

All done? You’re ready for the next step:

Be The Buyer

It’s time to look at your property through the eyes of a potential buyer. Begin at the beginning, go outside and take a good long look at the exterior of your property. What do you see? Crumbling paintwork, windows that have seen better days? If you’ve got the money to patch up some of this work, then consider getting it done. You don’t have to spend a fortune and anything you spend out should come back to you and more when it comes to your sales figure.

Employ contractors you trust for painting and professionals such as Renewal by Andersen window replacement for windows and external doors. Shop around and get a quote that sounds reasonable and fair and that can be done to a timescale that suits you.

Next, head inside. How welcoming is your hallway? What are the first impressions of this home? Perhaps you have coats strewn across the floor or gloves and hats hanging off the radiators, tell family members there are new rules now.

Take your time and slowly work your way around the house trying to imagine what each room tells your viewer. If you struggle to separate yourself from your house, then have a friend walk around with you and give you the honest truth.
All those little DIY jobs that you’ve been meaning to do, your friend’s going to tell you all about them.

Set Up Viewings

When you’re sale ready, it’s time to get in the professionals. There are plenty of options for selling your house yourself and setting up your own sales viewings but unless you know exactly what you’re doing, handing over the responsibility to a third party is often the best option.

While it’s tempting to watch over the viewings and chip in with advice and information, it rarely helps a sale and letting your realtor guide people through your home will speed the process along. Besides how would you feel if you heard viewers criticizing your bespoke furniture or favorite rug?

Not every viewing is going to lead to an offer and likewise, not every offer is going to lead a sale. There may be several false starts along the way. These aren’t your fault or your problem; they’re very much a part of the process.

Then the day comes when you get an offer, you accept and your house sale starts slowly edging its way forward. Now’s the time to get your logistics going with the selling/buying chain.

Many people opt to take the pressure off the chain by moving into temporary accommodation and placing their goods in storage for a month or so, but with a smaller budget this might not be an option for everyone.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Get Packing

Whether you move yourself or have a removals company do it for you. Make sure your goods are handled with care and attention to making unpacking easier the other side.

Look forward to that first cup of coffee in your new home, and start planning how you’re going to redecorate your perfect new abode.

When your child gets sick it is the absolute worst feeling. Sometimes there isn’t anything you can do to help them other than provide them with love and comfort, and honestly that’s the hard part. Depending on your insurance carrier, it can be difficult to find an appointment the same day, and ER visits can be very costly.

Telemedicine and telehealth have simplified this process, and I couldn’t be happier.  When your kids are sick you dread having to leave the house this allows you to do everything from the comfort of your own home.

What is telemedicine

Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology. Finding medical care has now become easier than ever! We can find a doctor, obtain services, and get advice with the click of a mouse! Honestly it allows me to be more efficient with my time.

If your insurance company doesn’t have these services available, there are organizations like HealhApp, or Better Help to provide you with immediate help and service.

The Story

My youngest daughter, was having a fever for more than 24 hours.  Although I have been through this so many times with my other kids, it still caught me by surprise, especially because her fever would not drop. I knew I needed immediate help especially because it had already been a day with fever. I started with the meds to help decrease the fever, alternating between Tylenol and Motrin. It was helping more than I anticipated.

What to do

I called the 24 hour nurse line, since the incident happened to be late at night. The nurse was provided advice for me to help my daughter and keep her comfortable at home.  That evening I emailed her pediatrician informing her of my daughter’s status, letting her know that I called the nurse line.

Telemedicine to the rescue!

The next morning, the fever came back and her doctor called me and offered me to do a video chat to discuss her symptoms. That’s right, a video chat! It was amazing. Once I knew that she could see my daughter we had more answers as to what was wrong with her.

Luckily it ended up being from teething.

With all the current advancements in technology and medicine, this is the way of the future.  It can help and benefit so many people not only here in the United States but in other countries around the world.  I just think of my own children and the care I received. I believe all insurance carriers should offer telemedicine services.

Even for something as small as teething I felt I received the support I needed to help my child.  And for me, that is priceless.

At this time of year you just have to blink and then the holidays are upon us. The countdown to Christmas is on, and with the festivities and fun, there are more than likely going to be freezing cold temperatures, snow, rain, and ice, depending on where in the country you live. With the mass spending that can occur at this time of year, you may have budgeted for the extra food and the gifts that you are going to buy. But have you thought about, or planned ahead for, the extra spending that you may have due to home repairs in winter? What if you needed to get a new boiler or if pipes freeze and then burst in the cold weather?

Home repairs are part and parcel of being a homeowner, and yes, it isn’t fun spending money on things like that. But it can be essential, and it can save you money in the long term, especially if something goes wrong with what you’ve got at home. So with all of this in mind, here are some jobs that are worth looking at now, so that you can enjoy your holiday season in peace, and not have any unexpected disasters.

image

Service Your Boiler

Having a boiler serviced should be done as often as you can, but once in a couple of years is usually a good place to start; when was the last time you had your boiler serviced? It makes sure that your home is safe, gas safe, and that the boiler will be functioning right to keep you warm through the winter. If you know someone that is certified to do them then it will make it cheaper. However, it’s definitely one of those things that is a necessary cost really (as boilers and issues with them can be way more pricey to repair).

 Checks Pipe and Water Tank

If you get a burst water pipe then the damage it can lead to can be monumental. You have the cost of repairing the pipes, but if it has led to any water damage then it can mean the cost of repairing flooring or even ceilings. So checking on them regularly and making sure that they are working fine is always a good idea. While you are checking on the water pipes, the water tank is also worth looking at. Making sure that the lid is on securely is a good idea, as well as making sure that the insulation around it is going to be adequate and in good repair.

Windows and Drafts

The windows are one of the key things that help to keep the heat in over the winter time. So if you have any drafts coming in from your windows or damage to the windows, then it can make your home cold and not energy efficient. That will make your heating bill high over winter as you’re trying to keep the home warm all of the time. If you have cracked glass or anything like that to your windows, then getting new windows is as must. At this time of year it can be cold and damaging, as well as a hazard for things like theft. Sealant on windows can be a good way to repair if there are drafts, but if there are holes in the glass, then it will need new windows, and pronto.

Clearing Gutters

Clearing your gutters is so important at this time of year. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money (unless you don’t have a ladder to use). Through fall, leaves and moss can fall and fill the gutters around your home. Mix that up with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, and it can mean that it all will freeze together in your gutters. That can lead to damage with the gutters, as they can crack as the water freezes in there, as well as then lead to damage and even leaks. Water damage is really dangerous and can lead to a lot of problems. So cleaning gutters is a simple thing to do that can make a difference and avoid any of that kind of damage.

There can be some cost and hassle when it comes to dealing with the maintenance of your home in winter, but it is something to take seriously and not just brush aside. All of these things can save you money in the long term, and you will also not have any unexpected bills or damage to your home coming your way.

Image via Pexels.

Stop stressing about Santa.

Christmas should be a happy time when families get together, enjoy themselves and make amazing memories, but most busy mums would tell you that can be quite far from the reality – in fact, lots of people report that their stress levels increase over the festive period. So, is there a way to have the perfect family celebration, minus the stress? Turns out all you need to do is slow down and plan ahead….

Keep On Top Of The Planning

Your brain can only hold so many tasks at once – when you add seasonal to-dos on top of the regular ones, it’s little wonder that it can feel overwhelming. Get yourself a task app that can keep track of everything for you and give you reminders. Make calendar appointments for everything from shopping for stocking fillers online to the neighbours annual party – that what you can see exactly what you’re doing and when. And if it feels too much? Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s your holiday too and if you don’t want to be busy every day then insist on making space where you can.

Bring The Family Together

The essence of Christmas is spending time with loved ones, and that can’t happen if people are constantly distracted by their phones and tablets. Think seriously about suggesting a ban on electronics for Christmas Day and break out the board games instead. An app like Family Orbit can help you limit your kids screen time – they are less likely to complain with the festive fun to distract them. Stay away from social media yourself – other people’s edited Instagram feeds can smother your joy. Comparing yourself to others can only make you feel bad, even if you were having an amazing Christmas before. You do the festivities your own way.

Have A Pre-Christmas Clutter Bust

One of the not so nice things about Christmas with kids is the sheer chaos of too many toys. Make it part of your Christmas traditions to do a clear out before the big day, getting the kids to help you bag up clothes they have grown out of and toys they are too old to play with. Speak to them about how donating some things that they don’t play with anymore may mean that other children get something to open, and let them know that this season is about giving as well as receiving. You’ll all feel so much better once there is room to breathe and space for the influx of new things.

Set And Stick To A Budget

We all want the holidays to be magical, but we sometimes make the mistake of thinking that just equates to volume of gifts. So we buy things we can’t afford and create financial stress. Break the cycle by setting a reasonable budget for Christmas and being strict about sticking to it. A few thoughtfully chosen gifts are far better than masses of unwanted tat.

(Image Link)

Having someone you care about die as the result of someone else’s actions can be a very hard pill to swallow. When they have lived a good and honest life, it is unfair that they can be stripped of everything they’ve worked for as the result of negligence, especially when they are at work. Of course, as someone who cares about them, it makes sense that you would want to fight to make something like this better. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the work which can go into fighting back when a person you love is lost to someone else’s poor choices.

Building A Cause

In this sort of circumstance, there will often be something which can be learned from the tragedy you’ve been through. Though it may be hard to see at first, but this can be used as a tool to do good, as long as you’re willing to spend some time thinking about the important aspects of it. If they were killed in a traffic accident which was caused by someone on the phone, for example, you can use your experience as a way to spread a positive message about safety while driving. People listen to those who are grieving, especially when they are passionate about a worthy cause like this.

Making A Case

There are examples of this sort of situation which aren’t covered by criminal law. At work, for example, someone could make a mistake which results in your loved one dying prematurely, and they won’t have to deal with going to prison in return. While they may not feel the full force of the law, you can still apply some of the pressure, using a company like Hughey Law Firm to claim compensation on behalf of your loved one. Not only will this make your life easier, but it will hold the person responsible accountable. Of course, you may even make people more conscious along the way.

Create A Support Network

Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the support network you have around you. There are loads of people out there who will have gone through similar experiences to you, giving you something to relate to when you need to talk about your struggles. By creating support networks which can develop into larger groups, you will build something positive out of your loved one’s passing. When you think about them as a person, this is probably something they would want to come from this part of their life, rather than you sinking into grief instead. It’s easy to help each other when you’ve all been through the same struggle.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start working harder on the time which goes into fighting for your loved ones when they’ve been killed by something which wasn’t their fault. As time goes on, the world is becoming a safer place, but this doesn’t keep everyone protected, with small mistakes making all the difference.

A normal day in our home consists of four different meals at least twice a day.  One wants a quesadilla, the other wants nuggets.  I am constantly trying to find a happy medium when it comes to meal times. Not to mention the fact that I have a very picky eater.

My oldest son refuses to eat any type of fruit or veggie, it’s impossible.  I’ve tried making cutesy characters out of cucumbers and smiley faces with strawberries for pancakes.  Instead, he pushes it to the side.

I know just how important veggies are for growing kids, I was lucky enough to find this opportunity with Daily Kneads Veggie Breads.  I was asked to review their products, I am excited for this opportunity to try new things and introduce them to my family.

In the package they included, the Tomato Basil Veggie bread, Carrot and Pumpkin bread, and Spinach and leek flatbread.  Let me start by saying they are so delicious and contain one cup of veggies per slice! That’s right…per slice.  Amazing, right?

So today I am going to share with you not only how this bread helped my picky eater but some simple recipes as well.

Tomato Basil Grilled Ham & Cheese

This is a classic, every kid loves a grilled cheese. With this bread, I wanted to jazz up this everyday favorite.

1. Half a teaspoon of butter in a frying pan
2. Add Swiss, cheddar, Ham, and a little spinach
3. Cook on each side 1 to 3 minutes or until golden brown on the outside

Keep in mind this bread tends to take a little longer than normal bread to toast on the outside.  I think it’s good, because the bread is much thicker than a regular whole grain bread.  My son (the picky one) absolutely loved this.  I added the spinach to mine and the cheese and ham to his.  Perfect for an after-school snack.

Carrot & Pumpkin French Toast

When I found out they offered pumpkin flavored bread, I wanted to buy everything they had in stock! This bread is perfect for a Saturday morning breakfast with the family.  I can tell you first hand it makes the best French toast.  It comes out super fluffy and the carrot and pumpkin give it kick.

1. Beat 3 eggs (I use whole eggs, but you can use egg whites as well)
2. Add ¾ cup of buttermilk to eggs
3. 1teaspoon of cinnamon
4. dip the bread on each side in the egg batter (make sure it’s nice and moist)
5. add ½ a teaspoon of butter to pan
6. fry toast for 1 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

You can garnish this with powdered sugar or syrup. We added some strawberries and bananas (mostly for my non-picky eaters).  We also toasted the bread with cream cheese and it’s perfect with coffee, and chocolate milk.

Flat bread Avocado Cucumber Salad

This one is my favorite, unfortunately my son wasn’t a big fan but my daughter loved it as well.

1. Use spinach and Leek flatbread
2. 2 avocados cubed
3. 2 cucumbers peeled and cubed
4. add ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper (or to taste)
5. Mix all ingredients together and place on flatbread.

Super simple meal ideas to help your picky eater with Daily Kneads products.  You can find out more about their products by visiting their website https://dailykneadsbread.com. They offer a wide array of products, recipes, promotions and more.  I highly recommend their products, they are 100 percent organic, Non-GMO, vegan, and each serving of bread is one full cup of veggies! The best part is my kids didn’t notice the difference in taste.

Thanks for stopping by, make sure to check out these awesome products.  Definitely Mommy Approved!

Image source

Now your baby born and your first priority is making sure you attend to all their needs. You need to also look after yourself. You may find life pretty hard to cope with for a while; your body went through many changes during pregnancy, and you will probably have lumps and bumps where you did not have them before. Add this to the fact that your hormones will be in turmoil for quite a while, and it is easy to see why to need to incorporate some self-care into your daily routine.

Your personal parts

It takes about 6 weeks for your uterus and vagina to recover from giving birth.  In that time you may suffer some discomfort. You can wear specially designed postpartum underwear, just like the ones reviewed at Innerparents. These will provide support and protection that ordinary underwear can’t.

Immediately after the birth, you will bleed as though you are having a heavy period. This will dwindle eventually, but during that time you should not use tampons or sanitary products that are scented.

Your Breasts

 Whether you decide to breastfeed or not, your breasts are going to swell and fill with milk roughly 2 days after birth. If you are breastfeeding, the discomfort will subside at each feed time. If you are not breastfeeding, you have to wait for the milk to disappear. This can mean a couple of weeks of discomfort and leaking.

Wearing breast pads can help to keep it off your clothing, and with light colored tops, it will be less noticeable if a leak does occur.

Image source

Using the bathroom

You will have no problem passing water after giving birth, although if you have stitches or were torn it can sometimes sting. Your body took on more water while you were carrying the baby, and now it needs to get rid of it. That should not stop you from drinking plenty though, as you need to make sure you stay well hydrated.

Your first bowel movements might be a little awkward, as your intestines have got used  the weight of your uterus pressing on them.  High fiber fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help to stop you becoming constipated. If a problem persists, try a high-fiber supplement or speak with your health carer to see what they recommend.

Feeling Fragile

The new baby can cause you a rollercoaster of emotions for you as a new mom. You will feel an overwhelming love for this little being. After just a few days will feel totally exhausted too. It is perfectly natural to feel fragile after giving birth.  You need to make sure that you take care of yourself as well as the baby. That can be easier said than done when all you want to do is sleep when they do, but it is vitally important.

Never be afraid to ask for help, or to take advantage if someone offers to watch the baby while you have a bath or go to the shops. These little bits of time for you can make a big difference to the way you feel. Remember that you are a person in your own right and not just a mom.