Let’s have some real talk about postpartum life.


I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Those first days and weeks with your baby are full of love, connection and magic... but they can also be confronting, messy and downright overwhelming.


As a Blacktown Birth, Motherhood & Family photographer (and a mum myself), I’ve seen this side of the journey up close - through my lens, through my own experience and through the stories of my beautiful clients. So I wanted to share a few of the real things no one talks about. The ones I wish I’d heard before I was deep in the newborn fog.


Here are 8 things I want every new mum to know about those early postpartum days:


1. That first pooP? Terrifying.

Not baby's - yours! Despite drinking litres of Metamucil, I was still caught off guard. It was painful and I genuinely struggled with it for weeks. I wish someone had prepared me mentally, emotionally and practically.

I know it’s not exactly brunch conversation, but this stuff matters. Stay hydrated, stock up on stool softeners, eat your fibre and take your time. It might not be pretty, but it will pass... no pun intended.


2. Breastfeeding can be incredibly painful

This is something I never expected. I had toe-curling pain during feeds and there were days I cried while feeding. Your nipples might crack, blister, or even bleed in the beginning - and for many of us, that’s normal.


Breastfeeding pain is common in the early days, but it’s not something you should just push through without support. Often, pain is a sign of an issue - like a shallow or incorrect latch - and small tweaks can make a huge difference.

Your body is adjusting, your baby is still learning and you're both figuring it out together. Nipple balm, breast pads, cold compresses and the right support (especially from a trusted IBCLC or midwife) can change everything.


3. Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally

There’s a myth that breastfeeding just happens after birth. But for so many of us - myself included - it takes work. Oli didn’t properly latch for 5 or 6 weeks. I barely had drops of milk at first. I expressed around the clock, topped up with formula, used a nipple shield and kept going through sheer determination.


And then one day, just when I was ready to give up - he latched!! It was one of the most emotional moments of my life.

If you want to breastfeed and it’s not working straight away, please know this: you are not alone. And just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy.


If you're struggling or looking for support, click here to read my blog about where to find breastfeeding help in Western Sydney.

4. You might bleed for weeks

It's not quite a period, but postpartum bleeding (lochia) can be heavy, unpredictable and last for up to six weeks or longer. Tampons are off-limits - but honestly, you wouldn’t even want to go there. Ouch!


Stock up on maternity pads, rest when you can and don’t be surprised if your flow changes day to day. It’s normal.


5. Sex might not be on your radar... for a long time

Despite what the six-week check-up suggests, not every woman feels ready by then. Some couples are - and that’s great. But many of us aren’t.


For me, I just couldn't until well after the six-month mark that things felt tolerably pleasurable again. It took time, patience and a whole lot of communication. And that is perfectly okay.


Whether you had a tear, an episiotomy or simply need time to reconnect with your body, take the pressure off. You grew and birthed a whole human. You’re allowed to take your time.


Padsicles, witch hazel, warm baths - they can help physically. But emotional readiness matters just as much.


Want my recipe for easy DIY padsicles?

Click here to download my free padsicle guide and postpartum care checklist


6. The baby blues are real - and so are intrusive thoughts

I didn’t experience the baby blues in the traditional sense. But what I did have were intense, irrational thoughts that terrified me.


What if the roof collapses on us?

What if a plane crashes into our house?

What if I fall trip down the stairs and drop my baby?


But here’s the part no one tells you: these thoughts actually have a purpose. They’re part of your brain’s ancient survival system designed to make you hyper-aware of potential threats so you stay alert and keep your baby safe. Evolutionarily, they helped us protect our young.


Studies show that up to 70% of new parents experience these kinds of thoughts. You're not broken. You’re not a bad mum. And you’re definitely not alone.


That said, if they become constant, intrusive, or start affecting your ability to function or bond with your baby - it’s time to reach out for help. Support is available, and you deserve to feel safe, grounded and supported.


Need to Talk to Someone? Here Are Trusted Support Services:
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
📞 1300 726 306 (Mon–Sat)
🌐 www.panda.org.au
Confidential phone counselling and resources for expecting and new parents.

Gidget Foundation Australia
🌐 www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
Provides free psychological support services for parents across Australia.
Western Sydney families can access Gidget House at Westmead and Merrylands.

Beyond Blue – Mental Health Support
📞 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
🌐 www.beyondblue.org.au
Covers everything from anxiety to intrusive thoughts with phone, text and web chat options.

Your Local GP or Midwife
If you’re feeling off and unsure what’s normal, speak to your GP or maternal health nurse. They can refer you to counselling or perinatal specialists in your area.


7. Your hair might shed like crazy

I didn’t expect the amount of hair I’d lose in the shower. Everywhere I turned, from pillows, drains, clothes - hair ws everywhere!


Postpartum hair loss is normal, usually peaking around 3 to 4 months after birth. It can be confronting, but it will settle. Gentle hair care, rest and time are your best friends here.

8. You don’t need to do this alone

Since the beginning of time, mothers were supported by a tribe - people who helped them carry the load. Today, we often feel like we’re expected to do it all ourselves. But we weren’t meant to.


Your tribe might be your mum, your best friend, your neighbour, a partner, or a trusted friend who makes you laugh and brings snacks. Maybe it’s a postpartum doula. Maybe it’s your local mums group. Maybe it’s your dad, brother or male friend who checks in without judgement.


Whatever it looks like - lean in.


Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise. Read that again <3


Bonus: Embrace your body

You are not meant to “bounce back.” You are not the same woman who went into birth - you are more!


Your body is a temple.

You are a goddess.

You created life and that deserves reverence.


Let go of the pressure to fit back into jeans or meet some imaginary timeline. Your body is still yours - powerful, sacred, beautiful - just as it is now... and now with a baby you thinks it's the safest plac ein the world.

If you’re pregnant and reading this...

You’re already doing so much to prepare. Why not celebrate this chapter too?


These early days are raw, beautiful and often overwhelming, but they’re also deeply meaningful. You deserve to remember them in a way that feels honest and true to you.


Let’s honour your story with gentle, heartfelt photography that feels like you.

Click here to explore my birth and motherhood sessions or click here if you’re ready to book.