Plenty of women have opened up about the realities of becoming a mom, such as dealing with postpartum depression and coming to terms with post-baby bodies. But one mom dared to get real – and I mean really real – about what postpartum actually looks like.
Appropriately titled “Motherhood uncensored,” North Carolina mom Amanda Bacon posted a photo to Facebook to show the reality -- and discomfort -- after childbirth.
In the photo, Bacon’s husband is seen happily carrying their newborn and giving the thumbs up, while Bacon is in the background wearing a disposable undergarment.
“I'm sharing this picture because it's real,” she wrote. “The realities of postpartum life aren't spoken enough about. And definitely not photographed enough. Some people probably find this uncomfortable, but why? I seriously don't get it!”
Bacon could be referring to postpartum bleeding or urinary incontinence – a.k.a. loss of bladder control – which is prevalent among moms.
This condition can occur postpartum, regardless of whether a woman has given birth vaginally or via C-section. This is because the hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can cause stress incontinence, which is a condition where urine is involuntary released due to pressure on the bladder, such as when you sneeze or run.
According to Dr. Roger Goldberg, an urogynecologist at Chicago’s NorthShore University HealthSystem, “Even a seemingly uneventful pregnancy and delivery can change urinary control for up to 50 per cent of women.”
“We all should try and educate, empower and embrace every aspect of childbirth, including moments like this.”
Postpartum bleeding, of course, is pretty much guaranteed. Often a regular pad isn't enough to contain all the blood, so something more heavy-duty is required.
Bacon believes people are uncomfortable with postpartum realities because they are rarely discussed. “We all should try and educate, empower and embrace every aspect of childbirth, including moments like this,” she continued. “And do it while having a sense of humour.”
True to her honest post, the mom-of-two also joked: “Nothing says welcome to motherhood like an adorable squishy baby, and a giant mom diaper.”
Bacon’s raw Facebook post quickly garnered a huge response from fellow moms who could relate to her postpartum experience. “I love this it's so true!” one commenter said. “Man I hated those panties.”
Others praised the mom for being bold enough to post such a personal photo: “You are a brave honest woman! Sending you all my love and respect....enjoy your new little one!”
In less than a day, Bacon’s post has been liked over 320,000 times and shared by over 85,000 people. On Thursday, the new mom posted another hilarious photo to Facebook showing her and her newborn overwhelmed by “all the love on our Motherhood Uncensored post!”
“Glad y'all can share in Ken (the hubs) and I's humorous moment, and you can appreciate the hilariously raw beauty that is postpartum life,” she wrote. “It really means a lot to us. I never expected such a warm and well received response. Thank you.”
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