It is rightfully said that moms are superheroes without capes. Bringing a new life into the world is no easy feat, and the journey shows so much strength and bravery. As a mom who’s been through it, I must say that every step is filled with anticipation, excitement, and plenty of challenges.
From the excitement of holding your little one to morning sickness, emotional ups and downs, and the determination to keep your baby safe. Moms deal with sleepless nights, changing bodies, and finding inner strength they didn’t know they had, all driven by love for their children.
Let’s consider all of the parts of birth and raising a newborn that honor the incredible journey of becoming a mom, proving that they are a superhero in their own right.
1. Labor is an Intensely Painful Experience
Labor is one of the most physically painful experiences a woman can go through, which shows just how strong and resilient mothers are. During labor, the body deals with intense muscle contractions and hormonal changes that help dilate the cervix and deliver the baby more easily.
Plus, labor can last for several hours, which requires a lot of physical and mental stamina. A mother’s ability to go through that amount of exhaustion and pain shows incredible strength.
2. There is a Lot of Blood Loss Following Delivery
After childbirth, women experience a lot of bleeding. This is how the body sheds the uterus lining that supports the pregnancy. In fact, women can lose up to half a quart of blood after a vaginal delivery, while those who have a C-section might lose about a quart.
There are a few risk factors that increase a woman’s likelihood of bleeding too much, including the birth of multiples, being a first-time mom, and a labor that is either induced or longer than normal. Medical professionals see this problem often and are quick to address the effects after labor.
3. Labor Can be Long, Especially for New Moms
On average, first-time moms usually undergo around six and a half hours of labor. In comparison, moms who’ve been through this before might labor for about one to two hours less. Enduring the pain throughout this process, especially when it can take hours, requires superhuman strength, which all moms seem to have.
4. There are So Many Hormonal Changes in a Woman’s Body
A female’s body undergoes an amazing series of hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise quite a bit to prepare the uterus for implantation and provide support for the growing fetus.
Relaxin also helps by softening the pelvic ligaments and cervix and ensuring they are flexible enough for childbirth. These hormonal shifts are very important for the incredible process of childbirth but ultimately take a toll on your health.
5. Many Bodily Changes Occur During Pregnancy
While a woman is pregnant, her body goes through many incredible changes to support her growing baby. These changes may seem superhuman at times. Breasts get bigger to prepare for breastfeeding, blood volume increases to meet the needs of both mom and baby, and organs shift around to accommodate the growing fetus. Moms might also notice changes in their skin, hair, and nails. All these physical changes are very important for keeping both mom and baby healthy and happy.
6. Motherhood Makes a Woman’s Body Really Flexible
Motherhood brings about an increase in flexibility, particularly in the pelvic area. This happens because the ligaments and joints in the pelvis relax, creating space for the baby to move and prepare for birth. This extra flexibility is important for a smooth delivery as it helps the baby pass through the birth canal more easily. Even the uterus’ size changes a lot during pregnancy, showing the superpower of flexibility in a mother’s body.
7. Pelvic Floor Muscles Stretch Quite a Bit During Labor
The pelvic floor muscles stretch quite a bit during labor. These muscles stretch to about three times their normal size while a woman is undergoing the end of the second stage of labor. It shows the incredible adaptability of the human body and the power of a mother’s love.
8. The Body Prepares the New Mom for Bonding Naturally
During labor, a woman’s body releases more oxytocin. This hormone is needed to help with the contractions and also helps build a strong bond between the mother and the newborn. It is also known to develop a mother’s sense of defensiveness and a need to care for the baby. It is just one of the many superhuman things a woman’s body does to make childbirth successful.
9. Natural Painkillers During Childbirth
While giving birth, a woman’s body creates natural pain relief by releasing endorphins. These neurotransmitters reduce pain and provide a sense of well-being. As labor gets more intense, endorphin levels increase to lessen the pain and provide comfort. This incredible response from the body shows the natural power of the human body to support women through one of the toughest experiences they go through.
10. Natural Healing Process after Childbirth
After childbirth, a woman’s body starts to recover and heal. The period after brings about many physical changes as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. This includes the uterus contracting back to its original size while shedding its uterine lining, typically over the span of six weeks. The body works hard to replenish the blood supply and repair damaged tissue during delivery.
11. Managing Healing Along with Caring for their Newborn
Managing healing while caring for a newborn is tough for moms. In the weeks after childbirth, they often balance healing from delivery with the busy routine of feeding, changing diapers, and soothing their babies. This period requires a careful balance between rest and activity, as new mothers need to regain their strength while meeting their baby’s needs. Even with the tiredness and adjustments, moms muster up the strength and motivation to do this (alone or with a partner), which is yet another superpower that they have.
12. Mothers Have Natural Instincts to Give Birth
Mothers have an incredible instinct for childbirth that guides their bodies throughout labor. This built-in navigation system in the body helps them understand when to push, when to relax, and when to change positions allowing mothers to bring their babies into the world safely and confidently.
13. Mothers Can Function With Less Sleep
Mothers often face sleep deprivation during the early days of motherhood. They feel physically and mentally exhausted, but they care for their newborns with love and patience. This is a testament to their unwavering love toward their newborn and dedication to helping the little one thrive in it’s first few months on Earth.
14. During Pregnancy, the Body Supports Two Lives
A pregnant woman’s body goes through remarkable changes to support two lives simultaneously. One of the most incredible parts is the placenta, a unique organ that forms specifically while the body grows a tiny human. It connects the mom and the baby while delivering essential nutrients and oxygen and getting rid of waste from the baby’s blood.
15. Skin-to-skin Contact Benefits the Baby and the Mother
Skin-to-skin contact is another superpower of the mother. It offers many benefits for both mom and baby if done right after birth. When a newborn is placed on their mom’s chest, it helps stabilize heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. This close contact also develops the baby’s instincts to latch on for breastfeeding, allowing success in nourishment and milk production. For moms, this bonding time releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone for making strong connections and reducing stress.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
