I feel like I am grieving not being pregnant anymore and that the birth of our daughter has come and gone. I really was ready to be done being pregnant as I had a lot of discomfort & pain and was not sleeping well. The birth was beautiful and I keep reliving it in my mind and through the photos/video I have. I had a very close relationship with my midwife so I think some of the sadness comes from knowing I won't be seeing her anymore... or at least for a long while. I think sharing such a defining part of your life with someone creates a special bond.
I know this will all pass. I am doing better than after I had my son. I cried every day for a couple weeks with him. I think having 2 keeps me busy enough that I can't focus on feeling sad so I guess that is good. It also helps that Gracie has been sleeping very well so I am not exhausted. She is an overall very content baby.
It's just hard to have this feeling of sadness even though I am so happy & thankful for my family and the experience I had.
Thanks to all the crazy hormones!
Re: Grieving because it is over...
Phew. Glad to know im not the only one feeling that way. I had two awesome pregnancies and birth experiences with a great MW so I totally miss it already. I feel crazy for wanting to be pregnant again (though we're probably 2 and through:/) but its reassuring I'm not alone. I was really down and uncomfortable this last pregnancy and yet I miss it. Ok I'm done rambling.
I definitely felt this way after both of my deliveries. I was very, very sad to (essentially) say goodbye to my midwives as well - I think it's very normal to feel a close bond after they have helped you through such a special part of your life.
I was better prepared for these emotions the second time around, and I agree that a lot of it is due to postpartum hormones those first few weeks. Be patient with yourself - it's an emotional time for sure!
baby #4 due March '17!
I broke down about it in mom's support group after I had DS. I was the only person there who felt that way. Several of them had really difficult pregnancies, some after loss, some with extended bed rest. I guess it all depends on your pregnancy. Mine was very easy and beautiful and I missed it for a long long time.
With time watching DS made me feel like he is better than pregnancy itself. I was sad because I knew I would probably had 1 more opportunity to experience it and then it was done. I have read a bit of material out there and decided that I am open to the surrogacy experience. DH is not exactly ok with it, but it is not completely out of the question.
This time around I have more trouble thus far, so how I feel in the end remains to be seen. It is nice to know that other women have the same feelings.