The Truth About Postpartum | Recovery, Mom Guilt, Postpartum Anxiety 

As a healthcare worker (I'm a nurse!), I'm really happy to see you giving nothing but the hard cold truth about your body and how you're comfortable sharing with your viewers on how you recovered and what the body does in an education viewpoint. I hope that people don't get freaked out or grossed out about it because that's how the body works! You've truly done your research and I'm glad that you're doing well!

It is absolutely unbelievable that i've started watching Jenn as uni student and now i'm watching her video as a mom. I can't describe this feeling but I can surely say that I'm so glad to watch her transitions in her life🥰

Me, not pregnant, not planning on starting a family ever, watching this video with snacks because I love you and love everything about you. Sobbing, stitchy pains, fear of pooping, and all!

Any one else’s butt hurting when Jen talked about the stitches and tear 😫 Bless you woman!!

That advice of focusing on your relationship with your baby rather than on being a perfect parent, is amazing! I'm a firm believer that people show us how to best love them, if we're in our heads too much we miss the signs. Lennon will show you exactly what he needs to feel loved and cared for, I'm sure of it

My little girl is 5 years old. I miss her soooo much being this young. This phase is so special. “The days are longggg but the years are so short.”

What you said about being a newb in this made me think of how hard motherhood really is. Because in every period of the child's life, you basically have to start anew. Whether it's a newborn, a baby, a toddler, a teenager, you always have to learn new things and start over in a way. It makes me have a new appreciation for all the mothers out there. Jenn, I think you're doing great so far and we're all proud of you!

I love this video Jenn!!! So real and I completely forgot about the emotional week post delivery! I cried over EVERYTHING too! I was like a vortex to every mom and emotion out there. But we here and our kids are thriving and we’re doing the absolute best ✨🙏🏾

I love the new level of affirmation you’ve unlocked, like any time something seems impossible you immediately reflect on the birthing experience saying “if I got through contractions and had a freaking baby then this poo shouldn’t be a problem” and I love that for you

To see baby Len in the flesh feels surreal especially having watched the entire process from the very start! I’ve never been more invested in someone’s pregnancy & post-partum process, I swear 😂

The full recovery period for a nose job is about a year (for complete reduction in swelling) but women are expected to go back to work 2 - 6 weeks after they give birth! Like wtf?! Birth is so physically traumatic like literally getting into a massive car accident. Women need more time to recover properly. It's nuts how many American women have long term complications from not healing properly after they give birth. I'm glad you have so many solid resources and support! I hope I can be so lucky in the future.

Hey Jenn 😊 - I love how candid and straightforward you are. The pregnancy, birth and now motherhood videos are insightful and informative. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Babies are fascinating for sure! This experience is probably as terrifying as it is exciting and joyful. It is fulfilling but comes with a lot of work that challenges us in more ways than one. You are doing great Jenn! 🤱🏻💜

Truly love the woman you are! It’s all said in honesty, no sugar coating but just the truth and we love it !!! 🙌🏾🙏🏾

I love that you don't mind talking about how things really are, a raw version of what everyone needs to hear to be honest. I think nobody really understands that giving birth is not just the baby pops out and that's it, but rather a difficult healing process, physically and mentally and it is nice that you can share this. Lots of love and courage! You are doing amazing! :)

Echoing the comments here that I really appreciate the honesty, rawness, and vulnerability you bring to every one of your videos. I'm not in a place where I feel ready to have children, but even hearing your experiences helps me with my anxiety around it! I look forward to whenever you post, but also glad that you're still taking the time to be in the moment with Len. Hoping you three are doing well!

I love how real you are about motherhood. I feel like you’re telling part of my story when you talk about your anxiety and your physical healing. Being a mommy is beautiful but it is so fricking hard!

I don't plan on having kids in my lifetime but your vlogs about your entire pregnancy to motherhood journey has deepened appreciation for my mother 🥺 thank you for sharing and being so open about your emotions, frustrations, and joy throughout the process 💕

Jen, don’t feel bad feeding your son formulas. You’re trying your best!! I fed my twin boys formulas as well because I wasn’t producing enough milk supply. As long as the baby is healthy and happy, that’s all that matter. You’re already a great mom! Don’t be too harsh on yourself. You got this!!!

I can really relate to your postpartum experience. Physically and mentally I was the same (6 tears, two second degree, lots of pain). Postpartum anxiety and depression is so real. It’s surely grueling especially while dealing with a new baby! As a new mom of 2 I can say adjusting to the first was a LOT harder because you’re acclimating to a whole new identity with this mini human. I remember feeling at my lowest with the first, but I can say it does get better. The challenges just change as they turn into turbulent toddlers. The mom guilt also never ends, but know as long as you’re giving it your all with utmost love and good intentions, you’re golden. Remember when you have downtime that it’s ok to slow down and give yourself some time and that your mental state is much more important than a tidy house (I have to remind myself this when the baby is sleeping). You’re doing great! Much love to your family.

I’ve got a 2.5 yr old and this video had me holding back tears! Just reminded me so much of how tough recovery was, how tough breastfeeding was, and at the end where you mention about focusing on your relationship with your baby.. wow! That made so much sense. Sadly I suffered PND (and still do) so I really didn’t enjoy my son as a newborn BUT I’m so determined to make my next experience a better one x

I cannot wait to see you continue to grow into your role as a mother. You’re already amazing by how open minded and reflective you are by also being easy on yourself! There’s totally no rule book on parenting, Jenn! & I am so happy you’re just going with the flow! Love the bit on “focusing on your relationship with your child” rather than being a perfect parent. That’s how I know you’re already the best parent you can be 💕

It's amazing how strong and resilient our bodies are after giving birth!

From clothesencounters to not mommy Jen. It’s been so amazing to see your change so many roles and be so real about all of them. I’ll be due soon and your pregnancy videos make me feel understood. So thank you for expressing yourself and making so many feel understood and normal in their journeys

I’m watching this as I’m nursing my 2 week old baby girl and I lost count of how many times I’ve said AMEN. The guilt feeling, the postpartum anxiety, the attachment, Low supply milk, the CRYING….I’m there with you. Despite all the craziness, I am so in love with my baby and as much as the lack of sleep drives me up the wall, I’ll do it all over again the next day 💓 You’re doing great Jen!

Jenn so happy you popped up in my feed :') so happy to catch up with you ✨🦋

Mama, I feel you SO hard on the breastfeeding struggles. No one understands the full complexity until you are a mom. It's a mindf*ck. We did the same in supplementing with formula (syringe feeding) and I also was so emotional because we carry the burden of trying to provide for our child (not even considering that our hormones are all over the place). Eventually, the breastfeeding became easier as mom + baby learn and then I turned to exclusively pumping after 6 months until my supply ran out around 9 months. She is now 22 months and happy and healthy as a clam. The answer is everything will work itself out and it is okay to have all the feelings about it. All my mama friends had a difficult time breastfeeding and some thought they were done after a few months and turns out, they stuck with it and went well into 18-24 months of BFing. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. You and baby will find the rhythm that works for you. :)

Watching this 3 days postpartum with my first son, and feeling so validated in all these experiences! Thank you, Jenn!

Hang in there! You got this! My kid is almost 18 months and it gets easier. It’s nice to hear someone else’s story bc sometimes it gets a little lonely especially when most of your friends aren’t parents to understand.

The way you describe becoming a parent is exactly how I've always imagined it. It's terrifying when this little person who has become part of you is now in the big scary world! Thanks for being so honest with us, it's so interesting to learn about what you've dealt with. You are such a strong and awesome woman and mother!

as a new parent listening to this is cathartic. thank you for being so open and vulnerable!

I know this comment is a bit late, but I just discovered your channel a week or two ago. I’ve caught up on the last year or so of videos and I needed to tell you that this was the most relatable video I have ever watched. I found myself nodding along the whole way - I truly could have written every word myself. I think those of us that try to prepare for everything focus so much on the labor. I can’t tell you how many birth videos I’ve watched, but they don’t show the next few hours or weeks or months. The hit by a truck - so real. The crying at everything week 1 - so real. My daughter had to be on a special bed for jaundice for a few days and even though she was just one room away from me I had so much anxiety and felt like she needed to be in the same room as me at all times. Breastfeeding was SO hard. The pumping montage to start was beautiful and painful to watch. Thank you for sharing this. My daughter is just about a year older than your son (10/4/20) and one piece of advice that I think might help you that I found helpful going into months 4, 6, 8+ is “once you get used to something with a baby, it means it’s about to change.” Around 3 months or so I felt like we were starting to see a nap “schedule” and we had a bit of a routine down and suddenly she didn’t want to sleep when she normally did. Apparently it was time to drop a nap (it made the world of difference) but ever since then every couple months she drops another nap or stops liking being held or fed a certain way or just something. As soon as I start to feel comfortable I remind myself ok, this means a change is coming. And I realize that’s really going to be the rest of our lives. A few years fly by as an adult but kids just change so much. It’s so so not my nature and still feels awkward and uncomfortable, but it’s helped just to remember to try to embrace it because our kids teach us that we can’t always decide or control how life happens. I’m so excited to continue following your journey ❤️

I gave birth a week ago and feel all of this SO MUCH. Especially the sunset made me feel some kind of way part! The nights are so harrowing with a newborn. Congrats to both of us and so many of us are right there with ya.

I love how open and raw you are about your experiences!! Baby Lennon is so lucky to have you and Ben as his parents🥺💗

Our pregnancy and postpartum journeys could not be more similar. I also struggle with mom guilt around having to supplement with formula due to undersupply. Rowan is now 7 weeks old today and I’ve had to supplement since week 2. I also felt like my body was failing me and I put myself under so much pressure to pump and feed as much as possible to try and bring my supply up. Now I’m just focusing on giving him what I can and supplementing the rest of what he needs. It’s hard not to feel bad about it. 🖤

For some reason my tears are coming out for this….. the struggle, the pain, the efforts, the love…. You got this Jenn!

I appreciate how you’ve always been so real and brutally honest about this whole experience. There were a few things I never heard of or considered before and it was eye opening!

I LOVE how raw and honest you are. I’ve been following you for almost a decade and I’ve known you were like this but hearing about early motherhood with such rawness is so amazing. Congrats to you and Ben on little Lennon!!

I’m pregnant and following your journey and hearing your experience has been such a comfort for me. I love how raw and open you are and I’m so so thankful I came across your channel a few months ago!!

I still can't believe you're a mom, I feel like we are growing together and you're showing me this new life that maybe some day not so far I'll have. The honesty is needed. I hope your beautiful family stay safe and healthy 💞

Jenn thank you so much for sharing your stories! I really appreciated the honesty surrounding recovery--I feel like there's so much external pressure to just say "oh we're so happy! our baby is perfect and we are perfect and everything's great!" but the raw details about your physical recovery, managing your anxiety, and being honest about what's going on is so appreciated--thank you for being vulnerable with us and for giving other people the courage to share their own stories.

Literally can’t believe I’ve been watching you since your clothesencounter days and now you’re a mom!! I literally cry watching your videos now because the love you have for your son and family is so surreal. You are an amazing woman and an amazing mother! Love you!! ❤️

Thank you for sharing all these experiences! I am just so proud of you going through the difficult times carrying Lennon, pushing through the pain and the emotional toil. You're gonna be such a great mum! Strong and courageous! Love you!

I had my son two weeks after you had yours. This experience has been nuts! I’m so happy you’re so open about it all. Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad all of us new mommas are in this together! Best wishes to you and your lil family! 🥰

I’m almost 4 months pregnant and feeling so many emotions about becoming a mum and all the changes that are coming to both my body and life. Your pregnancy videos are so comforting to me seeing someone go through the same feelings and it’s honestly helped me so much 🥲 thank you for keeping it so real and honest. You are amazing and Lennon is so lucky to have you as his momma ❤️

I admire you Jenn, you’re such an inspiration and always put things so eloquently and raw at the same time

Oh Jenn! I could imagine how hard this transition is for you yet im so excited cause I know in a year or even months time you will be a totally different happier person and get used to this new reality. You will be the best mom

Thank you so much Jen for such an open and honest conversation about postpartum! You are so amazing at everything you do, and I totally agree with you, postpartum is so hard, and being a new mom is probably the toughest job to get used to. I have been following your channel since my university days and now after numerous years, I’m a mom of two (and upcoming 3) little boys :) I’m so happy to share this parenting journey with you!

As a first time mom, I can't thank you enough for sharing your postpartum experience. I also felt like the postpartum took my breath out with the increasing exhaustion, constant learning & mom guilt. I love the advice you were given! Being present with your baby does help all the mental load that mom's carry. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

Oh my god, I relate so hard about the recovery. No one talks about the amount of pain you go through after childbirth, which in my situation hurt worse for me than actual delivery. It hurt to lie down, sit up, use the bathroom, walk. I was miserable! And the stool softeners never worked so when I finally had my first bowel movement after, I was crying and almost hyperventilating because (tmi alert) it was a big one and I was so scared I was going to hemorrhage.

Hi Jenn! I’ve been following your channel and insta for YEARS and have always held you in high admiration. I didn’t think it was possible for me to be this elated about someone’s pregnancy and motherhood journey, but here we are! I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we’ve been awestruck by how you’ve met this new life chapter with such grace and courageous enthusiasm! You and Ben are going to be wonderful parents and I’m honored that you share snippets of your newborn gem with us 💓

I am sobbing. So happy for you, Jenn. Thanks so much for being so brave and vulnerable. Lennon has the best parents ever.

Hi Jenn! I've been an active viewer for almost a year now and even though I'm only 22, your videos, including those with pregnancy updates, always bring me a sense of serenity and peace. When you speak it feels like I'm getting life advice from the older sister I've never had and makes me feel like I have my life together (even when I don't). So appreciative of all the content you post and thank you for always being authentically you!

Okay, I know giving birth is hard but I can’t believe it is THIS difficult. The amount of pain and uneasiness that all women had to bear before, during and after giving birth is unimaginable. This gave me a better insight on what my mom had to experience when giving birth to me. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the sacrifices and hardships my mom had to go through. 🤍 Thanks Jenn for showing everyone this eye-opening yet scary journey of yours.

You’re trying your best and that makes you a great mom Jen. I have 7 weeks left…my anxiety is all over the place with labor, but I hope it goes smoothly. I just want my baby boy to be healthy.

I literally screamed after seeing the baby on the thumbnail 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 Jenn's transparency is so refreshing.

Jenn I have always loved your realness and honesty and your description of postpartum is exactly the emotions I was experiencing when I gave birth to my daughter. What a gift you are giving to other new mothers out there, to be able to hear someone they can relate to so deeply during such an emotional transition in their lives.

Thank you for your honesty! It took me a little while to find my mommy groove. I would compare myself to other moms and feel inadequate and that i wasn't as good as them. When i stopped doing that and realized I'm doing what's best for myself and my son that's when i felt better! Everything is so new and we don't have step by step instructions on how to do parenting. I was used to following instructions to the letter so without that i was floundering! You're doing great! You will find that flow.

You’re so beautiful, so strong. I’m so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your journey with us

Thank Jenn for all this raw information. It could be difficult to hear, but it is so real and allows me to prepare myself for my postpartum in the future. Always love you, you're doing so well, girl!

dude, you are the best. i am so grateful for you, your realness, and how you always share your full emotional/mental/physical experiences with us.

I just started watching this, but may i just say - JENN, YOU LOOK AMAZING! You have that glow and that vibe of being more confident (even if that's not true) that makes me so happy for you. YOU GOT THIS! Wish you a fast recovery and strength both physical and mental to deal with whatever comes your way :)

You have this special glow in your face now, it's so beautiful to watch when you talk 😊 every mum knows what I mean ❤️

jenn i seriously love you so much. i have been watching you since the beginning and to watch you grow and become this incredible mother is really heart warming. your honesty is so refreshing and i cant wait to continue to watch you blossom.

my god jenn i used to watch your videos when i was 15…i’m 23 now and your voice is so comforting!! you were such a support so thank u for that and congrats for all of the great things that happen to you🌞💛

My due is a little over a month left. Watching you becoming a mom, talking about postpartum stuff(physically AND mentally) helps me a lot. Thanks for sharing your honest story, Jenn! I can see that you're already a great mom since you're constantly thinking about how to be a better mom to your beautiful son. My heart goes out to you

You’re doing it great Jenn❤️Lennon is blessed to have you and Ben as his parents.❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much for the last two videos. As someone who struggles intensely with anxiety, the worries and FEARS of even the thought of being pregnant has always caused a lot of uncertainty about my future and if I could be capable or not. Ive always been such a worrier and veryyyy intune with my body so I thought it would be an awful experience for me. Your openness and tribulations show me that one day.. I can do it. I CAN be ready and everything that I feel will be totally normal and there IS support. Now I'm looking forward to preparation for that one wholesome day that I, too, go on this journey.

I love how raw your videos are. I'm not even thinking about having kids but I'm learning soooo much and I seriously appreciate it! Thank you.

I’m 2 years into being a “new mom” idk if that title even applies to me anymore but holy shit this video has helped me so much especially that last part like WOO thank you so much for being so honest and raw with everything. You’re awesome Jenn!

Stress causes supply of milk. Sleep more with baby when he sleeps, drink more fluids, just enjoy him like you said create relationship. Thinking that my child is hungry also increases the supply. Good luck!

Jen, I love that you are so honest. What you said I have experienced the same thing and resonate to it so well. My daughter is 5 months old and I am loving every moment of it and still learning everyday. You are doing amazing mama!

I've sadly never had a close relationship with my mum, but watching your video has given me a new appreciation of how hard it is to be one, so thank you! I will definitely see her in a new light from now on.

Jenn, it is sooooo refreshing to hear a very similar post partum experience! Everything from getting hit a truck feeling to breastfeeding issues. It has been 6 months post partum for me and let me tell you, time is the best healer, both the emotional and the physical side of things. I am very happy for you! Keep an awesome job being the best mama for you baby son:))

Jenn, mom of 2 here who's been watching you for at least 7 or 8 years. I felt everything you said so much. Thank you for your honesty because so many people go into parenthood having no idea what it's like being a parent, especially mom. You will get used to it and you will love being a mother, but oh boy, that anxiety never really goes away (at least hasn't for me yet and it's been 3.5 years since baby #1). Your whole life really is different. There's life BB (before baby) and life after BB. All your priorities change. You will make different friends. Weekends aren't weekends. It is an incredible, earth shattering experience like no other. Will continue following you on your new journey, strong new mama!

So much love for you, Lennon and Ben!! The thing that most helped me through having a baby and parenthood is this, "Uncondtional love it the most powerful force in the universe,"This is what Lennon needs most and if you can start there and be there, everything else is just details. Thank you for sharing the reals and the feels, it's so important and appreciated. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for talking about physical side and not holding back! For every "what I pack in my hospital bag" I wish there was a real video like this too.

When you get used to one phase, they're going into another. Its crazy ya'll. Time goes by faster after you have kids.

Drink a ton of water. I’ve been there but even when you’re not thirsty drink a ton of water. Like over over hydrate. You’ll see your milk supply turn around. Trust me, I cried and cried over my milk supply and nothing else worked besides chugging a ton of water. You got this!!!!

Loved this video Jenn. So nicely edit (loved every detail). So well spoken. Just really raw but really reassuring. It is crazy that I have been watching your videos for so long and now you are this amazing woman and mom. Just love to watch how mature and articulated you are. A truly inspiration 🤍

What I like most about these videos is that... you talking about past - really really INTENSE - emotions in a way that states them as 'that is how I felt' or 'that is how I thought' kind of detaches them from what is actually true. And I know most people learn this in therapy, to separate thoughts and fears from reality. But listening to you talk about it in such a calm and confident manner kind of helps others to know beforehand - oh, this is just a common fear, even sensitive Jenn Im came out of it a confident person, adult, mother, then so can I. Thank you.

Becoming a mom of a (december) baby, this video was really helpful. I am as well doing research on everything, which is oftentimes exhausting and your „last sentence“ instantly calmed me down. Because this is what I strive for in life… „resonance“ and the feeling of living in the present moment and appreciating it, instead of judging every move I do and living in the past and future. ♥️

If I had Made a video about postpartum it would’ve been a replica of this. The hormones, the idenitity shift, the Achiever personality needing to give itself grace… oof. I’m 8mo PP now and there are new challenges but it’s such an amazing journey to see your little one grow up from a little blob on an ultrasound to a living, human baby capable of kisses and hugs. All the best Jen!

I really appreciate your frankness and I think it will help people so much who are new parents. I had my son 21 years ago and no one talked to me about any of these things. All the women I knew acted like motherhood was a breeze and they never spoke about the rough parts of having a newborn. It was almost taboo in my family to talk about mental health, the physical pain of childbirth, etc.

I’ve always loved your vids since your Clothesencounter days, but holy crap I’ve been so engaged by your pregnancy/post pregnancy videos. I feel like it’s such a blessing to have you be so transparent, informative, and honest about the process and your feelings. I don’t have children yet but when I do, I’ll remember the anecdotes and lessons you’ve shared to help give me peace of mind. You’re such a gem, Jenn! Thank youuu wholeheartedly ❤️

I love how real you are. Breast feeding is no joke, I cried the first week of breastfeeding lol! I understand.

I've got so much respect for new mothers ●__● it takes such a mental & physical toll *wow*

Now that I've found out I'm expecting I love sitting down to watch your videos. I love how raw and honest you are and it makes my worries and anxiety feel validated. Thank you so much for sharing with us all.

The honesty behind this video is so appreciated! Thank you for being just so genuine and amazing❤️

Hey Jenn, what you’re feeling/felt is completely valid. I am so happy to see how far you’ve come on your journey. It sounds like you have a really good head on you and no doubt you’ll get through the day, month, year and especially “terrible 2” through 18, hehe

YES THE BUTT!!!! oh my gosh my butt hurt for literally weeks after birth!!!

Ooh girl, I feel you so hard. The stitches + first postpartum poop is the WORST. Healing is truly the hardest.

AAAAMEN! Preach! 🙌🏼 Cannot tell you how much I related to your experience from postpartum difficulties, breastfeeding, and a ton of mom guilt. I had baby blues and postpartum depression that lasted awhile. But it’s never taken away from how much I adore my kid who is now 20 months. Despite all of those struggles, we were crazy enough to do it again! I am proud to say our 2nd bundle of joy is due spring 2022. It’s so worth it mamas! 💗

jenn, whenever you come out with a book i cannot wait to read it

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Jenn! It's really refreshing to see this perspective on each stage of your pregnancy / giving birth / your road to recovery. You're doing amazing!

Gaaaaaahd I love love love how raw and vulnerable but so confidently you're able to share that chapter of your life with the world. I'm in awe and I'm grateful for you. Thank you! And I'm so happy for your new journey as a mama!!!! Keep sharing with us!

This is soooo real!!!!! So much details about being a new mom. But it is so precious. Cherish every moment of it. Newborn just grows so fast. It’s tired and frustrated, but sweet and unforgettable too.

This really made me laugh, remembering my own post partum period a year ago. Everybody is talking about the labor, but oh my the recovery.. :D Thank you for sharing that experience!

Love how jenn and ben always post at the same time haha. Also, love that intro!! And I was like 😲 when i saw Jenn holding a BABY on the thumbnail although i know she gave birth lol

Thank you so much for these honest and candid videos! I’m 34 weeks with my first and feel so comforted by your content lately

JENN!! You are amazing and this video is just.. LIFE? You are helping so many moms and future moms. THANK YOU!