Shooting A Wedding Post-Partum: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Whether you can shoot a wedding two months postpartum depends on a number of factors, including the type of birth you had, your rate of recovery, and whether you are breastfeeding. If you have had a vaginal birth with no complications, you may feel physically fine enough to shoot within two weeks. However, if you experienced tearing or had a C-section, the recovery time could be significantly longer. Some doctors recommend up to 8 to 12 weeks of rest before resuming work, especially if it involves spending all day on your feet and carrying heavy gear. It is important to listen to the advice of healthcare providers and not put too much pressure on yourself to return to work early.

In addition to the physical demands of shooting a wedding, there are also the social and emotional aspects to consider. Weddings can be taxing on your social and mental health, especially if you are still dealing with hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the challenges of breastfeeding or formula feeding. It is important to be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal and adjust to motherhood.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to shoot a wedding two months postpartum will depend on your individual circumstances and how you are feeling at the time. It may be helpful to wait until closer to the wedding date to make a decision, as your recovery and feelings about leaving your baby may change as the date approaches.

Vaginal birth vs C-section

The amount of time it takes to recover from childbirth varies from person to person. However, there are some key differences in recovery time and experience between vaginal birth and C-section.

Vaginal Birth

Those who have had a vaginal birth with no complications may feel physically fine within two weeks. However, if there was tearing, healing time will be longer, and walking and carrying gear will be uncomfortable. It is important to pay attention to your body during the first six weeks of recovery, as your body will be tired and focused on your baby. It is also common to experience "baby blues" in the first few weeks after giving birth, caused by hormone changes.

C-Section

A C-section is major stomach surgery and can take a long time to recover from. Doctors may suggest up to 8 or even 12 weeks of rest before resuming normal activities, such as lifting gear and spending all day on your feet. It is important to avoid returning to intense exercise for 6 to 8 weeks, and driving is usually not safe for 4 to 6 weeks. The wound may feel sore for a week or two, and the muscle surrounding it may feel weak. It is common to experience muscle or incision pain for several months, and some people struggle with urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Returning to Work

For those working in professions such as wedding photography, it is important to consider the physical demands of the job when planning a return to work after giving birth. While it may be possible to return to desk work or a more sedentary job within a few weeks of a vaginal birth, a C-section may require a longer leave of absence. It is important to listen to your healthcare providers and take the time you need to heal and recover.

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, your baby will want to nurse and be in close contact with you. This can make it challenging to be away from your baby for long periods. Additionally, you may need to pump or express milk while you are away from your baby to maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.

If you plan to breastfeed while shooting a wedding 2 months postpartum, here are some things to consider:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will accommodate your breastfeeding needs.
• Bring a nursing cover or scarf if you want privacy while breastfeeding in public.
• Pack a cooler or insulated bag to store expressed milk if you need to pump or hand-express during the wedding.
• Schedule breaks to pump or express milk if you are away from your baby for an extended period.
• Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals to maintain your milk supply and energy levels.
• Consider bringing your baby with you to the wedding or having someone bring them to you during breaks if possible. This can help reduce the time you are away from your baby and make it easier to breastfeed on demand.
• Be prepared for the possibility of leaking milk and pack extra nursing pads or wear breast pads.
• If you are pumping, bring all the necessary equipment and cleaning supplies, including bottles, storage bags, and a hands-free pumping bra if you have one.
• If you are introducing solids to your baby's diet, bring appropriate food and feeding utensils.
• Be mindful of your baby's nap schedule and try to plan the wedding shoot around their sleep times if possible.

Hormones and mental health

The postpartum period is a time of significant hormonal changes, which can have a range of emotional and physical effects on new mothers. While most symptoms are caused by drops in estrogen and progesterone, other hormones are also involved. Understanding these hormonal shifts and their potential impact on mental health is crucial for new mothers and those supporting them.

Estrogen and Progesterone

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise to support the growth of the uterus and placenta. However, in the first 24 hours after childbirth, these hormone levels rapidly drop back to pre-pregnancy levels. This sudden change is thought to be a potential trigger for postpartum depression. Estrogen facilitates serotonergic transmission, enhancing serotonin synthesis and reducing reuptake, which helps alleviate depressive symptoms. Therefore, decreased estrogen levels can have the opposite effect, depriving the body of its natural defence against depression.

The drop in progesterone after birth may also contribute to postpartum depression. Progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone are associated with reduced irritability. With the ovaries not secreting progesterone again until the first menstrual cycle, this can create a temporary imbalance.

Other Hormones

Several other hormones are involved in the postpartum period and can influence mental health:

• Prolactin, the milk-making hormone, rises during pregnancy and spikes each time a baby breastfeeds, contributing to fatigue.
• Cortisol, the stress hormone, often remains high postpartum and can lead to weight retention, anxiety, depression, and fatigue if left unmanaged.
• Oxytocin, the "love" hormone, rises during childbirth to aid with contractions and remains elevated post-delivery to promote bonding and reduce stress.
• Thyroid hormones increase during pregnancy but decline after childbirth, affecting energy levels, weight, mood, and temperature regulation.

Impact on Mental Health

The hormonal changes during the postpartum period can have a significant impact on a mother's mental health. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects one in four new mothers. It involves the brain and can interfere with behaviour and physical health. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and crying spells. In some cases, PPD can lead to thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.

Additionally, about 50-80% of new parents experience the "baby blues," characterised by mild and transient symptoms of sadness, mood swings, and worry that typically resolve within a week or two.

Stabilization and Self-Care

Hormone levels typically begin to stabilise within a few weeks to months after childbirth. Estrogen levels may take up to a year to normalise, especially if the mother is breastfeeding. Prioritising self-care during this time is crucial. This includes asking for help, staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, getting rest, and engaging in light physical activities like walking.

For those experiencing PPD, working with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan is essential. This may include therapy, support groups, self-care practices, social support, or medication such as antidepressants or brexanolone.

Physical recovery

The first six weeks after giving birth are known as the postpartum period. During this time, your body will experience a range of changes, including hormonal shifts, and you'll need to tackle breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the overall adjustment to motherhood.

Vaginal Birth

If you had a vaginal birth, you can expect the following in terms of physical recovery:

• Bleeding and discharge (lochia) will continue for several weeks and then taper off.
• Perineal soreness is normal, especially if you experienced tearing or an episiotomy.
• Cramping will be most intense on days two and three after delivery and should subside by the second week.
• Pelvic floor discomfort, such as incontinence, difficulty walking, and pelvic pain, usually improves within weeks but may require pelvic floor therapy.
• Breast changes: Your breasts may be tender, full, and/or engorged as your milk comes in. If you're breastfeeding, you may experience nipple soreness.
• Swelling, including in the labia, should start to subside.
• Fatigue is common due to recovery, life changes, sleep deprivation, and caring for your baby.
• Hot flashes and night sweats may occur as your hormones regulate.

C-Section

If you had a C-section, your physical recovery will include:

• Healing from abdominal surgery, which means more healing time and a slower recovery.
• Difficulty moving around, but mild activity is important to prevent blood clots.
• Your incision will be healing, and you may experience tenderness and numbness around it for several months.
• You may be able to lift your baby within a few days, but avoid lifting heavier objects.

Two Weeks Postpartum

By two weeks postpartum, you can expect the following physical changes:

• Vaginal bleeding and discharge (lochia) will be lighter.
• Second-degree tears are likely healing, and any stitches may feel itchy as they heal.
• You may experience sore nipples due to breastfeeding issues such as a shallow latch, thrush, or tongue-tie.
• Your uterus has returned to your pelvis, and you're continuing to lose water weight.
• Bloodshot eyes from pushing and straining during labor should have resolved.
• If you had a C-section, you may be able to move around a bit better, and your scar may be itchy as it heals.
• Steri-strips or glue on your C-section incision should be removed after three weeks.

Six Weeks Postpartum

At six weeks postpartum, you may not feel 100% back to "normal," but this is generally considered a milestone for recovery:

• Postpartum bleeding has usually stopped by this point, though it may occasionally start up again.
• Your uterus is back to its pre-pregnancy size, but your abdominal muscles have stretched and will take time and exercise to regain strength.
• Most moms have lost about half their pregnancy weight.
• Your healthcare provider may clear you for exercise and sex.
• If you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, your pelvic floor strength may have returned. Ask your provider about pelvic floor therapy if you experience leaking urine or signs of prolapse.
• If you're formula-feeding, your first postpartum period may arrive in the next few weeks.
• Any third- or fourth-degree lacerations during childbirth should no longer be painful.
• Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) should have resolved, but a physical therapist can help if it persists.
• If you had a C-section, you should feel well recovered, with a healed incision. You may still experience occasional itchiness or burning around the scar. You can now lift most things.

Six Months Postpartum

By six months postpartum, you can expect the following physical changes:

• Most women have lost about half their pregnancy weight, but this varies from person to person.
• Melasma (dark spots), stretch marks, and linea nigra (dark line on the abdomen) will start to fade.
• You may notice hair loss as your estrogen level drops and hair follicles enter a resting/shedding phase. New hair growth will appear as short, wispy strands.
• If you had a C-section, you may still feel tired.
• Your C-section scar will have healed, but its appearance will continue to fade gradually.

Baby's presence at the wedding

Bringing a baby to a wedding can be a challenging task, but with some planning, it is certainly doable. Here are some tips for managing your baby's presence at the wedding:

Baby Care

• Feeding: If you are breastfeeding, make sure to bring your pump and bottles for the baby. It is essential to plan ahead and find a private space to pump during the wedding. Alternatively, you can bring pre-pumped bottles or formula if your baby is taking it.
• Clothing: Pack extra clothes for your baby, including layers in case the temperature drops. It is also a good idea to bring a comfortable carrier to wear your baby, which can help soothe them to sleep.
• Sleep: Babies at this age sleep a lot, so take advantage of this by bringing a comfortable place for them to nap, such as a bassinet or a portable crib. A baby swing or bouncer can also be helpful to have on hand.
• Entertainment: While newborns don't need much entertainment, bringing some age-appropriate toys or books can help keep them occupied during the wedding.

Logistics

• Sitter: If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member who can help care for the baby during the wedding. This will allow you to participate in the wedding events and have some time to yourself.
• Travel: If the wedding is far away, consider the baby's travel needs, such as a car seat and a stroller. If flying, book a flight with a baby-friendly airline, and request a bassinet seat if available.
• Timing: Try to work around your baby's schedule as much as possible. Attend the wedding during their awake time, and plan to leave early if needed to maintain their sleep routine.
• Communication: Let the couple know that you are bringing the baby, and communicate any special needs or requests. They may be able to accommodate you with a quiet space for feeding or napping.

Overall, bringing a baby to a wedding requires some extra planning and flexibility. Be prepared for unexpected challenges, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember to enjoy this special time and create lasting memories with your little one!

Frequently asked questions