There are plenty of things that you can’t really understand untill you experience then. This is true in all aspects of life, so obviously having a kid is no different. There are things you expect and things that sneak up on you. Things you think you’re prepared for but really aren’t and things that you think will be awful but end up being the least of your new mom worries.

I’m about six months postpartum. Here is what I am experiencing, should you be six months postpartum and looking for reassurance that you’re “normal” or should you be currently pregnant and wondering what postpartum looks like.

1. I recently started losing my hair. It’s falling out like crazy when I wash or brush it. I assumed this happened right after the baby came, but apparently once you declare that you weren’t affected by a postpartum issue, you immediately become affected.

2. My skin is different. I spent most of my life with dry acne prone skin, I now have combination skin with oily patches and alot of ginormous pores. Whose face is this?

3. Total TMI, my skin may not be dry anymore but other things are…If you get my drift. I used to have the opposite issue. Again, I thought by six months postpartum I’d be back to my old self down there.

4. I got my period. I was hoping breastfeeding would fend my friend off a little longer. But, she’s back. And different. Not worse per say, just different. You spend all your year’s post puberty getting to know your cycle and what works for you, well you have to learn it all again.

5. My C-Section scar is weird. It feels numb sometimes, sometimes tingly.

6. I still have a belly. I may be below my pre-pregnancy weight but I definitely have an unmistakable mom pooch.

Now, for the record. I really have fallen in love with myself. I decided early in my pregnancy to let go of my insecurities and learn to respect the journey I’m on both for myself and for my daughter. I’m continually in awe ofy body and how it continues to evolve. It’s interesting getting to know yourself again, at times it’s feels overwhelming. But, you just had a baby. I always remind myself. You created life. Your body grew another human and that’s worth a few list hairs.