How Long is Postpartum?

How long does postpartum last? How long should we plan to have postpartum care, and how long is postpartum? These are two of the most common questions our team is asked! Today we want to talk about the postpartum period, societal pressure to ” bounce back,” how long you need to adjust to your new normal, and realistic expectations for postpartum. Today we are here to talk about the big question, how long is postpartum?

The initial postpartum period

The initial postpartum period is considered to be 6-8 weeks. Six weeks is how long our country recognizes that the healing process after childbirth to be. In these first weeks postpartum, many changes occur on a physical, mental, and hormonal level.

Physically– the first six weeks after birth the pelvic bowl is healing which means that all the bones, muscles, tissues, and organs in our pelvis are trying to readjust to preconception. There is lochia, the vaginal bleeding after childbirth that usually lasts anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Many also experience hemorrhoids, constipation, aching muscles, and are healing from tears or vaginal skin abrasions during this time.

Hormonally– Our bodies go through so many hormonal changes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this initial postpartum period, the body works hard to return to a prepregnancy state. There is also a huge hormonal release that happens during childbirth, and during this initial postpartum period, our bodies are doing their best to flush these hormones through. Simultationously the body’s natural response is to begin milk production during this time, so yet again, we are experiencing a new hormonal balance! This is a lot of change.

Emotionally– This new role takes all of our time and attention and can feel incredibly overwhelming. Days are spent bonding with, taking care of, and adjusting to this new tiny being that relies on you for everything, this can be an emotional transition. Hormones also directly affect emotions, especially postpartum! See that is a lot of pressure!

Societal pressure to “bounce back”

Our culture is very focused on birth, but the postpartum period is often forgotten about until we are postpartum ourselves. Although postpartum can be a beautiful experience, the reality is that postpartum often brings new hardships too. While there will be many moments in which you can’t stop staring at your new baby, filled with disbelief and joy that she or he is finally here, there will also be many hard moments in which you can’t believe how tired you are. Most likely there will also be moments of overwhelm, and time spent remembering what your life was like before baby, wondering if your previous freedom will ever return. Unfortunately, this can often lead to a feeling of isolation and guilt. We are not told that these feelings are common and normal, and we are sent home to care for these tiny beings all alone. This is overwhelming!

 In today’s world where everything is happening at a fast pace we are made to believe that you will feel back to normal after 6-8 weeks, and if you aren’t you are not adjusting quick enough, or there is something wrong with you, however, we want you to remember that you just birthed a new human and a big new chapter has started in your life. Most families need several months to start feeling like they have adjusted to their new normal, and THIS IS NORMAL.

How long will postpartum last?

Here is the truth, we don’t know how long your postpartum period will be. Postpartum isn’t a linear process, and postpartum can last anywhere from 6 weeks to a year, or even longer! If we could convince families of one thing, and one thing only it would be that this process is individualized, and that is okay! You may adjust to this new life in a month, or it may take you 12. Having a positive support system around you, and people that you can trust to talk with openly is helpful. As your baby learns and grows, so will you! Should you feel additional support is needed at any point during this process, our team is here for you! Please contact us at any time.

Thank you for reading this week’s blog, “How long is postpartum.” For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenthood, please check out our weekly blog.