Postpartum Recovery Myths: Fact vs. Fiction

16 July 2025

Alright, let’s break down some walls and clear the air. Postpartum recovery is not all lullabies and baby bliss. It's messy, raw, beautiful—and packed with myths that make new moms feel like they're failing. Spoiler alert: they’re not.

If you've just had a baby or are about to, you're probably swimming in advice. Friends, family, random people on the internet, heck—even strangers in the grocery store will throw their two cents at you. But guess what? A lot of it is based on outdated beliefs, half-truths, and straight-up nonsense.

So, buckle up, mama. We’re about to bust some postpartum myths wide open. Because you deserve to know what’s real—and what’s just well-intentioned fiction wrapped in a bow of BS.

Myth #1: You’ll Bounce Back Immediately

Fact: Bounce back? Honey, you just created an entire human being.

Let’s talk real. The phrase “bounce back” needs to be tossed in the diaper pail. Your body didn’t go on vacation—it went through the Olympics of physical endurance. Organs shifted, ligaments stretched, you probably lost sleep, blood, and possibly your patience multiple times.

Recovery isn't a sprint; it's a marathon in mom jeans. Some women feel semi-normal in weeks, others take months—or even a year. And guess what? Every single one of those timelines is valid.

So, if you’re standing in front of your mirror wondering if you'll ever “get your body back,” remember: your body didn’t leave. It just evolved into a freaking warrior.

Myth #2: You Should Be Overwhelmingly Happy

Fact: Post-baby emotions resemble a rollercoaster designed by a madman.

Sure, you love your baby. But are you supposed to feel nothing but joy 24/7? Absolutely not.

Hormones crash after birth, sleep goes out the window, and suddenly this tiny, adorable human depends on you for literally everything. Those tears? Normal. That random outburst of laughter? Also normal. Wanting a break? Yep, totally normal.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are also more common than people admit. One in seven women experience PPD. Don’t suffer in silence. Feeling off doesn’t make you a bad mom—it makes you a human mom.

Myth #3: Breastfeeding Comes Naturally

Fact: It’s more like learning to bike blindfolded… while juggling.

Let’s be clear: breastfeeding is beautiful, but it's also a skill—for BOTH you and baby. Some babies latch perfectly right away. Others treat your nipple like it's a Rubik’s cube. Cracked nipples, engorgement, mastitis? All real. Not fun, but real.

And if you decide to formula-feed, that’s A-OK too. Fed is best. Period. Don’t fall for the guilt trip. You’re not less of a mother because you fed your baby differently.

Breast or bottle, you’re doing amazing, sweetie.

Myth #4: You Can't Exercise Until 6 Weeks Postpartum

Fact: Movement matters—but listen to your body, not a calendar.

Six weeks is the general rule of thumb, and for good reason—your body’s got healing to do. But gentle movement like short walks or light stretching can actually help your recovery before that six-week mark.

The key? Don’t push yourself. If you had a vaginal tear, C-section, or complications, your healing path might look different. Your doctor’s advice matters, but so does your inner voice. If it says, "Nope, not today," honor that.

Also, PSA: "bouncing back" to a pre-baby body via brutal workouts is pure fiction. Work out because it makes you feel good—not because society says so.

Myth #5: You’ll Lose All the Baby Weight by Breastfeeding

Fact: Breastfeeding burns calories—but it also makes you HUNGRY.

Yes, breastfeeding can torch around 300-500 calories per day. But it also gives you hunger that rivals a teenage boy at a buffet. So if the baby weight isn’t melting off the way you expected, that’s not failure—that’s your body prioritizing milk production and healing.

And let’s be honest: your worth is not measured by a number on a scale. That scale doesn’t see the late nights, the feedings, the sacrifices. You’re already a rockstar—and rockstars don’t need abs to prove it.

Myth #6: C-Section Moms Have It Easier

Fact: Girl, let’s just not.

This one needs to be eradicated from planet Earth. A C-section is major surgery. Like, hospital-stay, scar-healing, abdominal-incision kind of major. Just because the baby didn’t exit stage south doesn’t mean mom got off easy.

From restricted mobility to managing pain to dealing with emotional tolls, cesarean moms are just as badass. Whether you pushed for 30 hours or had an emergency C-section in 30 minutes, you brought life into the world. Let’s stop comparing.

Myth #7: Sex Should Resume After Six Weeks and Feel Totally Normal

Fact: Six weeks is not a magic number, and no, it might not feel amazing.

Your doctor might clear you for sex at six weeks, but "cleared" and "comfortable" are not the same thing. Hormones, healing tissues, dryness, mental state—all play a role. Some women are ready. Others need more time—months, even.

Adding pressure to perform or feel sexy again just adds to the mental load. Talk to your partner. Go slow. Use lube (yes, lube is your new BFF). And if things still feel "off," speak to your OB or a pelvic floor therapist. You’re not broken. You're just healing. Period.

Myth #8: You Can’t Feel Like Yourself Again

Fact: You can—but “yourself” might look different now.

The truth? Postpartum you is still you—just leveled up. You may miss parts of your old life, and that’s okay. You might even grieve it a little while also loving your new role. That doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you human.

Make time (even tiny pockets) for things that light you up. A solo shower. A favorite show. A phone call that doesn’t involve baby talk. You’re allowed to be a mother AND a woman with desires, dreams, and depth.

Myth #9: If You’re Not Loving Every Minute, You’re Doing It Wrong

Fact: Instagram lies. No one loves every second.

Those perfect feeds that scream “I #LoveMomLife” 24/7? Please. They’re highlights, not reality. Behind that dreamy photo could be spit-up, exhaustion, and a meltdown over reheated coffee.

It’s okay to admit some moments suck. The 3 AM feedings? The constant crying? The identity shift? You don’t have to love every second to love your baby fiercely.

Motherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s messy, marvelous, complex—and no two journeys are identical.

Myth #10: Asking for Help Is a Sign of Weakness

Fact: Asking for help is the ultimate power move.

Stop trying to be Superwoman. She doesn’t exist. Whether it’s asking your partner to take a shift, letting grandma fold some laundry, or texting a friend because you're overwhelmed—do it.

Postpartum is not a one-woman show. Your strength isn’t measured by how much you do alone—but by knowing when to say, “I need a hand.”

Repeat after me: strong women ask for help. Period.

Real Talk: What Postpartum Recovery Really Looks Like

So what does the recovery journey actually involve?

1. Physical healing: From vaginal tears to C-section scars, your body’s working overtime. Don’t judge it—thank it.

2. Emotional adjustment: One second you’re crying over a diaper ad, the next you're fine. Totally normal. Your hormones are throwing raves without your permission.

3. Mental recalibration: You’re learning how to be a mom. And spoiler alert—no one’s born knowing how. It’s on-the-job training with a steep learning curve.

4. Relationship shifts: Your relationship with your partner changes. Communication is key. So is grace—for them and yourself.

5. Identity evolution: You won’t go back to the “old you.” But this new version? She’s powerful, resilient, and wiser than ever.

Step Aside, Myths. Mama's Got This.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” guide to postpartum. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world. Other days, like the world is sitting on you. Both are valid.

So, the next time someone tells you what you “should” be doing, feeling, or looking like—smile, nod, and do whatever the heck YOU need to do.

You created life. You're healing—physically, mentally, emotionally. That’s more than enough. The myths can take a seat.

You? Stand tall, adjust your messy bun, and keep owning this wild, wonderful ride we call motherhood.