How long does it REALLY take to recover from childbirth?

Did you ‘bounce back’ to your pre-baby self just six weeks after giving birth? The reality is that most women don’t – and it’s been revealed mums believe it takes more like a year to recover from giving birth.

Giving birth is often likened to running a marathon, but in reality it’s harder. There’s very little recovery period when you have a newborn to care for – your body has to repair after labour and birth on less sleep and down time than ever before.

It’s little wonder then, that research has found women may actually take a year to recover from childbirth. A British study, published in 2011, discovered that many mums believe the six week recovery period to be a ‘fantasy’.

Six week check-up ‘disappointing’

A group of mums were interview at regular intervals after giving birth – from just days post-partum to several months afterwards. What they revealed is a unique insight into just what it means to ‘recover’ after birth.

Academic Dr Julie Wray undertook the research as part of her PhD, and found that the women she interviewed were disappointed by their six week check-up, “because most did not receive a physical examination or it did not confirm either way whether their bodies had reverted to ‘normal’”.

Hospital atmosphere not helpful to recovery

Dr Wray found that the UK hospital wards the women had birthed in also hindered recovery because:

• The hot, busy, noisy atmosphere and stream of visitors was not conducive to recovery.
• Unfamiliar rules, regulation and routines also hindered recovery.
• A lack of support in baby care and handling skills was expressed with many of the women feeling they were ‘left to get on with it’.

What the research proves, says Dr Wray, is a need for post natal care beyond the six week period.

“The research shows that more realistic and woman-friendly postnatal services are needed. Women feel that it takes much longer than six weeks to recover and they should be supported beyond the current six to eight weeks after birth.”

The takeaway message? Give yourself TIME! Our bodies have done an amazing job of growing and then birthing a real little human. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that things might not just ‘bounce right back’ straight away. And that’s COMPLETELY fine!

When you’re ready to start focusing on health and fitness again, check out the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge

Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is a family-friendly, breastfeeding-safe program designed FOR MUMS to help them improve their health and lose the baby weight. 

Every week you are given a different meal plan to follow and each month we add NEW recipes to our Challenge Recipe Hub. That way, you’ll never get bored and stay on weight loss track while digging into healthy, yummy recipes. Some mums also choose to add in Healthy Mummy Smoothies to their meal plans, but it’s totally up to you.

Learn more about our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge HERE.

If you would like a sneak peek at some of the meals, snacks and exercises from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge you can download our FREE recipe packs HERE.