What is postpartum?
The word postpartum originates from latin, and it means after birth (post-after, partum-birth). Often times, the words postpartum and postnatal are used interchangeably though their meanings are not the same. Both refer to the period following childbirth - postpartum focuses on the mother’s physical/emotional recovery, while postnatal refers to the baby's health. Postpartum is a natural continuation for women after giving birth, and I believe this time should be recognised as important as infant care is. Research and traditional cultures that have been respecting this time, show how the baby's well being directly correlates to the mother's well being.
In this article, you will find guidance within...
Summary
| The postpartum period is more than recovery | It is a time of biological, emotional, and social changes for mothers. |
| Holistic support is essential | Physical, emotional and social support are needed to ease the transition to motherhood. |
| Myth and reality | Many myths create guilt and uncertainty; accurate information is essential to navigate the postpartum period. |
| Continuous support is important | Continuous support is important** Support should not end after six weeks; it is a long-term process that requires regular replenishment of resources and assistance. |
What the postpartum period means for mothers
The postpartum period is the transition from woman to mother, a transformative time that extends well beyond the first six weeks after giving birth. It is a period involving much more than just the healing of your body. You are undergoing significant biological and psychosocial changes, while also shaping yourself into a whole new identity as a mother.
The most important changes you will encounter
During this time, you navigate through several parallel processes:
- Physical recovery from pregnancy and childbirth, including hormonal changes and recovery of the body (tears, scars, uterus shrinking to its original size)
- Emotional adjustment to becoming a mother and developing a relationship with your child
- Breastfeeding/bottle feeding journey.
- Role change and how this affects your relationships with your partner, family and friends
- Development of mothering and to build confidence in your new role
- Adapting to the new normal in your daily life, and being mindful that as life ebbs and flows, you can too adjust to your new normal.
Many mothers find the postpartum period challenging and unprepared, with many needs not always being met. You may be faced with uncertainty about your parenting skills, mental exhaustion, and wondering how to cope.
That's why preparation and knowledge before giving birth can be beneficial. A better understanding of what to expect can reduce feelings of uncertainty and mental strain during those critical first months.
Why holistic support matters
The postpartum period requires support on multiple levels at once:
- Emotional support from partner, family and professionals
- Practical help with food, cleaning and childcare
- Understanding of what is normal and when to seek help
- Nutrition that replets the body, supports hormonal balance and energy levels
- Breastfeeding/ bottle feeding support
- Opportunity to process the birth experience
Support from a postpartum doula can make a positive difference in how you experience this transition.
Practical advice: Start thinking about the support you need during your pregnancy. Having a plan in place before your baby arrives will make the transition much smoother and less stressful.
Different ways postpartum affects body and mind
From the outside, society sees the new postpartum mother seem to carry on with life, perhaps her breasts are a little more engorged and she has a softer baby bump. What is happening on the inside and behind closed doors however, is a lot more complex and layered. And one of the key reasons is - hormones. Hormones are chemical messangers that - as the definition suggests - are in charge of the internal communication in the body. When in balance, the body and mind are in balance. When off balance, the body and mind are affected.
During the weeks and months after birth, the body experiences substantial hormonal shifts. From day 3 after giving birth, oestrogen, progesterone and other hormones drop significantly creating a chain reaction in both your body and your mind. Though this drop of hormones is a natural process, it does not mean it is easy.
The impact of hormones on the body
When hormones drop, you may notice it in many different ways:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Recovery from birth which takes time
- Breastfeeding and breast changes that can cause physical discomfort
- Changes in body functions such as bleeding, constipation, sweating and causing further hormonal imbalances
- Thyroid imbalance which can contribute to depression and fatigue
... to name a few.
But it’s not just your body that changes. Your soul undergoes an equally profound transformation.
Many mothers report feelings of guilt and shame that can dominate during this time. You may criticize yourself for not feeling good enough, for not loving motherhood right away, or for not being able to handle it all.
These feelings are deeply tied to how you adjust to your new identity as a mother. Insecurity about your parenting skills and difficulty recognising yourself can be common feelings for some new mothers.
How body and mind are connected
The important thing to understand is that the body and mind are intertwined.
Your physical exhaustion exacerbates your emotional challenges. Your mental strain makes it take longer for your body to heal. It’s a complex interplay that needs support - holistic support. Appropriate postpartum nutrition and your village of care can help the world during these firsts weeks and months.
Practical advice: Documenting how you feel both physically and emotionally during the first few weeks will help you see patterns and identify when you need to seek professional help.
Common postpartum uncertainties and myths
There is a lack of information focused on maternal health during the postpartum period. You often receive information about your baby, but much less about your own recovery and well-being.
The most common feelings include:
- Insufficient mental health support and mental wellbeing
- Lack of practical help with meals, cleaning and daily tasks
- Isolation when friends and family assume you are fine
- Difficulty seeking help without feeling ashamed or "not good enough"
- Conflicting information about what is normal and when to worry
There is a vast gap between what mothers need and what is actually offered during this transitional time.
Now onto the most common myths:
Myth: "You will love motherhood right away." Reality: While this may be true for some mums, for others It takes time to build a sense of motherhood. Ambivalence is completely normal.
Myth: "Your body will recover in six weeks." Reality: Every postpartum is unique, depeding on the birth and the after birth support. Though recovery often takes longer than six weeks.
Myth: "You should be able to handle everything on your own" Reality: Asking for help is not weakness—it’s necessary for survival and well-being.
Why personalised support matters
The real difference is getting support that is tailored to your specific needs postpartum. There is no one-size-fits-all new mums solution.
Research has shown lack of or inappropriate support can actually increase the chances of postpartum depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. Your situation is unique, and your support should be too.
Practical advice: Identify now what you need help with after birth – food, cleaning, emotional support, or someone to just listen – and communicate it clearly to your partner, family, or professional resources.
Holistic perspective and support for long-term well-being
Holistic postpartum care is about addressing the whole person:
- Physical recovery through nutritious food, sleep support and gradual movement
- Mental health with emotional support and the opportunity to process your experience
- Social network who are actually there and understand your needs
- Self care which is not a luxury but a necessity for survivala
- Cultural factors that respect your background and values
Personalised support is key
A mother who breastfeeds has different needs than one who doesn’t. A mother with past trauma needs different support than someone without. A single mother faces completely different challenges than one with a supportive partner.
Effective support requires education, emotional communication, and respectful care that is tailored to your specific situation.
The role of your village in long-term well-being
As a new mother, you are worth being taken care of, and you are worth having people around you that understand you and support you.
That’s why partners, family members, friends need to be actively included in your support - they’re part of your own recovery process and transition into a new mother.
Valuable steps for your network:
- Educate family about what postpartum means
- Ask for specific help rather than expecting them to understand what you need
- Set healthy boundaries on visits when you need to rest, and well-meaning opinions/ advices
- Communicate how you’re feeling—both the good and the challenging
Practical advice: You can plan for long-term support as early as during pregnancy. Identify which people or professional resources such as a postpartum doula can provide you with ongoing support throughout the first year. Having a plan in place makes it easier to accept help when you need it.
Common questions
What is the postpartum period?
The postpartum period is the time following childbirth and extends beyond the first six weeks. It is a time of both physical and emotional recovery, where the new mother navigates many changes and adjustments in her life.
What types of support are needed during the postpartum period?
During the postpartum period, it is important to receive support on several levels, including emotional support from family and friends, practical help with daily tasks, as well as professional support that can provide information about normal recovery and health.
How do hormonal changes affect the postpartum period?
Though hormonal changes are a natural progression after childbirth, it does not mean it is easy to navigate. Hormonal changes after childbirth can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. It is important to understand that these changes affect both physical health and mental well-being, and that support can make this journey more positive.
What common difficulties do new mothers face??
New mothers may experience a lack of support, feelings of guilt or shame, and isolation. Many receive less information about their own health compared to their baby's health, which can affect recovery.