Postpartum healing goes beyond six weeks
The concept that postpartum recovery concludes at six weeks is a pervasive myth.
In reality, healing—both physical and emotional—often extends far beyond this timeframe.
The fourth trimester is a haze. Days blur. Nights stretch. You might forget what day it is. You might cry when no one’s looking. And yet, six weeks later, the world seems to expect you to be “back.”
But here’s the truth: postpartum healing doesn’t follow a clock. And for the 1 in 3 Australian women who experience birth as traumatic, it’s not just about sleep deprivation or sore stitches — it’s about navigating grief, pain, identity shifts, and sometimes, PTSD.
Birth Trauma is more common than you think
In Australia, 1 in 3 women describe their birth experience as traumatic (COPE, 2022). And 1 in 8 go on to develop PTSD as a result (University of Sydney, 2023).
Trauma can arise from emergency interventions, loss of control, dismissal of consent, unexpected outcomes, or the fear for one's life or baby’s. And its effects ripple into bonding, breastfeeding, identity, and mental health.
Yet despite this, most maternity services end support at 2 weeks postpartum, with only a fraction offering care up to 6 weeks【BMC Health Services Research, 2024】 — well before many even begin to process their experience.
Why Postpartum feels like “time disappears”
Sleep deprivation, hormonal swings, and relentless caretaking distort our perception of time. A 2022 study from the University of Queensland found that maternal fatigue and disrupted circadian rhythms significantly impact attention, cognition, and memory【UQ, 2022】.
You’re not forgetful. You’re not failing. You’re adjusting to life after a major psychological, emotional, and physiological event — and doing it on minimal sleep.
Physical healing takes months, not weeks
Even under “normal” birth circumstances, physical recovery takes longer than we’ve been told. According to the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, pelvic floor and core healing can take up to 12 months — particularly following tearing, stitches, or c-section【BJOG, 2019】.
Yet mums are often signed off as “recovered” at 6 weeks. In reality, you might still be bleeding, aching, leaking, or trying to sit without wincing.
Emotional Healing Is Just As Crucial
Postpartum hormones — including the dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone — impact emotional regulation. And when layered with sleep deprivation and unmet expectations, even the most supported mothers can feel anxious, depressed, or completely disconnected.
The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) reports that 1 in 5 Australian mothers experience perinatal anxiety or depression. And many don't seek help due to shame, guilt, or the belief they should feel “grateful.”
Healing emotionally requires validation, space, and care — not shame or silence.
Slowness is not laziness — it’s necessary
At Omoiyari, we believe recovery isn’t linear. And rushing it doesn’t make you stronger — it makes you burnt out.
What if instead of “bouncing back,” you:
- Rested guilt-free when your baby sleeps
- Said no to visitors until you’re ready
- Asked for help and actually received it
- Let your body guide the timeline — not a calendar
Rest isn’t indulgent. It’s medicine.
A gentle reminder
If you're still sore at 6 weeks, still bleeding at 8, or still crying at 12… you're not broken. You're healing.
And healing takes time.
Let’s rewrite the timeline of postpartum recovery — one that honours birth trauma, embraces slow healing, and reminds new mothers that their journey deserves respect, support, and softness.
Tools to support a softer recovery
Whether you’re supporting yourself or someone you love, here are nurturing tools that hold space for real healing:
- Sitz soaks and perineal sprays for physical care
- Warm teas and lactation snacks for nourishment
- Nipple balm, belly oil, and self-care rollers for comfort
- Postpartum journals and grief support books for emotional release
- Hamper gifts that say, “I see you. You matter.”
Explore Postpartum gift hampers →
Cited Research & References
- Ritchie, P. (2023, June 30). Birth-related PTSD is 'strangely overlooked' in Australia. University of Sydney. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/06/30/birth-related-ptsd-is-strangely-overlooked-in-australia.html
- Schmied, V., Myors, K., Burns, E., Curry, J., Pangas, J., & Dahlen, H. G. (2024). A mixed methods study of the postnatal care journey from birth to discharge in a maternity service in New South Wales, Australia. BMC health services research, 24(1), 1530. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11995-w.