What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You

Introduction: The 6-Week Myth

Sis, let’s be real—six weeks is not enough.

You’ve just grown and birthed a whole human, and yet, at your six-week checkup, your doctor might just give you the “all clear” like you didn’t just go through the biggest transformation of your life. They might say:

🩺 “You’re good to resume normal activities.”
🩺 “You can start working out again.”
🩺 “If you’re feeling down, it’s just hormones.”

But what if you’re still bleeding? What if your emotions feel like a rollercoaster? What if your body feels foreign to you?

Postpartum healing does not magically end at six weeks. The reality is your body, hormones, and mind are still adjusting for months (sometimes even a year) after giving birth.

So, let’s talk about what really happens after six weeks and how you can truly care for yourself in the months that follow. Because the truth is, you deserve more than just a quick checkup—you deserve real support.

What Happens After Six Weeks?

At six weeks postpartum, you might think, “Why do I still feel off?” Here’s why:

1️⃣ Your hormones are still regulating. Estrogen and progesterone dropped dramatically after birth, and your body is still trying to find balance.
2️⃣ Your body is still healing. Your uterus is still shrinking, your pelvic floor is still weak, and if you had a C-section or stitches, your scar is still mending.
3️⃣ Your emotions are shifting. Mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression can creep in after the six-week mark.
4️⃣ Your energy might still be low. Sleep deprivation is real, and your body is prioritizing healing over high energy levels.

Sis, your body needs time. The pressure to “bounce back” is unrealistic—and harmful. Instead of rushing, let’s talk about what true postpartum healing looks like.

How to Care for Your Body Beyond 6 Weeks

1. Nourish Yourself with Healing Foods
Your body is rebuilding from the inside out. Focus on foods that replenish you:
✅ Iron-rich foods to help with blood loss recovery (spinach, lentils, beets).
✅ Healthy fats to support hormone balance (avocados, flaxseeds, walnuts).
✅ Hydration—drink warm herbal teas and plenty of water to support milk supply and healing.

🌿 Try this: Make a postpartum healing smoothie with almond milk, banana, dates, flaxseeds, and a scoop of collagen or protein for recovery.

2. Support Your Pelvic Floor & Core Recovery
Even if you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your pelvic floor needs time to recover. If you feel pressure, leaking, or discomfort, that’s a sign to slow down and rebuild gradually.

Gentle Postpartum Movements:

• Deep breathing (diaphragmatic breathing helps reconnect your core).

• Pelvic tilts to strengthen your lower abdomen.

• Gentle stretching to relieve tension from breastfeeding or carrying baby.

Important: Jumping back into high-impact workouts too soon can cause more harm than good. Give your body grace.

3. Honor Your Mental & Emotional Healing
Postpartum emotions are real. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or just not like yourself, it’s okay.

Signs you need extra support:

• Constant crying or feeling detached from your baby.

• Anxiety that won’t go away.

• Feeling like you’re drowning and don’t know how to ask for help.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Seek support from a postpartum doula, therapist, or trusted community. Your mental health is just as important as your physical recovery.

🌿 Try this: Start a simple journaling practice—write down one thing you’re grateful for each day and one thing you need more of.

4. Ask for (and Accept) Help
Listen, sis—you are not supposed to do this alone. The "superwoman" myth needs to go. Accepting help is a form of self-care.

👶🏾 Let someone else hold the baby while you nap.
🍲 Let your village/community/tribe bring you meals (frozen meals may work best).
💆🏽‍♀️ Let yourself rest without guilt. Your body has just did a Great work and deserves relaxation.

Postpartum is a season, not a test of endurance. Lean into your support system—you deserve care just as much as your baby does.

Conclusion: Your Healing Timeline is Yours

Let’s break the cycle of unrealistic expectations.

There’s no rush to “bounce back.” There’s no deadline on healing. What matters most is that you listen to your body, give yourself grace, and surround yourself with support.

If you’re struggling with postpartum recovery, you are not alone.

🌿 I created a free Postpartum Care Checklist to guide you through real, sustainable healing steps. Download it below and take your healing into your own hands.

👉🏽 Download the Postpartum Care Checklist Here

💬 Comment below: What’s one thing you wish someone told you about postpartum recovery?