If you’ve ever felt like your postpartum recovery didn’t go “according to plan,” you’re not alone. Maybe it’s been months maybe even a year, since you gave birth, and you still feel pain, exhaustion, or waves of emotion that you can’t quite explain. You might even feel like something is wrong with you.
But what if it’s not you at all? In her powerful video, Dr. Manisha Ghimire asks the question few experts dare to: “What if everything you think is wrong with your postpartum recovery… is actually completely normal?”
This message is more than comforting; it’s revolutionary. Because the truth is, one in three moms continues to struggle physically or emotionally a full year after giving birth, and one in seven experiences postpartum depression. Yet, more than half of us are missing the follow-up care that could truly help us heal.
It’s time to change the conversation about postpartum recovery from one of silent suffering to one of shared strength and support.
The Myth of “Six Weeks and You’re Fine”
Dr. Ghimire opens her video with a truth that hits every mom’s heart: the six-week postpartum checkup isn’t the finish line, it’s barely the starting point. For decades, new moms have been told that after six weeks, their bodies should be healed and ready to return to “normal life.” But research shows otherwise. In the U.S., one in three women reports ongoing physical pain and fatigue long after that six-week mark. Many continue to experience:
- Pelvic floor pain or weakness
- Back or hip discomfort
- Sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue
- Emotional instability or anxiety
These are not signs of failure. They’re signs of a body that is still recovering from one of the most profound physiological events a human can experience: birth.
Momkinz Tip:
- Don’t rush your recovery timeline. Healing from pregnancy and birth can take 6–12 months or more.
- Listen to your body. If something feels off, don’t ignore it just because “it’s supposed to be better by now.”
When You Feel Broken Months After Birth
At 1:25 in her video, Dr. Ghimire shares something so many moms will relate to: her own story of feeling broken months after giving birth. The kind of exhaustion that no nap could fix. The quiet ache that no one warned her about.
Many mothers reach this stage feeling confused or ashamed. We’re told we should “bounce back,” and when we don’t, we internalize that as weakness. But here’s the truth: there is no such thing as bouncing back. You don’t return to who you were before you evolve into someone new.
The hormonal, physical, and emotional transitions after birth are massive. Estrogen and progesterone drop to their lowest levels, your blood volume normalizes, your body is learning to function in a new equilibrium, and your mind is adjusting to the reality of constant caregiving.
You’re not behind. You’re human.
Momkinz Tip:
- Be gentle with yourself, grief for your “old self” is part of healing.
- Share your experience with a trusted friend, therapist, or postpartum support professional. Talking about your feelings helps normalize them.
The Numbers Every Mom Should Know
At 3:10, Dr. Ghimire shares three statistics that should reshape how we see postpartum recovery:
- 1 in 3 moms still experiences pain, exhaustion, or emotional challenges one year after birth.
- 1 in 7 women face postpartum depression, a real and treatable mental health condition.
- More than half of mothers miss essential postpartum follow-up care—either due to lack of access, awareness, or cultural pressure to “just move on.”
In the U.S., data from the CDC and the American Psychological Association show that nearly 600,000 women each year experience significant postpartum depression symptoms. Yet, an alarming number never receive proper treatment or emotional support. Why? Because our system still prioritizes the baby over the mother.
It’s Not You, It’s the System
At 6:00, Dr. Ghimire delivers a message that every mom needs to hear: “It’s not the mothers who are failing; the system is failing us.”
We are told to attend endless pediatric checkups, but rarely offered structured postpartum care for ourselves. We’re given a six-week clearance for physical activity, but not a six-month plan for mental and emotional recovery.
In countries with robust postpartum care systems like France or the Netherlands, mothers receive pelvic floor therapy, counseling, and at-home visits as standard practice. Meanwhile, in the U.S., many new moms are left isolated and uncertain. This lack of postpartum care isn’t just a gap, it’s a public health issue.
Momkinz Tip:
- Advocate for yourself. Ask your postpartum care provider about follow-up visits beyond six weeks.
- If you can, join postpartum support groups near you or online communities (like Momkinz Postpartum Support). Shared stories create healing and hope.
What Actually Helps Moms Heal
Around 7:30, Dr. Ghimire brings up what research shows truly helps mothers recover not perfectly, but fully. Healing happens when we care for the whole person, not just the body, but also the mind and emotions. That includes:
- Sleep and rest: Healing requires rest, even if it’s fragmented. Sleep deprivation alone can worsen mood symptoms.
- Nutrition: Balanced meals with iron, omega-3s, and hydration support physical recovery and brain health.
- Mental health support: Whether through therapy, journaling, or mom groups, expressing your emotions can lower postpartum anxiety and depression risk.
- Connection: Isolation deepens distress. Talking to other mothers helps normalize your experience.
When we heal in community, we remind ourselves that motherhood isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
Your Permission Slip to Heal
Dr. Ghimire closes her video with the message that every mom deserves:
“You are not broken. You are part of the one-third of mothers still healing, and that makes you normal, not weak.”
Motherhood is not a race to recovery; it’s a relationship with yourself and your baby that unfolds over time. So here’s your permission slip, Mom:
- Rest without guilt.
- Ask for help without shame.
- Recover at your own pace.
Healing is not about “getting back.” It’s about coming home to yourself.
FAQs About Postpartum Recovery & Support
1. How long does postpartum recovery really take?
Every mom’s journey is different. Physical healing can take 6–12 months, while emotional healing may take longer.
2. What are common postpartum depression symptoms?
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, guilt, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or feeling disconnected from your baby.
3. How do I know if it’s postpartum depression or just exhaustion?
If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be postpartum depression.
4. What causes postpartum anxiety or depression?
Hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, past trauma, and lack of support all play a role.
5. Can therapy really help after birth?
Absolutely. Studies show therapy (especially CBT or IPT) helps many moms recover emotionally.
6. Where can I find postpartum support groups near me?
Check local hospitals, online directories, or visit Momkinz to find postpartum support professionals and groups.
7. What if I still feel pain or exhaustion months later?
That’s normal for many moms, but it’s still worth discussing with your healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.
8. How can partners support moms during postpartum recovery?
By listening, sharing responsibilities, and encouraging rest and mental health care.
9. What if I missed my six-week check-up?
It’s never too late. Schedule a visit with your postpartum care provider. You deserve ongoing care.
10. How can Momkinz help me?
Momkinz Postpartum Support connects you with compassionate professionals, resources, and mom communities that understand your journey.
Momkinz Thoughts
Dear Mom,
You are not “behind.” You are becoming. Every stretch mark, every tear, every sleepless night, they’re all part of a sacred transformation that deserves time, grace, and care. If you’ve been feeling unseen or unheard, take this as your reminder: you matter, your healing matters, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Visit Momkinz to connect with postpartum care providers, support professionals, and groups near you who can walk beside you through your recovery. Because your story isn’t about bouncing back, it’s about moving forward, one gentle step at a time.
