The postpartum body is not just a "snap-back" situation. It's a wild, hormonal, emotional, and visual ride — sometimes all before lunch. And no, you're not imagining it - Your hips may feel permanently widened, your boobs have entered their own chaotic saga, and your belly? Yep — it might feel like leftover kuih lapis that’s been in the fridge a bit too long. This isn’t failure. This is healing.

​

What Might Change (And Why It’s Normal):

• Belly - It’s still soft. It’s still there. That lower-belly pouch? Totally normal. Your uterus takes about 6–8 weeks to shrink back, and even then, the muscles and skin need time (and patience) to recover. This is not a "snap" moment — it’s a slow unfold.

​

• Breasts - Welcome to the boob Olympics: they’re sore, engorged, possibly uneven, and leaky AF. One moment they’re rock hard, the next they’re soft as pancake. Bonus: if you’re breastfeeding, they may squirt milk across the room mid-sneeze. If you’re not breastfeeding, they still go through engorgement and hormonal changes. You are not malfunctioning — your body is working hard.

​

• Bleeding (Lochia) - This is your body’s internal spring-cleaning. Lochia is a mix of blood, tissue, and mucus that clears out the uterus — it can last up to 6 weeks and may change colour from red to brown to yellowish-white. It’s normal to have small clots, but if anything seems too heavy or smells off, get checked.

​

• Hair -  Remember that gorgeous pregnancy shine? Yeah, say bye-bye. Around 3–6 months postpartum, many mamas notice clumps of hair falling out — especially around the temples. It’s called telogen effluvium, and it’s hormonal. It usually grows back (but you might rock some awkward baby hairs for a while).

​

• Joints & Muscles - That pregnancy hormone relaxin doesn't just peace out at birth. It can linger for months, making your joints feel looser and wobbly — especially in your hips, knees, and wrists. It’s why some mums feel achy, off-balance, or even a bit clumsy. Go easy on yourself when returning to movement or exercise.

​

• Skin - Stretch marks, pigmentation (like melasma), dryness, breakouts — your skin is basically throwing a hormonal tantrum. Most of these fade over time, but some changes (like linea nigra or stretch marks) may stick around as little badges of birthing honour.

Your abdominal muscles have just survived a full-on physiological warzone. Whether you pushed for hours, had a C-section, or both — your core has done serious work. Many women experience diastasis recti, a fancy term for abdominal muscle separation. It’s super common post-birth — and totally treatable with the right approach.

​

Signs to Watch For:

• A persistent lower belly “pooch” that doesn’t budge, even with healthy eating or movement

• A visible bulge or doming down the centre of your belly when trying to sit up

• Weak core strength, poor posture, or lingering back pain — especially in the lower back

 

If you’re unsure, ask a women’s health physio or postnatal trainer to check — it’s quick and non-invasive.

 

Gentle Core Healing Starts With:

• Breath work: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps re-engage your core muscles from the inside out

• Pelvic floor connection: These two systems are besties — heal one, help the other

• Postnatal-safe movements: Think bird dogs, heel slides, and slow, mindful activation — not bootcamp madness

​

What to Avoid Early On:

• Crunches, sit-ups, and planks (yep, even if your brain is screaming “flatten the tummy!”)

• Heavy lifting, especially with poor form or when tired

• High-impact workouts (HIIT, burpees, etc.) — your pelvic floor and core aren’t ready for CrossFit dreams just yet

• Comparing your body to fitness influencers 3 weeks postpartum 

 

 

Core healing isn’t about getting abs. It’s about reconnecting to your centre — physically and emotionally. You’re not just rebuilding muscles. You’re rebuilding you — stronger, softer, and smarter than ever.

Let’s talk about what sits between your hips and does more heavy lifting than anyone gives it credit for - Your pelvic floor — the muscular hammock holding up your bladder, uterus, and bowels. And after birth? It’s... seen some things.

​

Post-Birth Signs Your Pelvic Floor Needs a Hug:

• You pee when you sneeze, laugh, jump, or even think about a trampoline

• There’s a "heavy" or dragging feeling in your vagina (like something’s trying to drop out)

• Sex feels painful or you notice dryness that wasn’t there before

• You feel pressure or discomfort when standing or walking too long

 

These aren’t shameful. They’re signals, not signs of failure.

 

What Helps:

• Kegels (done properly) — not just squeezing like you're holding in pee, but mindful, slow contractions and releases

• Pelvic tilts, bridge lifts, and gentle yoga to wake up the whole pelvic-core connection

• See a women’s health physiotherapist — honestly, even if you're symptom-free, they can check alignment, strength, and recovery progress

 

This is about function, confidence, and comfort — not just being “tight down there.”

 

You shouldn’t have to cross your legs every time you cough. That’s not motherhood — that’s a leak warning we can fix.

The postpartum hormone drop? It’s not in your head — it’s in your bloodstream. And it's intense. After nine months of riding high on pregnancy hormones, your body hits the brakes hard — and it shows up everywhere.

​

It Affects:

• Mood (tears at the sight of a baby sock = valid)

• Skin (hello, acne and dryness)

• Sleep (or lack thereof… even when baby’s asleep)

• Libido (from zero to nope and back again)

• Appetite (ravenous one day, toast-is-too-much the next)

• Energy (what is energy?)

 

And You Know What? It’s All Valid.

​

Especially things like:

• Crying at 3pm because you spilled pumped milk

• Wanting to cuddle your baby… then immediately fantasising about checking into a hotel alone

• Not feeling “sexy,” attractive, or remotely like yourself — some days not even feeling human

 

You’re not dramatic. Your hormones are recalibrating. And it doesn’t happen overnight. This is a chemical shift, not a personal flaw.

 

Support Your Body Through the Transition:

• Sleep — even 20-minute naps count (sleep stacking is a thing!)

• Nourishing food — eat real meals, not just baby’s leftovers

• Check in with yourself emotionally — even just asking, “What do I need right now?”

• Seek professional help — when it feels like too much, talk to someone. You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart.

 

 

You’re not crazy. You’re just hormonally rebooting back to baseline human.
And that process? Takes time, love, and lots of grace.

•  

Awkward? Sometimes.
Beautiful? Eventually.
Complicated? Almost always.

Let’s be real: postpartum intimacy isn’t just about sex — it’s about healing, identity, connection, and timing. And timing, my friend, can be... very off.

​

Truth Bombs:

• You might not feel ready — physically, mentally, emotionally.

• Your body might feel like a stranger's (who leaks, sweats, and cries at diaper ads).

• Your partner might be cluelessly hovering, unsure how to read the room.

• All of that? Totally normal.

 

What to Expect (But No One Tells You):

• Vaginal dryness or pain — especially if you're breastfeeding (thanks, oestrogen drop)

• Zero libido — hormones + exhaustion = romance killer

• Emotional disconnect — you might feel distant, confused, even guilty for not "wanting it back"

 

What Actually Helps:

• Honest convos with your partner — no need to sugarcoat it. Sometimes “Not now, but I still love you” is the most romantic thing you can say.

• Lube. Seriously. Your new best friend. Keep it bedside.

• Gentle reconnection — cuddles, non-sexual touch, shared showers, even just lying together and laughing

• Zero pressure. You set the pace. You call the shots. Your body, your rules.

 

 

Because sexy isn’t just about lingerie or lighting candles.
It’s about feeling seen, respected, and truly ready — whenever that may be.

Here’s the truth:
Your body isn’t ruined.
It’s just... different. And different is not a downgrade.

You created life. You’re healing. You’re adapting.
And even though the world keeps yelling “bounce back!” — you get to say:

“Actually, I’m still bouncing forward. And it’s on my own damn timeline.”

​​

So go ahead:

• Wear the leggings — even if they roll down sometimes

• Take the mirror selfies — stretch marks and all

• Say kind things to your reflection — she’s done a lot for you

• Show your daughter what self-love looks like — and your son too

​

Because confidence?
It’s not a size. It’s an attitude.
And mama — you’ve earned it.