How Long Does it Take to Actually Recover from Childbirth?

Written by Jennifer Mayer, and originally posted on Fairygodboss:

Giving birth to a baby is an incredible accomplishment. Any mother who has given birth can tell you just how challenging it can be to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, all while tending to the needs of a newborn around the clock. The medical system concludes with postpartum care at six weeks following a newborn’s arrival. Yet, many mothers will say that six weeks is not enough time for mothers to recover, and research supports this.

A 2012 study at the Salford University in England indicates that mothers need at least one year to recover from childbirth. Dr. Julie Wray, the study’s lead researcher, interviewed women two to three weeks after giving birth, then again at three months and at six to seven months. Through the interview process, she was able to gain insight into what women truly experience during postpartum recovery.

"The research shows that more realistic and woman-friendly postnatal services are needed. Women feel that it takes much longer than six weeks to recover and they should be supported beyond the current six to eight weeks after birth," Dr. Wray told The Daily Mail.

Read the full post on Fairygodboss.