Why Postpartum Recovery Matters More Than “Bouncing Back”

Hello, ladies!

I’m so honored to be part of this chapter of your life. You’re probably pregnant and approaching delivery—wondering what’s next?—or maybe you’ve already had your baby and are ready to focus on recovery but don’t know where to start.

I see you. I feel you. I was in the exact same place. And the worst part? You probably feel alone in it.

This is where our medical system here in Canada (😅) fails us. After birth, we’re left to figure it all out by ourselves—how to heal, how to regain strength, how to balance recovery while caring for a newborn. Add in the pressures of being a new mom, and it’s overwhelming! And let’s not forget society’s unrealistic expectations—this idea that we need to “bounce back” as if nothing happened.

Let me stop you right there. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to prove anything. You don’t have to compare yourself to anyone else.

Recovery is NOT about getting your pre-baby body back overnight. It’s about rebuilding your strength safely, at your pace, in your time. Unless you’re a professional athlete with a full support team working around the clock, returning to your pre-pregnancy routine right away isn’t realistic—or safe.

And let’s talk about comparison for a second. Every mother’s journey is different. Some have twins, some run businesses, some are single moms, some have health conditions, some have an incredible support system, while others do it all on their own. Comparing yourself to another mom—especially through the filtered lens of social media—is the fastest way to feel defeated. Remember, social media shows moments, not reality.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Truthfully, postpartum recovery can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on multiple factors. And this isn’t something we talk about enough! After having two babies back to back, my body was depleted (I’ll dive into this in another blog because it’s a whole topic in itself 💪🏻).

For three years, my body prioritized my babies. Until one day, I realized: This isn’t right. Why do I feel this way? This isn’t the version of myself I want my kids to remember.

And I get it—I’m a physiotherapist and kinesiologist, yet even I had to figure out my own recovery. It wasn’t easy. I also lost a loved one during my early postpartum years, and my body felt like it was sending me warning signs from all directions. But I took the time, I did the work, and I found my way back. My youngest is now almost four, and I can finally say that, over the past six to eight months, I truly feel recovered—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Mindset Shift You Need

Postpartum recovery is not about bouncing back—it’s about rebuilding in a way that honors what your body has been through. There is no timeline. There is no “right” way. Your journey is your own.

And no one—no one—should expect anything from you but this: taking the time you need to heal.

With love,
Chloé