How can I speed up postpartum recovery?

Bottom lineSupport postpartum recovery - which takes about six weeks for early healing and often longer to feel fully yourself - by resting, sleeping when the baby sleeps, not overdoing activity, eating balanced meals with protein and fiber, staying hydrated, caring for your perineum or C-section wound, and starting gentle pelvic floor work when advised; seek care for heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain.

Postpartum recovery takes time - your body needs around six weeks for the early healing and often longer to feel fully like yourself. You can't rush it, but you can support your body to heal well.

Rest and let your body heal

• Rest as much as you can and sleep when the baby sleeps
• Don't overdo activity early - ease back gradually
• Accept help with chores, cooking, and older children

Nourish and hydrate

• Eat balanced, regular meals with protein, iron, fiber, and plenty of fluids
• Keep taking any supplements your clinician recommends
• Fiber and water help with constipation, common after birth

Care for healing tissues

• Follow advice for your perineum or C-section wound
• Start gentle pelvic floor exercises when advised
• Build up walking before any harder exercise

Mind your mental health

Recovery is emotional too - the baby blues are common, but reach out if low mood lasts beyond two weeks.

When to call

Contact a clinician for heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, a hot or painful wound, or warning signs - prompt care keeps recovery on track.

Femora helps you track recovery symptoms and your mood so you can pace yourself and spot anything that needs attention.