QUICK ANSWER:

Postpartum recovery commonly includes bleeding (lochia), hormonal shifts, uterine shrinking, pelvic floor healing, and fatigue—often lasting ~6 weeks or longer.

Last month, our co-founder Rebecca gave birth. Like millions of women every year, she’s been navigating the reality of postpartum recovery — the bleeding, the hormonal waves, the exhaustion, the body odor (yes, that’s real), and the invisible pressure to “get your body back.”

After Rebeccas birth she experienced a quick recovery, which she documented on her instagram and within a few weeks the pregnancy bloat was gone  and she felt like herself again. But for many women- this isn't the case. Why? Because everyone's post partum recovery looks different. 

But what does bouncing back actually mean? And why do we still expect women to do it?

Recently, social media has been full of conversation around Nara Smith’s postpartum body. Some praise how quickly she appeared to “recover,” while others point out how these images create unrealistic expectations for new moms. The truth is, every postpartum body heals differently — and what we see online is only a tiny fraction of the story.

Here’s what’s really happening beneath the surface:

Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia): What’s Normal

After birth, your body begins to shed lochia — a mix of blood, tissue, and mucus from your uterus — for up to six weeks (sometimes longer). It starts heavy, like a strong period, and gradually lightens over time. It’s your uterus literally healing its inner lining, closing the open wound left behind by the placenta. This process is essential, and yet it’s rarely talked about. it's not a period, but you'll certainly need diapers, period undies and pads at this time! We recommend the night pads as they are great for heavy bleeding paired with the period undies.

Postpartum Hormones: Why Your Body Feels So Different

Post-birth, your hormones swing dramatically. Estrogen and progesterone — which were sky-high during pregnancy — drop almost instantly, while prolactin and oxytocin rise to support milk production and bonding. This sudden crash can trigger mood changes, night sweats, and even the infamous “postpartum smell” — your body’s chemistry recalibrating. We recommend replenishing with a postpartum vitamin bundle.

Postpartum Healing Happens Beneath the Surface

Your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size over about six weeks, your pelvic floor is regaining strength, your abdominal muscles are reconnecting, and your skin is adjusting to new elasticity and hydration levels. None of this is visible in a photo, yet it’s the heart of postpartum recovery.

At Rif, we believe this is the conversation that needs to happen more often. Instead of focusing on how fast you can “snap back,” we should be asking: how can I support my body as it rebuilds?

This means rest, nourishment, gentle movement, and care — not shame, deadlines, or comparison. Your body doesn’t owe anyone a bounce-back moment. It deserves healing, patience, and gratitude.

Because postpartum isn’t about going back — it’s about moving forward in a body that’s done something extraordinary.