Some People Say… Postpartum Recovery Edition

hello Momma,

Postpartum recovery is full of advice. Some of it comes from cultural traditions, some from family wisdom, and some from well-meaning friends who simply want to help. While I love and respect the timeless practices that have supported mothers for centuries, I also believe postpartum healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The truth? What feels healing for one person might feel overwhelming, unrealistic, or even unnecessary for another. That’s why I like to take the phrase “some people say” and then explore what feels right for me — and maybe for you too.

Here are a few common things you may hear during postpartum, and my take on each.

1. Some people say: “You won’t heal without avoiding showers and turning on the AC.”

In many traditional practices, water and wind are seen as potentially weakening during the early weeks of recovery. The advice is often to avoid showers, fans, or direct air conditioning.

My take: A warm shower or herbal foot bath can feel deeply restorative — physically, mentally, and emotionally. There’s something about washing your hair, standing in the steam, and wrapping up in a cozy towel that resets your nervous system. Just keep it warm, keep socks on after, and avoid blasting yourself with cold air. And if you’re feeling sweaty (hello postpartum hormone shifts), turn on that fan. Comfort is healing too.

2. Some people say: “You won’t heal without consuming hot foods.”

The emphasis on hot foods is rooted in the idea that warmth supports digestion, circulation, and overall recovery. Soups, stews, and porridges are often at the center of these traditions.

My take: Warming foods don’t always need to be piping hot. They can be warming in nature thanks to spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and clove. So yes, soups are beautiful, but so is a smoothie with cinnamon, a grain salad with ginger dressing, or even avocado toast paired with a hot mug of bone broth. Don’t be afraid to enjoy what feels good.

3. Some people say: “You need a big village to heal.”

The vision of a postpartum village — people cooking meals, folding laundry, and tending to the new mother — is beautiful. In many cultures, it’s simply the way things are done.

My take: A big village is wonderful, but it’s not always possible. Some families don’t have extended relatives nearby, and not everyone can afford extra postpartum support. Healing doesn’t depend on having ten people in your home. It’s about receiving the care you can source — and practicing gratitude for every small gesture. Even something as simple as a friend dropping off a meal or a neighbor folding laundry can feel incredibly restorative. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.

4. Some people say: “You must consume congee and broths.”

Congee (rice porridge) and nourishing broths are staples in many postpartum traditions because they’re easy to digest and deeply healing.

My take: These foods are lovely — but healing doesn’t stop with congee. Sometimes all you want are snacky foods, and that’s okay. I love keeping a stack of pancakes in the fridge to rewarm, alongside muffins, cut fruit, or nut-butter toast. What matters most is whole ingredients and nourishment, not perfection.

5. Some people say: “At six weeks you’ll feel like yourself again and can get back to everything.”

In Western medicine, the six-week postpartum checkup often signals a green light to resume normal activity, exercise, and even intimacy.

My take: Six weeks is not the finish line. Most people need 9–12 months for physical recovery, and many mothers share they don’t feel fully themselves for two to three years. Healing is not linear, and it’s not a race. Your timeline is the right timeline.

6. Some people say: “If you start Kegels now, your pelvic floor will heal.”

Kegels are often recommended as the go-to exercise for postpartum healing. The idea is that by contracting and releasing the pelvic floor, strength will return.

My take: Pelvic floor healing is much more nuanced than Kegels. For some, Kegels may not even be the right starting point. A holistic pelvic floor therapist can assess your unique needs and guide you in safe, restorative ways. Breath work, gentle core connection, and functional movement often create a stronger foundation than repetitive exercises alone.

Final Thoughts

Some people say postpartum recovery must look one way — but I believe healing is personal, flexible, and deeply individual.

Take the traditions that resonate with you. Release what doesn’t feel supportive. And above all, remember: your body has done something extraordinary, and it deserves nourishment, care, and patience in return.

✨ Your recovery doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. It only needs to feel like yours.

Wishing you all the healing!