How long after giving birth did your body feel back to ‘normal’?

[PretzelBite]

just as the question says really. My hormones are still very up and down, I have no core strength, my vaginal walls still feel weak, I still have the odd bout of mastitis or soreness. I’m 5 months pp and hate still feeling like a stranger in my own body. When did you start to feel, rather than look, better in yourself? Tell me there’s light at the end of the tunnel!

Sorry you feel like this OP. 1 year pp but everyone is individual. If it’s possible, it might be worth seeing a womans health physiotherapist.

Well my youngest is 15 and I'd say I'm almost there 😂

No really, they say 9 months to grow them, 9 months to recover and I'd say that was pretty true for me.

Thanks both. I’ve heard stopping bf’ing can help too so fingers crossed!

@SWS17 thank you, I did see one 3 months pp she said all was within normal range and to keep up with kegels which I am but not feeling a difference really so may have to go back? Not really sure how long to leave between appointments.

8/9 months PP. started to get into fitness again. Fell pregnant 10 months PP now I’m 5 months pregnant 🤣🤣

After 6 months I felt less estranged from my body and fitted into mostly normal clothes, but probably closer to 9/10 months to feel
full myself. Also I had the most gigantic boobs that leaked constantly, so stopping breastfeeding was key for my body to stop feeling like it was invaded! Good luck

@Soontobemumof2x 😂 congrats!
@Luluem thank you! Yes same with the boobs, I’m looking forward to having some breathing space when I stop breastfeeding soon🤞

With dc1 I still looked in the earlier stages of pregnancy for about 6 months and i never did lose the weight! With dc2 my stomach went flat straight away and it wasn't obvious I'd just had a baby. No two are the same IME. I knew dc2 was my last so threw myself into getting in shape. It has took me until my youngest was 2/3 to finally feel comfortable in my own skin (minus the stretch marks) after losing weight and toning up. Don't give up op, it can be done, but first and foremost give yourself time to recover.

Honestly, about 2yrs with my first and then about 7 months with my second.

taken* not took sorry

Somewhere between 9 months and a year I really started to notice I felt more like myself

I was back in my jeans before I left hospital with each. I never bought any maternity clothes, apparently I have amazing stomach muscles. With my first two DC I had a full episiotomy, that took months and months and I was put on Prozac due to PND. To the outside world I looked fantastic after giving birth but looks can be deceptive.

3 months

Completely back to normal? 2 years.

2 weeks. But I was in my early and mid 20s when I had my kids and think that made the difference. Talking to my friends who've had kids in their early to mid 30s they say anything up to 4 years!!

28 years and counting 🤦‍♀️
look your body never fully recovers. It changes. Stop chasing unicorns. If it works well, ft and healthy then accept it. You’ve had a child and physiologically that does some pretty substantial metamorphosis
even when you think you’re over it, it has a habit of catching up on you. 2 c-section and only since peri have I had womb prolapse and umbilical hernia…

Thanks all.
@Dacadactyl I’m 25! Weight wise I’m back to normal it’s more how I feel in myself iyswim and the more hidden aspects - I had an episiotomy and still feel a bit weird down there, breastfeeding so boobs don’t feel my own etc. it’s a strange time.

@Whiteroomjoy great advice thank you. That must be tough, I’m sorry. The joys of being a woman/mother never end…

I think it's a process. I started to feel stronger from about the 6 month mark, thought I was basically there by 9 months op but it wasn't until a good few months after stopping breastfeeding and baby sleeping through that I realised, ah this is it, hello me!

@AudHvamm oh yes sleep is a huge part of it! I actually felt slightly better between 3 and 4 months but then the regression hit and I’m mentally back to square one.

6 months PP and still not quite there

Although I generally I feel ok and a lot better than straight after birth, my body is still mending

My mum said she's still waiting....I'm 40 next year 😀

Definitely after stopping feeding, give yourself a break!!

I had a massive baby when I was 42. Aside from the fact he was a screaming non sleeper, my body felt better once I was able to return to the gym and regain some core strength. I also did lots of squeezing when I went to the loo to help strengthen vaginal muscles. I'd say it takes 8-12 months.

6 months to feel noticeably normal, muscles and organs all just about cooperative again but not quite there, and 12 months I'd say to feel physically the same (or as near as) as before. I had quite a diastasis recti with my second which I thought was never going to right itself but it's barely a finger now and I think that's as good as it will get at 18 months PP my second.

I'm 6 weeks pp and have been in my pre baby clothes since week 3. I've felt normal - except for the breastfeeding - since about week 4. It's sheer luck, genetics.

It doesn't matter about how other people are doing though. What matters is you. Do you have time to yourself!

First baby - 1 year (forceps)

Second baby - natural delivery - 3 months