Postpartum recovery, week by week

Postpartum recovery is a real medical event, whether vaginal or cesarean. Expect bleeding (lochia) for 4–6 weeks, tapering from red to pink to yellow. Perineal soreness, cramping (especially while nursing), and profound fatigue are all normal. Cesarean recovery adds incision care: keep it clean and dry, don't lift more than the baby for 6 weeks, and watch for redness, discharge, fever, or spreading pain. Both routes need the same 6-week postpartum visit — go even if you feel fine. Strength returns gradually. Skip crunches for at least 8 weeks (check for diastasis first) and start with walking. Pelvic-floor physical therapy is standard care in many countries and worth asking about — it helps with leaking, back pain, and painful sex.