Postpartum: 3 days, 3 months, or 3 years?

When pregnant, childbirth is often perceived as the finish line of pregnancy. And then suddenly, surprise: you enter the adventure of postpartum. Sometimes, this period can feel like paradise. You're enveloped by hormones and the first moments with your baby. You resume your daily activities. And in no time, the postpartum period is behind you. In short, exactly what you had imagined. Great!

And sometimes, the postpartum period takes a different turn. You're not in super good health. Milk production proves difficult. Anxiety disorders can appear. In short, it's not really the rosy period you hoped for. At the maternity ward, the midwife told you that the postpartum period would end after a few weeks. But you feel like it's dragging on. And it's hard.

Does that sound familiar? It's normal. Because one subject is debated: how long does postpartum last? We tried to answer this complex question for you. A closer look at the different perspectives that characterize this period, its symptoms, and our advice for living it as best as possible.

How long does postpartum last?

Postpartum period: what medicine says

Let's take things in order. First, what does medicine say? According to the World Health Organization, postpartum (or "puerperium") is nothing more than the period following childbirth. Generally, it lasts 6 to 8 weeks, or approximately 45 days [1]. Why? Because that's how long it takes for the uterus to return to its original shape and position. This period therefore begins as soon as the placenta is expelled and ends on the first day of the return of menstruation.

But already, within the medical community, some professionals add their nuances, as explained by Harmonie Santé magazine. It states that gynecologists Mattea Romano and Alessandra Cacciatore define the postnatal period in three distinct phases [2]:

• the acute phase (6 to 12 hours after delivery);
• the subacute phase (2 to 6 weeks);
• the delayed postpartum period (up to six months after birth).

You see where we're going with this: postpartum is much more complex than what you find in the dictionary.

Postpartum period: what women say

Because yes, there is the postpartum as seen by medicine... And ours. The one we live, which belongs to us, which reflects our story. An experience both universal and so singular. The one that turns everything upside down: the body, the couple, the family, work. Without consensus.

So, how long does it last? The real answer is that there isn't really one. It can extend over several months... or even three years, as stated by midwife Anna Roy [3]. Does that seem long to you? It's normal. But don't forget that giving birth to a child generates a multitude of physical and physiological cataclysms, which can sometimes persist (we'll talk about it shortly).

This is why there is such a significant gap between medical perspectives and the experiences of new mothers. Because we tend to focus on the immediate symptoms following the baby's birth. Yes, your uterus returns to its original size after a few weeks. But no, you don't become "who you were before" at the snap of a finger. It's much more complex than that. Many women, in fact, refer to their postpartum as a "4th trimester."

Anna Roy and other feminists, like Illana Weizman, are therefore advocating for a long-term view of the postpartum period for expectant mothers, and for combating the resulting injunctions to immediate happiness.

Symptoms of postpartum

As you will have understood, many elements can influence the duration of postpartum, especially physical and psychological symptoms. Here are a few (non-exhaustive list).

Postnatal period: physical changes

Immediately after childbirth, the same symptoms that characterize postpartum from a strictly medical point of view are regularly observed. The most common discomforts remain:

• Afterpains: Uterine contractions felt after childbirth. This is the muscle working to return to its original shape.
• Lochia: Bleeding (like a heavy period) that begins after the expulsion of the placenta. It remains very abundant for the first few days, then decreases over the weeks, to disappear completely.
• Milk let-down: Breasts swell, breastfeeding is preparing! But it can pull and hurt a little.
• Stretch marks: They will fade over time.

It can also happen that the vagina burns a little if you have suffered some lesions or an episiotomy. Don't panic, it will get better quickly.

Your belly will retain a rounded shape for some time. It carried your baby for nine months; it cannot become completely flat in a fraction of a second! And that's normal. So, don't feel guilty, and above all... don't start exercising or dieting to lose weight. Do not resume physical activity without the consent of your doctor or midwife. Spare your pelvic floor!

Psychological changes

As you will have understood, the body changes. But so does the brain. And the psychological upheavals linked to postpartum often manifest through two very different states, which are still not talked about enough.

Baby blues

First, there's the baby blues. You've probably heard of it. What exactly is it? Well, it corresponds to a cocktail of emotions linked to all these physical, psychological, and hormonal changes due to childbirth. This state lasts about 15 days and affects the majority of women. It occurs a few days after birth, and the new mother may then:

• feel like crying "for no reason";
• feel tired;
• be very irritable or subject to mood swings;
• lose her bearings...
• ...or self-confidence.

We admit, the baby blues can quickly be overwhelming. But it remains harmless and disappears on its own. However, if it lasts longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor or midwife. It may be postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression

Not to be confused with baby blues, and yet, such a common mistake! According to The First 1000 Days, nearly one in five mothers suffers from postnatal depression [4]. Often, it sets in between the baby's first and second month. So, when should you consult? Basically, when the baby blues persists and signs. The symptoms remain broadly the same:

• anxiety;
• confusion;
• headaches;
• insomnia;
• irritability.

The problem is that it is difficult to diagnose. Why? Because women tend to keep it quiet. They feel guilty about this state of ill-being, experience remorse, and consequently prefer not to talk about it to their loved ones or a health professional.

Nevertheless, the consequences of postpartum depression on their well-being and that of their child can be terrible. So, our advice: talk to someone you trust. Don't be ashamed. You are not alone!

Let us also add that this illness does not only affect women. It is still a rather taboo subject, but paternal postpartum depression also exists: it is said to affect nearly one in 10 fathers [5], and equally deserves to be brought to the table.

Living well during the postpartum period

In France, many initiatives help support new mothers through their postpartum. However, few women know this and go through all these inconveniences alone. Remember that several free services can support you during this period, well before the famous 6-week check-up.

The Prado scheme

Once you return home, you are entitled to two or three midwife visits within the first twelve days of your child's life. This is the Prado scheme for home return, and it's free. It is offered primarily to mothers who have an early discharge from the maternity ward (24-72 hours postnatal for vaginal delivery, and 96 hours for a C-section). Take advantage of it.

The CAF

Family allowance funds (CAF) and certain associations also finance home care hours. These services are set up in case of a change in situation, which, of course, includes the birth of a child. This can truly help you overcome temporary difficulties.

Mother-child units

Some hospitals have a mother-child unit to help those who have difficulty bonding with their baby or who suffer from postpartum depression.

The 6-week check-up

Of course, there's the postnatal consultation with your gynecologist, or with the midwife from the maternity ward. It takes place between 6 and 8 weeks after the baby's arrival. This is where you'll review your health. The professional will check your scars, for example (if you had an episiotomy, tear, or C-section). But you'll also be able to confide about your psychological well-being! So, talk about everything: your joys, your anxieties, the (sometimes complicated) experience of childbirth, your hesitations between breast milk and formula, your desire, or lack thereof, to resume sexual activity. In short, all your difficulties.

Muscle rehabilitation

Don't neglect your perineal and abdominal rehabilitation sessions (we tend to forget that one)! These will allow you to:

• regain super abdominal muscles;
• promote a well-toned pelvic floor;
• strongly limit problems you don't want to have in your life (like, for example, urinary incontinence).

After a few sessions with a physical therapist who will teach you how to properly contract your perineum, you can equip yourself with a perineal probe to continue your rehabilitation at home. The probe is connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone, allowing you to perform exercises in the form of mini-games, at home, at your own pace.

They will also help you resume physical activity quickly. All in all, a win-win!

So, what should we take away from all this? Well, that postpartum is a unique and complex moment in life. That it defies any simplistic definition. That each experience remains entirely personal, with its joys and challenges. And above all, that it extends far beyond established medical limits. By recognizing this diversity and offering adapted support to women, we can accompany them as they deserve in this extraordinary adventure.

Frequently asked questions about postpartum

How long does postpartum officially last?
Medically, the WHO defines it as between 6 and 8 weeks, the time it takes for the uterus to return to its original size and position [1]. However, physical and psychological upheavals can last much longer for women.

What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues affects the majority of women, lasts about 15 days and disappears on its own. Postpartum depression, however, persists beyond two weeks and requires medical support. It affects nearly one in five mothers [4].

Does postpartum depression also affect fathers?
Yes, paternal postpartum depression exists and is said to affect nearly one in 10 fathers, most often between 3 and 6 months after birth [5].

What free services are available to support postpartum in France?
The Prado scheme allows 2 to 3 home visits by a midwife within the first 12 days. CAFs (Family Allowance Funds) and some associations fund home help hours, and some hospitals have mother-child units for more difficult situations.

When should I consult in case of distress after childbirth?
If the baby blues lasts more than two weeks, or if you feel persistent sadness, anxiety, or a marked loss of interest, talk to your doctor or midwife without waiting for the 6-week check-up.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If the baby blues persists beyond two weeks, or if you experience signs of significant distress, talk to your doctor, midwife, or a mental health professional — you are not alone.