Postpartum Lasts HOW Long?!

May 8

Written By The Necessary Nurse Concierge Services

Supporting you with knowledge, compassion, and expert care

If you’ve ever said, “I thought I’d feel like myself again by now…” — you’re not alone. Maybe you're exhausted, emotional, or just feeling off. You’re doing your best, but your energy is gone, your memory feels foggy, and you’re wondering if this is your new normal.

Here’s the truth: postpartum recovery doesn’t follow a six-week timeline. For many women, it takes much longer — even years — to feel fully recovered. And what you're feeling may be more than just "mom life." It could be something called postnatal depletion.

Let’s Get Real About Postpartum

When you hear "postpartum," most people think of that six-week checkup when you're supposedly “cleared” for normal activities. But let’s be honest — how many women feel back to normal at six weeks? Not many. In fact, a growing body of research and countless personal stories say postpartum recovery can last between 12 months and 2 years or more (Silverman, 2025).

And that’s just the physical part.

Let’s talk about the emotional, mental, and even spiritual transformation that takes place. Postpartum is not just about healing a body — it’s about navigating a whole new identity.

Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, each postpartum experience is different. And your healing deserves to be honored.

What is Postnatal Depletion?

Postnatal depletion is a term coined by Dr. Oscar Serrallach to describe the ongoing physical and emotional symptoms mothers experience after birth — symptoms that are often overlooked or dismissed. These include extreme fatigue, brain fog, nutrient loss, and emotional overwhelm (Serrallach, 2022).

During pregnancy and postpartum, women often become depleted in nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin D, B12, and omega-3s — all of which are essential for brain function, energy, and emotional regulation (Kendall-Tackett, 2017).

Add to that the hormonal rollercoaster, sleep deprivation, lack of support, and pressure to “bounce back,” and you have a perfect storm for burnout.

Your brain also undergoes a transformation called maternal neuroplasticity, meaning parts of your brain actually change to make you more responsive to your child’s needs. This rewiring can increase empathy and emotional connection, but also makes you more sensitive to stress (Hoekzema et al., 2017).

Postnatal depletion is not a disorder — it’s a state of imbalance that needs time, rest, and replenishment.

Common Signs of Postnatal Depletion

Not sure if you’re experiencing postnatal depletion? Here are some common symptoms:

You feel constantly tired — no matter how much sleep you get
You struggle with memory or “mom brain”
You feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally fragile
You have trouble making decisions or thinking clearly
You feel disconnected from your body or your identity
Your digestion is off or your immune system feels weak
You have a lingering sense that something is “off” but can’t explain it

Up to 50% of mothers may experience these symptoms in some form (Serrallach, 2022). And yet, many suffer in silence.

**Postpartum Is Not a Phase — It's a Process**

Let’s stop calling postpartum a phase. Phases end quickly. **Postpartum is a process** — one that deserves support, space, and understanding.
Studies show that it takes **at least 12–24 months** for many women to truly feel like themselves again — physically, emotionally, and mentally (Romano, 2023).
Why so long? Because your body has undergone:
A major **musculoskeletal shift**
Enormous **hormonal fluctuations**
**Sleep deprivation** equivalent to chronic stress
Nutrient depletion from pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding
Emotional recalibration from a massive life transition
And that’s without considering birth trauma, mental health struggles, or challenges with breastfeeding and infant care.
Healing takes time. And that’s okay.

How to Support Your Recovery

Healing from postnatal depletion doesn’t require a total life overhaul. But it does require intention. These five areas can make a powerful difference:

1. Replenish Nutrients

Many mothers are low in iron, B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s — which are essential for energy, cognition, and mood. Ask your provider about bloodwork and consider adding whole-food supplements and nutrient-dense meals.

Try including:

Leafy greens
Fatty fish (like salmon)
Eggs
Bone broth
Fermented foods

2. Prioritize Rest

Sleep may feel impossible, but even short naps, early bedtimes, and turning off devices before sleep can improve brain function and mood.

3. Move Your Body — Gently

Even a 10-minute walk improves circulation, reduces cortisol, and boosts endorphins. Don’t think of movement as punishment or “bouncing back.” Think of it as honoring your body.

4. Lean Into Support

We weren’t meant to mother alone. Reach out to:

A postpartum therapist
A mom support group
Your partner, family, or friends

Even just sharing how you feel can lower anxiety and improve emotional well-being.

5. Reclaim Your Identity

You are a mother — and so much more. Reconnect with who you were before birth by doing something small that’s just for you:

Journaling
Painting
Listening to your favorite music
Spending time with a friend

These moments remind you that you’re still you — just evolving.

When to Seek Help

If you’re feeling sad more days than not, have intrusive thoughts, or feel disconnected from your baby, it may be more than depletion. You could be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety — and you’re not alone.

Please reach out to your provider or contact:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) – https://www.postpartum.net/
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-943-5746 (24/7)

Asking for help is not weakness. It’s strength.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken — You’re Becoming

Postpartum doesn’t come with a finish line. And that’s okay.

You are not meant to “bounce back” — you are meant to become. Stronger. Softer. Wiser. More resilient.

The fog you’re feeling is not your fault. It’s a sign your body needs care.

And you, dear mama, are so worthy of that care.

Whether it’s letting the laundry wait, booking that doctor’s appointment, or saying yes to help — take the next right step for you. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to take one breath at a time.

You’re not behind. You’re rebuilding.

You’ve got this.