The postpartum period generally begins immediately after childbirth and is traditionally considered to last about six to eight weeks, during which the mother's body returns to its pre-pregnancy state
. This initial timeframe corresponds to the acute and subacute phases of postpartum recovery. However, medically and experientially, the postpartum period can be longer and is often divided into three phases:
- Acute phase: The first 6 to 12 hours after birth.
- Subacute phase: Lasts from about 2 to 6 weeks.
- Delayed postpartum period: Can last up to six months or more, during which some physical and emotional changes continue to resolve
Some experts and mothers report that postpartum recovery can extend well beyond six months, even up to a year or more, as the body continues healing and adjusting to life after childbirth. This includes recovery from childbirth complications, hormonal changes, emotional adjustments, and physical symptoms such as urinary incontinence or hair loss
. In summary, while the official medical postpartum period is about 6 to 8 weeks, a realistic and holistic view acknowledges that postpartum recovery can last anywhere from several months to a year or longer depending on individual circumstances and experiences
