The postpartum period can feel like a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes, and it’s one of those experiences that you really can’t understand until you’ve been through it.

As a C-section mom, I found the recovery especially challenging, and I know many of us are in the same boat. So, let’s dive into what really happens to our bodies after childbirth and how we navigate these changes together.

1. The Belly After a C-Section: A Whole New Kind of Recovery

For me, the first few weeks post-birth were pretty intense. After my C-section, my belly felt fragile — like it could tear apart if I sneezed or coughed. The scar itself wasn’t the only concern; it was the internal healing that made every movement feel like an effort.

Sitting up, getting out of bed, and even holding my baby — everything felt so much harder than I expected. It’s strange how your body can change so drastically and, in some ways, leave you feeling disconnected from it. But as time passed, those initial pains started to subside.


Still, even now, two years later, I sometimes feel that tugging sensation or the occasional reminder of that early recovery period. It’s a long process, and that’s something I wish more people had told me before going into it.

2. The Emotional Rollercoaster: Hormones and Healing

I’m not going to sugarcoat it—postpartum emotions can hit hard. The hormonal changes after childbirth are no joke. I remember feeling like my body wasn’t mine anymore, and that feeling of being lost wasn’t just physical. It was emotional, too.

 There were days when I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. My stomach was sagging, my skin was dull, and I just didn’t feel me.

I think this is where we need to be more honest with each other. The “bounce-back” culture can make us feel like we should have it all together, but the truth is, it takes time to feel comfortable in our bodies again.

The first year was especially tough for me, but as my son hit the one-year mark, I slowly started to find a routine again—skincare, makeup, and just carving out a few moments for myself.

Some days I’m too tired or busy to follow through, but that’s okay too. It’s all part of this journey, and it’s important to remember that healing doesn’t just happen physically—it happens emotionally too.

3. Hair Loss: The Forgotten Side Effect

Here’s another thing no one really warned me about: hair loss. It’s been two years since giving birth, and I’m still dealing with it. Hormonal shifts mess with the hair growth cycle, and suddenly you’re left with handfuls of hair after brushing.

While it can be frustrating, I try to remind myself that it’s a temporary phase. My hair didn’t just fall out overnight, and it’s not going to grow back instantly either.

What helped me most was taking a step back and not putting too much pressure on myself. Yes, hair loss can feel like a blow to your self-esteem, but it’s a part of the postpartum experience that almost every new mom goes through.

It doesn’t make you any less of a mom, and it will eventually get better with time.

4. Returning to Routine: Finding Space for Self-Care

The biggest shift for me happened when I finally started to make self-care a priority again. Once my son turned one, I started to feel like myself again—though it wasn’t a magic switch.

Things like skincare, makeup, and even just a few minutes of quiet time became more regular. But here’s the thing: there’s no right or wrong way to take care of yourself after giving birth.


For some, this will come quickly. For others, it may take longer. What’s important is finding your pace and sticking with it. It’s easy to get caught up in what society says you should look like or how quickly you should get back to “normal,” but the truth is, there is no “normal” after having a baby.

Your body, your life, and your needs are different now. And that’s okay. Embrace where you are in your journey and give yourself grace along the way.

5. Be Kind to Yourself: Embracing the Changes

So, what’s the biggest thing I’ve learned through this process? Be kind to yourself.

I spent so much time in the early days feeling like I had to “fix” my body or bounce back to how it was before pregnancy. But over time, I’ve realized that’s not the goal. The goal is healing, both physically and emotionally. And healing takes time.

Your body has just done something incredible. It’s carried life, brought a beautiful baby into the world, and now it’s recovering. There will be days when you feel beautiful, and others when you don’t. And that’s all okay.

So, mama, wherever you are in your postpartum journey, know that you're not alone. It’s tough, it’s exhausting, and it’s a lot. But you're doing an amazing job. Be patient with your body, trust the process, and remember, the love you give to your little one is more than enough.

By Fathi Aidiya Farisa