Hormonal healthDraft

After birth: recovery at your own pace

Recovering after giving birth takes time. About the pelvic floor, rest, mood and getting moving again.

5 min read · Published on October 28, 2026

This is draft content and will be editorially and professionally reviewed before publication.

After giving birth your body needs time to recover, whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section.

Build up gradually

Start with breathing, pelvic floor exercises and walking.
Only build up to harder training after talking to your midwife, GP or a pelvic physiotherapist, often after your postnatal check.
Signs to watch for: leaking urine, a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen, or a 'dome' in your belly when you tense. A pelvic physiotherapist can help.

Mood

Changing emotions in the first weeks are common. If you feel low, anxious or empty for more than two weeks, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact your GP or midwife straight away.

Sleep and food

Sleep when you can, ask for help and eat regularly. If you are breastfeeding, we advise against fasting.