The postpartum period is often described as the “fourth trimester”, and for good reason. It’s a time of immense change, adjustment, and healing (both the kind you expect, and the kind no one warned you about). Along with the leaky boobs and witching hour, there’s something else that loves to show up uninvited: the postpartum myths.
Whether they come from well-meaning family, strangers on the internet, or that one overly confident group chat friend, these old narratives can make you question yourself right when you most need to trust your gut.
Here are five of the most common postpartum myths we hear floating around, and the truths that we think deserve a little more airtime.
1. "You'll bounce back quickly."
Postpartum Myth: Recovery happens fast, and you’ll be back to your pre-baby self in no time.
The truth: Healing - physically, mentally, and emotionally - takes time. For many, it’s months, not weeks. There's no "bouncing," just a gradual, very individual process.
Ah yes, the infamous “bounce back”. As if your body is some sort of stretchy hair scrunchy.
Here’s the thing: there is no bouncing. Recovery is not linear, and it’s not about going “back” to who you were before. You’re moving forward to a stronger, more seasoned version of yourself. Remember: Give yourself grace. Rest is productive. Healing isn’t a race, and your timeline is your own.
2. "Once the baby’s out, everything goes back to normal."
Postpartum Myth: Once birth is over, your body and hormones instantly settle.
The Truth: Hormones continue to shift dramatically in the 4th trimester. Sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, and emotional adjustments all add to the rollercoaster.
Spoiler: “normal” has left the chat.
Your body just grew and birthed a whole human! Your hormones are doing gymnastics - full, Simone Biles, elite level Olympian gymnastic. At the same time, your mind is adapting to a completely new identity shift. It’s a lot, and it’s ongoing. Just because the baby is on the outside doesn’t mean the journey is over. In many ways, it’s just beginning. It’s time to find your new normal.
3. "If you’re not loving every moment, something’s wrong."
Postpartum Myth: Motherhood is pure bliss and you should feel grateful 24/7
The Truth: It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even disconnected at times. Loving your baby doesn’t mean loving every single part of the experience.
Motherhood is beautiful, you’ve heard this before. But you know what? It can also be boring, intense, lonely, joyful, repetitive, emotional, and overwhelming… all before lunch on a Tuesday. Not loving every second doesn’t mean you’re a bad mum. It means you’re a human one. You’re allowed to miss your old routines. You’re allowed to cry over cracked nipples. You’re allowed to long for a little break, and still be completely in love with your baby. All of this and more can be true at once, and that’s what makes motherhood such an indescribable experience.
4. "Breastfeeding comes naturally."
Postpartum Myth: Breastfeeding is natural so you should find it easy. If it's hard, you're doing something wrong.
The Truth: There are a million reasons breastfeeding doesn't always go to plan, and you're not failing if it's not easy for you.
Sometimes it does! And that’s so great. But the reality is for many, the breastfeeding journey is a learning curve that looks a lot more like a scribble. Pain, latch issues, supply dips, cluster feeding marathons; breastfeeding is a skill, not a magic reflex. And needing support (from a lactation consultant, your maternal health nurse, or your bestie who’s been there) doesn’t mean you’re a failure. We’re big believers in feeding your baby in whatever way supports your body, your baby, and your sanity. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so to speak.
5. "Asking for help means you're not coping."
Postpartum Myth: A good mum does it all on her own.
The Truth: Asking for support is not a sign of weakness. It's smart, healthy, and necessary. Community and help can make all the difference in recovery and wellbeing.
We’ve all felt it: mum guilt. That internal pressure to do it all, hold it together, and prove we’re handling this whole “mum” thing just fine. But here’s a cheeky little reframe: asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom. You’re not supposed to do this alone. In fact, humans were never meant to raise babies in isolation. It takes a village, remember? Call the friend. Say yes to meals. Hand over the baby. Your village wants to show up, but they need the green light.
There’s no “right” way to do postpartum, only what’s right for you.
At Moolk, we’re here to support you with clothes that feel good on your body (leaky boobs and all), and words that remind you you’re doing better than you think.
So let’s leave these old postpartum myths in the past, and keep walking each other home with softness, humour... and maybe the occasional very strong coffee.
