Written By Clare Coburn, Baby Brilliance Executive Assistant
When we hear the word postpartum, many of us think of the first few weeks after birth—the bleary-eyed, tender, love-soaked days of newborn snuggles and figuring out life with a tiny human. But here’s the truth: postpartum isn’t just six weeks long. It’s not just about physical healing. And it doesn’t have a clear endpoint.
The postpartum period is a complex journey that unfolds over time. It involves your body, your emotions, your identity, your relationships, and your sense of self. It is truly a different experience for everyone.
The Fourth Trimester: The First 12 Weeks
Dr. Harvey Karp popularized the concept of the fourth trimester—the first 12 weeks after birth—as a time of deep adjustment for both the baby and the birthing parent. Your body is recovering from pregnancy and birth, your hormones are shifting dramatically, and you’re getting to know your baby (and yourself as a parent) in a whole new way. It’s no small task.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that postpartum care should extend well beyond a single 6-week checkup. In fact, they encourage ongoing, individualized care starting within the first 3 weeks and continuing as needed throughout the first 3 months postpartum! Newborn care especially postpartum doula care and lactation support can be a great supplement to your OB care during this time
Beyond the Fourth Trimester: The First Year (and Then Some)
Even after 12 weeks, the journey continues. Many parents don’t feel fully “back to themselves” until 12 months or more after giving birth. Physically, your uterus may return to its pre-pregnancy size by 6 weeks, but things like pelvic floor strength, abdominal tone, and hormonal regulation can take much longer. Breastfeeding may continue well into the toddler years for some families, and with it, hormonal shifts persist.
Mentally and emotionally, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) like postpartum depression can show up any time within the first year, and sometimes even later. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression, and many go untreated because they assume they “should be over it by now” (CDC, 2020).
There is no universal deadline for healing. And that’s okay.
Redefining “Postpartum”
Postpartum doesn’t mean broken. It doesn’t mean less than. It means becoming. It’s a powerful transition where your brain, body, and heart are reorganizing around something entirely new.
Some researchers and therapists now use the term matrescence—coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael—to describe the profound transformation into motherhood. Matrescence is a gradual unfolding, and it deserves space, compassion, and support (Sacks, 2017).
Our Message to You
Whether you had your baby 6 weeks ago, 6 months ago, or 2 years ago—if you’re still adjusting, you’re still postpartum. And you’re not alone.
You may find that you’re still figuring out sleep, managing new dynamics in your relationship, navigating childcare, or grappling with a sense of identity. All of that is valid. All of it counts.
There is no finish line for becoming a mother. There is only evolution, growth, and learning to embrace each new version of yourself with love.
How We Can Help
At Baby Brilliance, we believe postpartum care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you need sleep support, feeding guidance, emotional check-ins, or just someone to remind you that you’re doing an amazing job, we’re here for you.
You deserve to be nurtured, just like the baby you’re nurturing.
You are still postpartum. You are still healing. And you are still becoming. Let it take the time it needs. You are worth it. 💛
Schedule a Call with our Founder, Katie Coleman
Resources and Support
- Postpartum Support International – Help for PMADs and emotional wellness
- ACOG Guidelines on Postpartum Care
- CDC Maternal Health
- The Birth of a Mother – NYT
