What Happens To Our Bodies (And Minds) Post-Baby and How It Can Affect Work If Not Healed Right

When I talk to new moms returning to work, one thing becomes crystal clear: giving birth doesn’t mean everything magically goes back to normal the moment they clock back in. Your body has been through so much — stretching, healing, adjusting — and your mind is juggling a million things all at once. Yet somehow, you’re expected to show up and perform like nothing’s changed. 

New Mom Struggles

As a maternal fitness educator, many moms come to me struggling with:

• A weak or unstable core from pregnancy and childbirth, often due to diastasis recti — a separation of the abdominal muscles that affects over 60% of postpartum women and can persist for months or even years without proper rehabilitation.
• Pelvic floor issues, like leaking, heaviness, or discomfort — symptoms of dysfunction that affect at least 1 in 3 women after childbirth, yet are rarely discussed openly.
• Joint instability and back pain, caused by lingering hormonal changes (like relaxin) that loosen ligaments, making posture and movement more difficult.
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation are worsened by night feeds, hormonal shifts, and the constant vigilance that comes with caring for a newborn.
• Mental overload or "postnatal depletion" — a term used to describe the emotional, cognitive, and nutritional toll of early motherhood, which can persist for years without intervention.
• And, for some, postpartum mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which impact 1 in 7 mothers and can make daily functioning feel overwhelming.

And here’s the hard truth: most workplaces don’t recognise or support these challenges.

Without proper recovery, moms often face persistent back pain while sitting at a desk, and brain fog that makes focusing during meetings feel impossible. Many are forced to miss work or leave early more often, all while silently battling burnout and self-doubt. This isn’t about being “weak” or “not trying hard enough.” It’s about healing a body and mind that have quite literally rebuilt life — and now need space to rebuild themselves.

What Real Support Looks Like

I’ve seen the difference it makes when companies step up — not with generic perks, but with meaningful, tailored postpartum care, such as:

• Access to postnatal fitness experts who specialise in rebuilding core strength and functional movement.
• Pelvic floor therapy consultations to address common issues like incontinence, prolapse, or painful recovery.
• Education and awareness for managers about the actual postpartum timeline. (spoiler: it’s much longer than six weeks)
• Wellness programs and support groups created specifically for new moms returning to work.

Don't Miss: 5 Ways in Which New Moms Can Defeat Postpartum Depression

When Moms Heal, Everyone Wins

Supporting moms in this way isn’t just kind — it’s strategic. When mothers feel physically strong and emotionally supported, they show up to work with:

• Sharper focus and decision-making ability
• Greater emotional resilience
• Increased confidence in their leadership and problem-solving
• Renewed energy and purpose that uplift their teams and cultures

Moms aren’t just surviving their return to work — they’re rising through it.

Don't Miss: Essential Nutrition Tips For New Mothers: A Complete Meal Planning Guide

Let’s Change the Conversation

Postpartum recovery deserves a seat at the wellness table. If you’re a new mom reading this, know you’re not alone — and it’s okay to ask for the support you need. If you’re an employer or manager, I encourage you to look beyond the checkbox of maternity leave and ask: How can we support her recovery, not just her return?

Because empowered moms don’t just make it work — they make work better.

If you’re navigating postpartum recovery and want support, reach out to a certified maternal fitness educator or pelvic floor specialist. Your recovery matters — for your life, and your livelihood.

Let’s normalise healing as part of the return-to-work journey.

Let’s build workplaces where moms don’t have to choose between recovery and performance.

Let’s change the conversation.

Image Credits: Freepik

If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.