Episode 6, Postpartum Recovery: What’s Actually Normal? with Olivia de Maigret

Description

Content note: This episode includes discussion of postpartum recovery, including pelvic floor symptoms, incontinence, pain, prolapse, abdominal separation, C-section and vaginal birth recovery, sex after birth and the emotional impact of physical healing. Please take care while listening, especially if you are currently recovering or have found this period difficult.Every pregnancy is different. Every birth is different. So why do we so often talk about postpartum recovery as if it should look the same for everyone?In this episode of A Long Way To Go, journalist and host Katie O’Malley is joined by Olivia de Maigret, women’s health osteopath and co-founder of Four Mamas, to explore what the body really goes through after birth — and what women deserve to know about recovery.Together, they discuss what is happening physically after pregnancy and birth, the difference between symptoms being “common” and actually “normal”, pelvic floor and core recovery, postpartum pain, posture, alignment, incontinence, and why the six-week check is not a full measure of healing.They also look at why recovery support can feel so inconsistent, what proper rehabilitation should involve, and how small changes can help women feel more supported in their bodies after birth.This episode is for anyone who has been told to “just do your pelvic floor exercises”, wondered whether pain or leaking is something they should simply accept, or felt like their recovery is taking longer than expected.Because postpartum recovery should not be something women are left to figure out alone — and proper support should not be a privilege.Follow @alongwaytogclub for more conversations on pregnancy, postpartum and women’s health.Follow Four Mamas on Instagram here.This episode is for information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about your health during pregnancy or postpartum, please speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or relevant healthcare professional.