Join pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Ashley for an honest conversation about postpartum recovery timelines, why the six-week clearance isn’t the finish line, and what’s really happening with your pelvic floor and core after birth. Learn what’s normal, when to seek support, and how to approach healing with realistic expectations instead of pressure to "bounce back."
Thursday, September 10th
7:00 PM UTC
45 min"Bounce Back" Is a Lie: The Truth About Postpartum Recovery Timelines
Free Virtual EventRecorded
Thursday, September 10th
7:00 PM UTC
45 minHosted by:
Woven Pelvic Health and Wellness
About this event:
Postpartum recovery is much more than reaching the six-week checkup, and pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Ashley Castellanos broke down what healing after birth can actually look like. She explained why being medically cleared at six weeks does not mean your pelvic floor, core, strength, and overall function have fully recovered. Recovery is a gradual process that can include tissue healing, rebuilding core and pelvic floor coordination, progressive strength training, and eventually returning to higher-impact activities. She shared practical recovery milestones, signs that it may be time to seek pelvic floor physical therapy, and ways to safely reintroduce movement based on your individual symptoms and capacity. The goal isn’t to rush back to your pre-pregnancy body—it’s to heal forward, rebuild confidence, and create a stronger foundation for everyday life and the activities you love.
The Six-Week Postpartum Myth
Six-week medical clearance primarily reflects tissue and uterine wound healing, not complete physical recovery.
Being cleared means you can begin progressing activity rather than immediately returning to pre-pregnancy intensity.
Full strength and function may continue rebuilding over six to twelve months.
Pregnancy and birth affect core and pelvic floor function after both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
Recovery starts with coordination, breathing, mobility, and control before progressively adding load.
An individualized progression can help prepare the body for running, lifting, Pilates, CrossFit, and everyday demands.
Early postpartum recovery can combine rest with gentle mobility when it feels appropriate.
Walking can be introduced gradually, with Ashley suggesting five-minute increments while monitoring symptoms.
Higher-impact exercise should follow progressive strengthening and be based on individual readiness rather than the calendar alone.
Urinary leakage should not be dismissed as an inevitable part of postpartum life.
Pelvic heaviness or pressure, constipation, hemorrhoids, painful intimacy, and persistent core concerns may warrant additional support.
Symptoms that appear or worsen with increased exercise load can signal that the body needs assessment or a modified progression.
Postpartum bodies face hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, feeding demands, and the physical work of caring for a baby.
Recovery timelines differ based on birth experience, symptoms, previous pregnancies, and activity goals.
The focus can shift from recreating a pre-pregnancy body to building confidence, capacity, and strength for this new season.
Event Content Disclaimer
Participation in Auggie events, including virtual workshops, expert sessions, and community discussions, is voluntary. The information shared during these events is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Please consult your own medical team or appropriate professional for guidance specific to your situation.
