4 Myths About the Body You Shouldn't Believe After Giving Birth
Myths often persist stubbornly, even when they have long been debunked. This is also true for the time after giving birth: As soon as the baby arrives, new assumptions about the body start circulating. Here, you'll learn about four myths you should avoid believing and what the reality is behind them.
4 Myths You Shouldn't Believe
1. A Rectus Diastasis Always Heals on Its Own
When the rectus abdominal muscles remain widely separated after pregnancy, it is called a rectus diastasis. This can occur in many women after giving birth, especially after a multiple pregnancy or in overweight women. It is possible that this gap may close on its own after a few months—but it may not! Studies show that about 60-70% of women with a rectus diastasis do not heal on their own. This means you shouldn't wait for everything to resolve itself.
If you are affected, there is hope! With targeted exercises that you can learn in consultation with your midwife or in a postpartum recovery class, you can strengthen the muscles and improve the rectus diastasis. Exercises like pelvic floor activation or gentle abdominal exercises can help stabilize the muscles. It's important to perform these exercises correctly to avoid injuries.
An example of an effective exercise is the “Cat-Cow” movement, where you are on all fours and alternate arching your back up and down. This exercise promotes flexibility and gently strengthens the abdominal muscles. It’s essential to do these exercises regularly and listen to your body. Remember that every body is different, and it takes time to recover. If you're unsure, talk to your midwife about your specific needs.
2. It's Enough to Stitch Birth Injuries
Minor birth injuries usually heal on their own, while more severe tears are stitched. But here’s the catch: Many other factors play a role in healing. The health of the tissue, blood circulation, aftercare, and the severity of the tear are crucial. If you experience pain or discomfort after giving birth, especially during intimacy, that is not normal and should be taken seriously.
It's important to listen to your body after giving birth. If you have pain, discuss it with your midwife or doctor. Depending on the issue, treatments like scar management or pelvic floor therapy may help. These therapies can assist in regenerating the tissue and alleviating discomfort. Many women report positive experiences with physiotherapy specifically focused on the pelvic floor. This therapy can not only relieve pain but also enhance overall well-being.
Another important aspect is aftercare. Make sure to allocate enough time for healing and seek support from family or friends. It’s completely normal to need help after giving birth to care for your baby while also taking care of your own body. The first weeks after birth are crucial for your physical and emotional health.
3. As Long as You’re Breastfeeding, You Can’t Get Pregnant
This is a long-held misconception. While breastfeeding releases prolactin, which inhibits egg maturation and ovulation, this effect also depends on how much and how often you breastfeed. If you are exclusively breastfeeding and your period has not returned during this time, the likelihood of pregnancy is lower but not impossible. You can still get pregnant even if you haven’t had your period back yet.
Keep in mind: Your period comes after ovulation. Therefore, breastfeeding is not a reliable method of contraception. If you do not wish to become pregnant, you should consider other contraceptive methods. There are many options you can discuss with your doctor or midwife. It’s important that you feel comfortable and informed to make the best decision for yourself.
Some women opt for hormonal contraceptives, while others prefer natural methods. It’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. Remember, you are not alone—many women have similar questions and concerns, and there is support available to help you through these decisions.
4. Breastfeeding Leads to Rapid Weight Loss
Breastfeeding requires energy from your body, but that doesn’t mean every breastfeeding mother automatically experiences significant weight loss. Women who breastfeed do lose more weight on average than those who do not, but this is not the case for every mother. For mothers who were overweight before pregnancy, breastfeeding has the strongest impact on weight loss. However, other factors such as diet and activity level play a crucial role.
It’s important not to pressure yourself to lose weight quickly. After giving birth, it’s perfectly fine to focus on other priorities first—and every body takes a different amount of time! Don’t let this myth pressure you. Your body has accomplished a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, and it’s completely normal for recovery to take time. Focus on taking good care of yourself, eating healthily, and moving regularly when you feel ready.
A good approach is to set small, realistic goals. Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, pay attention to how you feel and how your clothes fit. Many women find that a balanced diet and regular exercise, such as walks with the baby or gentle yoga, help them feel better and gently strengthen their bodies.
Remember, you are not alone. Many women face similar challenges after giving birth, and it’s important to seek support, whether from friends, family, or online communities. Connecting with other mothers can be very helpful for mutual encouragement and sharing tips.
The time after giving birth is an exciting but also challenging phase. Don’t let myths unsettle you, and listen to your body. Every journey is individual, and that’s perfectly okay! You are not alone on this journey, and there are many resources and support available to help you navigate this new phase of life. Remember that it’s okay to ask questions and seek help when you need it. Your well-being is important, and you deserve to take good care of yourself.