March 2026 - Lighthouse Healing

Mar

2026

At What Point Are You No Longer Considered Postpartum?

You’re no longer considered postpartum when your body has largely returned to its pre-pregnancy state.

This is a gradual process, officially recognized for up to 12 weeks (the “fourth trimester”) by ACOG, though full physical and hormonal recovery can take 6 to 12 months, or even up to a year — with some physical changes like hair loss or menstrual cycles potentially lasting longer.

Key Timeframes to Keep in Mind

First 6-8 Weeks: The most intense recovery phase, often called the “fourth trimester,” where your body starts healing from childbirth.

Up to 12 Weeks: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers postpartum care to extend this far, though some bodily functions may still be normalizing.

6 Months to 1 year: Many experts suggest this is a more realistic timeframe for full physical recovery, including hormone regulation, return of menstruation, and pelvic floor healing, especially after a C-section or difficult delivery.

Safety Considerations

As we’ve mentioned throughout the series, there are potential risks with postnatal massage, and this is why a conversation with your doctor before booking an appointment is so important.

That said, here is a handful of health conditions that can be affected by postnatal massage. These are specifically associated with the increase of blood flow that massage can cause …

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Mar

2026

Postnatal Massage Methods & When Can You Get a Postnatal Massage

Welcome back to our series on postnatal massage.

In case you missed them, here are links to earlier installments of the series:

Today, we’re taking a look at some postnatal massage methods you might want to consider after giving birth. Just as importantly, we’re also focusing on exactly when you can safely receive postnatal massage, which can be different depending on whether you have delivered vaginally or from a C-section.

For Vaginal Births

WHEN: As soon as you’re comfortable. Many women start within the first few days or weeks, or even in the hospital. That said, it’s crucial to get clearance from your doctor before booking an appointment, especially after a C-section.
METHODS: Gentle techniques like side-lying or face-up positions. Focus on Swedish, lymphatic drainage, or gentle face-up/side-lying positions to avoid pressure on stitches or perineal tenderness.

For C-Section Births

WHEN: As mentioned above, it’s important to wait for clearance from your doctor. The typical wait is about 4-8 weeks for the incision to heal before regular massage, though light touch or specific therapies might be okay sooner. Again, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
METHODS: Some light touch or craniosacral therapy might be possible sooner.

Safety Considerations

Regardless of whether you had a vaginal or C-Section birth — firstly congratulations, you did it! That said, postnatal massage therapy offers many benefits to women, but, like any type of treatment, there are some risks to consider, including increased blood flow, and potentially and potentially have an effect on certain health conditions. So if you’re experiencing any of these conditions, be sure to speak with your gynecologist or general practitioner before considering massage …