The Importance of Rest
Rest is a cornerstone of postpartum recovery, offering the foundation upon which all other needs are met. Without adequate rest, the postpartum body—already undergoing profound physical and hormonal changes—is at risk for a multitude of complications. Let’s explore why rest is essential and how it supports recovery.
The Foundation of Recovery
Rest is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. Think of it as the foundation of a hierarchy of needs. While you could be receiving care in other areas, without rest, your body and mind cannot fully heal. Skimping on rest often leads to physical complications, emotional strain, and delayed recovery.
You absolutely need an extended rest period of at least 40 days, regardless of the type of birth you had—vaginal, medicated, cesarean, or otherwise. If your baby was born prematurely, you and your baby both require additional recovery time. For example, if your baby arrived at 32 weeks, you’d add those additional 8 weeks to your rest period.
This time of rest can be thought of as a retreat or seclusion—but not solitude. Many mothers who lack support during this period report feeling isolated or longing for someone to care for them. Rest does not mean being alone; it means being surrounded by nurturing support while avoiding the demands of daily life. Allowing others to do the work, whether that’s paid or unpaid support.
In practical terms, this means staying mostly in your home for the first 40 days, having others take care of household tasks and helping get your needs met, and avoiding activities that place your body under strain or gravity.
Rest as a Global Practice
Throughout history and across cultures, rest has been central to postpartum care. In many parts of the world, it’s considered a universal practice:
Cuarentena (Latin America): In Spanish, “quarenta” means 40, symbolizing the 40 days of rest, bonding with the baby, and refraining from housework, exercise, and sex.
Zuo Yue Zi (China): Translated as “sitting the month,” this involves staying inside, avoiding cold and wind, and having daily care provided by a mother-in-law or dedicated caregiver.
Samchilil (Korea): A period of up to 30 days of rest, where new mothers focus entirely on recovery and baby care.
Ayurveda (India): Known as the “Sacred Window,” the postpartum period is considered a time of “Kayakalpa” (body time), where a mother’s body is primed for profound healing and rejuvenation. This 42-day period influences a mother’s health and vitality for the next 42 years, extending into menopause.
In cultures where postpartum traditions remain intact, new mothers are surrounded by care. In contrast, the United States often overlooks this sacred time. While Western medicine acknowledges a recovery period of six weeks, many mothers are left to navigate this time on their own. Since North American families have had to rediscover and rebuild postpartum practices, this has often led to grief as we recognize these gaps in our care structures. However, by reawakening these traditions, we can create better outcomes for ourselves and future generations.
What Happens When We Rest
Physiological Healing
After giving birth, the uterus contracts to its pre-pregnancy size, leaving behind a large internal wound where the placenta detached. Rest allows this wound to heal properly and minimizes the risk of excessive bleeding or infection.
Rest supports the body’s natural hormonal shifts. After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels plummet, which can leave mothers feeling emotional and fatigued. Prolactin and oxytocin, vital for breastfeeding and bonding, flourish in restful, stress-free environments.
Rest helps reduce the risk of prolapse. Too much time in gravity—standing, lifting, or resuming high-impact activities—can strain ligaments and lead to conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
A restful environment nurtures emotional recovery. Mothers who prioritize rest are less likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety. Mental health is not solely an individual issue; it’s interconnected with whether foundational postpartum needs are being met.
Risks of Skipping Rest
The postpartum period is a unique window of time when the body’s capacity for healing is heightened. However, neglecting rest can have long-term consequences:
Physical Complications: Conditions like mastitis, prolapse, and chronic back pain are more likely to develop when mothers push their bodies too soon.
Mental Health Strain: A lack of rest can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm, irritability, and exhaustion, making it harder to bond with your baby.
Delayed Recovery: Without sufficient downtime, the healing process slows, and residual issues may surface years later.
A Sacred Opportunity
The postpartum period is a chance to reset and heal deeply. When given the right care, mothers often experience rapid recovery, increased vitality, and long-term health benefits. Conversely, when this care ends too soon, the strain can quickly become apparent.
Midwives often say “5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days around the bed.” However, true recovery takes longer. We advocate for at least six weeks of staying inside, limiting physical activity, and leaning on your support network. While you may not need to remain bedridden after the first two weeks, the focus should still be on minimizing stress and overexertion.
The way you care for your body during the first 42 days postpartum will echo into the next 42 years of your life. By prioritizing rest, nourishment, and support, you’re setting the stage for profound healing and vitality. This is a sacred window of time—one that deserves respect, care, and intentionality.
