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May 20, 2025 3 min read
If you have just delivered your baby, you maybe wondering while touching your tummy, "Will it ever feel like mine again?”
Do you wonder how long it might take for your core to feel strong again, or that healing wasn’t just about time, but about proper care.
We learned about postnatal massage, not just as a way to relax, but as a gentle, targeted support and recovery for the tummy area. Especially after birth, our core muscles need time, help, and sometimes a little expert touch to recover properly.
So, we spoke to a professional pre and postnatal care specialist, Jennifer Lam from Addition+, to answer three real questions new moms often ask.
How long does it take to recover after childbirth?
Recovery after childbirth varies depending on the individual and the type of delivery.
Generally, women start feeling better within six to eight weeks, especially after a vaginal birth.
However, complete physical and emotional recovery can take several months. For mothers who have undergone a C-section, recovery may take longer, up to 8–12 weeks for the incision to heal and for energy levels to return.
During this period, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion may also impact mental health. Pelvic floor muscles and abdominal strength gradually improve over time, but some women may need targeted exercises or treatment to fully recover. Emotional adjustment to motherhood and potential postpartum depression can also influence how long recovery takes.
Patience, support, and self-care are essential for a smooth recovery.
How soon after birth can a mother start postpartum massage?
Postpartum massage can typically be started as soon as the mother feels comfortable, often within the first few days after a vaginal delivery.
However, it is essential to get medical clearance, especially after a C-section, where it's usually recommended to wait until the incision has healed, often around 2–6 weeks.
Postpartum massage helps improve circulation, reduce swelling, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation, which is beneficial during the early recovery period.
It can also support emotional well-being by lowering stress hormones and enhancing mood.
We advised mothers to practice postpartum massage regularly during the confinement period (first 30–40 days) to support healing and restore the body. Speak to your therapist if there is any concerns!
Can postpartum massage help with issues like diastasis recti or C-section recovery?
Postpartum massage can provide supportive benefits for issues like diastasis recti and C section recovery, though it should be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. Improving circulation and releasing tension in the surrounding tissues can help support muscle healing. Targeted core exercises are also an effective way to address it.
For C-section recovery, massage can help reduce scar tissue formation, improve mobility around the incision site, and decrease pain, but only after the wound has healed and with medical approval, opt for a drainage massage can enhance lymphatic drainage and blood flow, which supports circulation and especially tissue repair.
It's crucial to work with a therapist experienced in postnatal care to avoid complications or improper techniques.
In conclusion
Your postpartum tummy is not “weak”, it’s recovering. And that takes strength, patience, and the right kind of support.
Whether you had a natural birth or C-section, postnatal massage can gently guide your body toward healing, encourage muscle engagement, and help you reconnect with your core.
Thank you Jennifer from Addition+ for helping us with the questions. To find out how they can help you, you may visit their website for inquiries.
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